The most underrated forward-thinking pop artist out there, who I do not see breaking big as Charli XCX, due to her smarter lyrics and need to take things on her own terms in a more uncompromising direction that can be heard right from the opening track. There is a more nuanced style of pop songwriting that leans in a somewhat Lana Del Rey direction this time, with a 1950s California vibe. These more organic vibes carry over into the second song. '7th Floor' finds the pace picking up, though it is more organic than what you might expect from here past releases. It's moody but not as dark as the last album.
Things drop down to more of a baroque piano ballad for 'Down Season" that seems like it is almsot a reactive turn from the last album, though the song progresses into more of a slinky sex vibe. 'Reunite" is the first song that falls more within the lines of where pop music is today, aligning here more near the zio codes of the Sabrina Carpenters and Chapell Roans. The title track is an odd piano ballad that sounds like she was heading in a more Tori Amos direction, but does not feel as focused as "I Hope You Hear This Song," which is also marked by a fair amount of whimsy. 'Uncle Lenny' is another weird ballad that get's lost in it's own introspection.
"It Gets Better" sounds more likea show tune. While I appreciate the experimentation, she is not playing to her strengths as a singer. It flows a little better when she takes a turn into something that sounds more like soft rock from the '70s on "Learn to Cry" as it has more purpose, though it feels like it was written for Kacey Musgraves. "Stay Green" has more groove and a tangible bass that holds it together. The last song feels like it wants to be Massive Attack , but it works for me so I will take it as I iwsh she leaned in a more new wave direction again for this album. I will round this down to a 9 for the reason explained in the review regarding playing to her strength and see how it grows on me.
No comments:
Post a Comment