Album List 2022
Honorable Mentions
TW20 50 - KayCyy
Best EP of this year. OKAY! is probably the most experimental rap song of this year and I absolutely adore it. THE SUN proves that he can handle a pop banger and LOVE & HATE is a beautiful and desperate ballad. I really hope his next project is more in line with this one and less with his album.
ROMCOM - Jakey
I think this album is probably objectively not good. Jakey’s lyrics are still terrible and all the songs are mixed and mastered so poorly. But, there’s something endearing about it. It feels pretty relatable as an artist who doesn’t have a lot of experience. He repeats lyrics across songs, over references, and maybe doesn’t get everything perfect, but I still really appreciate and respect it.
The Countdown
15. NO THANK YOU - Little Simz
SIMBI was one of my favorite records last year, and it completely sold me on Little Simz. When she announced that she would be releasing another record this year, I was shocked. When it came out, it started to make more sense. Simz presented the record as a testament to saying no and taking control within your life, and multiple lyrics fire shots at her record label. If I had to guess, there’s some tension going on, and as a result, this one is a bit weaker.
The reason I still included it here is that Simz is still so enchanting. Her clear storytelling ability seems completely unmatched right now, and she can still put together musically interesting songs. My main problem actually lies with the instrumentals, which feel signifcantly cheaper than the orchestral focused songs on the last record. I have nothing against cheap production but when it’s mixed with songs that are meant to feel so lavish, it’s a bit weird. One of the main places I have a problem with this is on Gorilla, where the string section sounds more like a commercial for the Olympics than a real song. Simz kills it, but the production falters.
I still really enjoyed this record. Little Simz is one of the few rappers who I really feel the need to sit down, focus, and entirely digest lyrical content. She delivers fully on that experience here. Simz puts her soul into every song, making it a completely enveloping listen from front to back. Angel is the best example of this, acting as a perfect encapsulation of her thoughts on how her world has changed. No Merci is my personal favorite, as Simz experiments with her flow around the cheeky double entendre of a title.
Simz carries this project hard, and still creates something that demands attention, just a year after her previous release.
Favorite Song
No Merci
Cover Thoughts
Pretty cool. Her expression really covers all the feelings on this record and composition of the image is attention grabbing. 7/10
Live Thoughts
I think she might not be the biggest fan of touring, and sadly she hasn’t come to Denver yet, but I’m desperate to go.
Favorite Line
Everybody here getting money off my name
Irony is, I’m the only one not getting paid
You’ve been tanning in the sun, now I’ma throw shade
I probably paid for your Balmain
14. The Family - BROCKHAMPTON
BROCKHAMPTON has fallen incredibly far, but Kevin Abstract has not. I have a ton of respect for the fact that Kevin decided to put this together. TM is an atrocious album, that I consider one of the worst this year, and I have no doubt that they had enough material in the vault to toss together another effort like it that would almost definitely be worse.
Instead, we got a short, but sweet, Kevin project that actually has more ideas than its able to develop. I prefer this over the inverse. The production is fun, Kevin’s vocal melodies are catchy, and he feels completely unafraid to try new things. RZA is probably my favorite on here, as it’s a chaotic romp through the pressures he faced to “keep the band together.” A lot of the songs blend together, but it’s a really enjoyable listen. It won’t go down as their best, but I appreciated it nonetheless.
Favorite Song
RZA
Favorite Beat
Big Pussy
Cover Thoughts
Too chaotic, but kinda fits. 6/10
Live Thoughts
They used to be great live, the recordings I’ve seen towards the end were, obviously, very awkward.
Favorite Line
All of the songs where I dissed my mom
Helped me help her stay in her home
Now I’m finna lose my home
So never diss where you come from
13. Vinyl Days - Logic
I have been unable to even sit through most Logic songs before this. Even the ones that people generally like. But this record seems to exist simply as a lofi, hiphop worship, and it really works. I first listened to it while I was playing Ape Escape and that’s maybe the ideal way to enjoy it.
Don’t get me wrong, there is a fair share of cringe logic garbage on this thing, but it’s not as overshadowing as it usually is. I’m more able to ignore him talking about how great of a financial investment crypto is, or the way he wanted to watch the life leave Anthony Fantano’s eyes, when the beats rock and the flows are relentless.
Since this thing is 30 songs in just an hour and eleven minutes, they start to flow together, which isn’t a bad thing for a full album listen, but it makes it hard to choose highlights. So I’ll just rapid fire them. Tetris is fast and furious. Quasi is a lovely tribute. Bleed It makes me wish Logic spent more time obsessed with the Beastie Boys instead of Eminem. Orville sounds like Clams Casino on an MPC. Lastly, Sayonara is a fun send-off that somehow manages to not overstay its welcome.
It’s a good time that is a completely endearing love letter to hip-hop. I don’t think I could ask for anything more from it.
Favorite Song
Quasi
Favorite Beat
Tetris
Cover Thoughts
It’s kinda cute and at least matches the feel. 6/10
Live Thoughts
Nope lmao never
Favorite Line
I do this for Kenny, do this for Cole
Do this shit for the GZA and the whole clan, for sure
I do this for Mos, do this for Thought
Do this for Dilla on the for realer
But don’t let me start showin' love ‘cause I won’t be able to stop
12. Wet Leg - Wet Leg
Uh oh. This is my most “Rolling Stone’s” take on the list, but I love Wet Leg. Is this record kinda generic? For sure. Are they industry plants? Almost definitely. But it doesn’t change my mind. Their super soft, 2000s indified take on pop punk is just too appealing to me.
Teasdales’ vocals demand attention, not because of their technical ability, but just something about her presence. It also helps that across the entire record, they feel comfortable just having fun. Maybe not to a Cheekface level, but the scream part on Ur Mum, uncomfy lyrics on Chaise Longue, and horrifying flippancy of Wet Dream, all create an uncanny vibe that keeps things pretty light-hearted. The songwriting is incredible, but the sonics play it incredibly safe, with each song sounding like it could be pushed in a slightly more interesting direction. Going back through it to write this, I realized that I actually enjoy all the songs, some are just a bit forgettable.
People on TikTok think that Wet Leg is too weird, I think it’s a bit too normal. But I still love this record. Fuck the people on TikTok.
Favorite Song
Chaise Longue
Favorite Little Moment
First verse on Being in Love
Cover Thoughts
Pretty lame. No indication of the vibe, theme, or anything really. 4/10
Live Thoughts
They tour non-fucking-stop, but not in Denver, apparently. Their live shows honestly seem to solve the problem of the record being too pristine, so I can’t wait until they do decide to come.
Favorite Line
Now everything is going wrong
I think I changed my mind again
I’m not sure if this is a song
I don’t even know what I’m saying
11. Luv 4 Rent - Smino
Ok this one is definitely lower than it should be, but it’s a bit of an odd case. 4rm Da Source is weird lil synthy intro that does a nice job of introducing the feel of the record, and transitions creatively into the next song. No L’s is so fucking insane and probably one of the best beats of the year. The sample lays the basis, but the distorted bass, backing synths, vocal harmonies, and little random adlibs (Nikes wtf) really make it something special. I feel like most of the people listening to this track will most recently recognize the sample from Potato Salad, but this track manages to feel entirely different, and better. This one’s really special. Pro Freak, has not one, but two killer Doechii parts which are enough to carry a bad track. Smino’s huge, but layed back vocals, give it so much feel, and the beat switch at the end feels entirely justified and fun. Ole Ass Kendrick is fucking loud, and the beat is cool, but Smino’s vocal inflections really sell it. Louphoria is easily my favorite track here, with its saturated but tame instrumental. Smino’s chorus is so calm and catchy and Cruza’s feature is atmospheric and gorgeous, kind of reminds of me of Open by Rhye.
I’ll gladly sing the praises of these songs which at their worst are near perfect. But the rest of the record is incredibly forgettable. I really hate when I put on a record and end up just forgetting about it halfway through, which is exactly what happens with this one.
Favorite Song
Louphoria
Favorite Beat
No L’s
Cover Thoughts
Does nothing for me. Quite boring. 4/10
Live Thoughts
He seems so good live, but I don’t want to have to pay the JID prices to see them together.
Favorite Line
My only goal, get everything I want, then give it away
Cheesecake, sweepstake, plant seeds, irrigate
We just doin' this shit for the babes, please s’cuse
That’s what all this passion in me, got me drillin' and shakin'
10. Her Loss - Drake
Woof, okay. I don’t remember the last time I actually enjoyed a Drake record. Individual songs, sure, but recently his albums have done nothing for me. So this one really shocked me. It’s far from profound, but it is just a good time.
The lyrical content on this thing is pretty detestable. Drake is a petty bitch from start to end, reviving old beefs, taking unnecessary shots, and most disgustingly, defending Tory Lanez. Luckily this doesn’t entirely dominate the record. Most of the songs are incredibly minimalistic, with simple beats that seem to have almost nothing special about them. But somehow, the combination of Drake and 21 Savage make so many of them hits. One of the main highlights is Major Distribution, which starts with a sort of heavenly pop sound which quickly transitions into a simplistic but effective trap beat. Both members shine here, but honestly, I love the Lil Yachty adlibs sprinkled across it the most. Spin Bout You is probably my favorite track. The bass takes center focus, completely flattening it, but the beat is still so fun and Drake and 21 Savage have their most interesting flows on it.
I fucking laughed out loud the first time I heard Circo Loco. Even for an obvious tribute track, they mauled this sample. They somehow managed to completely remove all nuance from it, while not flipping it at all. The drum pattern sounds cheaper than anywhere else on the record and Drake has some of his most comically sexist moments. There’s obviously the Megan Thee Stallion line, but also random shots targeted at arbitrary women: “She don’t even get the joke, but she still smilin'”.
It’s sad how consistent this shit is on this record, as Drake seems to love highlighting how dumb the women he interacts with are. It surpasses the sort of baseline sexism present in a lot of hip-hop and just comes off so incel-y. People really freaked about the 21 Savage line about periods, but completely ignored Drake talking about how some girl can’t spell. It all feels ridiculously insulting. I love the sound of this record, but the lyrical content takes it down so much.
Favorite Song
Spin Bout You
Cover Thoughts
My absolute favorite of the year. Lil Yachty can do no wrong. It’s a great picture of a very distinct looking model, with a color palette that seems to match the sound of the record. I love this one. 10/10
Live Thoughts
I will never see either of these guys live.
Favorite Line
I’d rather not honestly
9. Too Much to Ask - Cheekface
I totally understand how this shit could be obnoxious to people, but I love it, and I think that perfectly sums up this record. From the first song I was sold on the excited instrumentals, monotonous vocals, and post-ironic, nihilist millennial lyrics. The little sprinkles of background vocals on this work perfectly, and it seems like, despite the chaos, there was a perfect vision of what they wanted this to sound like.
The opener, When Life Hands You Problems, is still my favorite. It’s pure high bpm bliss with offbeat driven guitars, wobbly synth leads, and screams. It’s ironically enough the most high energy song on this record, but the rest still delivers. The little “bop bop bop-bops” on We Need a Bigger Dumpster make me very happy, and taught me what Dr. Bronner’s was, so thank you Cheekface. Some songs get pretty tongue in cheek, mainly Featured Singer, but the repulsive hipsterness of it all seems to be so thoroughly layered in irony, it’s hard to even tell what is real. I played Noodles in the car recently and someone asked me how “any song could be considered worse than that?” and I perfectly understand that sentiment, but also, fuck you Noodles is incredible.
This scratches my Moldy Peaches itch. The type of music that pisses off people across all walks of life, except for those that are willing to just have a bit of fun.
Favorite Song
When Life Hands You Problems
Favorite Little Moment
Noodles Scream Sesh
Cover Thoughts
Whatever. 5/10
Live Thoughts
I will be on it once they come to Denver, and I’ll probably have to go alone.
Favorite Line
Let’s just assume for the sake of argument
That Chapstick causes chapped lips
And sunscreen causes sunburns
And music causes hearing loss
And bottled water makes you thirsty
And I am just a cat watching another cat on TV
8. $oul $old $eparately - Freddie Gibbs
Now I’m not saying that Freddie Gibbs is underrated, but it is criminal that he is one of the top ten most popular rappers right now. This record proves that fact more than anything else. It’s not his best, or his most revolutionary, but demonstrates that Gibbs is a damn good songwriter, that can work with whatever style he wants. All the flows, lines, and hooks on this are addictive in a way that only Gibbs could make them.
Couldn’t Be Done establishes the luxury rap feel that continues throughout the project with its horns, triumphant arrangement, and that extended soul sample on the tail-end. I also love Gibbs' croaky, off-key singing of the sample and the way that the trap hi-hats contrast the rest of the beat. Such an incredible start. It then leads perfectly into Blackest in the Room which is a completely different beast. Freddie spends the first half rapping over elevator music (with no drums) and the beat switch introduces the incredible bass line that his flow shines across. Immediately after this one is where the problems come. These two songs share a huge thematic similarity that would be incredible to see explored across an entire project, but the cohesion is, sadly, lacking. Pain & Strife sounds like a Lil Uzi beat, and even though Gibbs' sounds good on it, it is completely jarring and definitely a quality drop. Especially when it’s followed by Zipper Bags which fits perfectly with the first two songs (I love the “feel like” delivery on this one). Too Much has the worst beat on this thing despite Freddie killing it. And Lobster Omelette comes right back to it. What the fuck. I’ve gone a bit long on this one, but I feel like I should mention PYS, which is a memphis? inspired song that is really incredible.
Overall, Freddie kills it, but some weird production choices really hurt the consistency. I’m still obsessed with it.
Favorite Song
Couldn’t Be Done
Most Confusing Feature
Joe Rogan (and jesus is on this thing)
Cover Thoughts
Jesus Christ this thing is so fucking ugly. Kinda sad since the rest of his covers are really nice. 2/10
Live Thoughts
No oppurtunity :(
Favorite Line
Shit heavy, but I carry it with ease (Yeah)
Like a high school janitor, I’m carryin' them keys
7. quinn - quinn
QUINN, QUINN, QUINN, QUINN. She made one of my absolute favorite records last year, which seemed to be a perfect conclusion to her hyperpop sound. The dynamics play that mixed bombastic, violent songs with nearly whispered ballads made it such an addicting listen for me. I remember when I was listening to it a bunch, I found that perfect volume that allowed for everything to hit perfect, and it felt magical. Now the mastering for that record has been “updated,” and although it is still very strong, I miss the absolute unique feeling that it provided.
This record is objectively better. I have too much connection to the original, and believe that it fits perfectly to my tastes, but I know in my heart that this one is better. quinn has mostly dropped the sound that she came up on, but improved on the songwriting skill that made her the absolute peak of the genre. Instead, this record dabbles in Funk, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop in a combination that feels entirely original.
These songs are just so catchy, but don’t sacrifice any stylistic integrity to achieve it. Please Don’t Waste My Time is driven by a funk-inspired bass line, and mixes quinn’s stoic raps with her emphatic singing in a manner that instantly highlights the value of this record. The drums on Two Door Tiffany just force you to move, and the bpm changes feel so natural in a way that sort of reminds me of Jay Dilla. I simply don’t understand the genius behind some of these songs. I’ve Heard That Song Before is really the pinnacle of this record. quinn’s strong vocal melody shines on top of a funky beat that joins with a Latin American-inspired guitar line. It exemplifies the innovative genre bending that shines even more under quinn’s incredibly strong songwriting ability. I’m so excited for what she has coming next, and this will undeniably go down as one of the best in her discography.
Favorite Song
I’ve Heard That Song Before
Favorite Little Moment
When that guitar comes in on I’ve Heard That Song Before. (Not the most revolutionary information I’m sorry)
Cover Thoughts
Pretty generic. 5/10
Live Thoughts
I would probably drive 10 hours to see her live, but I have no idea where the fuck she does these shows.
Favorite Line
Mama said the life I live is just the life of a man
Except the gender-change just wasn’t part of the plan
6. Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You - Big Thief
I couldn’t get into this one at first because it’s a little out there, and really lengthy. Up until this point in my music exploration, sonically experimental music often ends up being industrial. But here, Big Thief manages to craft a sound that is entirely comforting while also being pretty weird. Spud Infinity has that sort of cartoon spring sound (I know it’s not that, I’m sorry) and the title track is sprinkled with these atmospheric arpeggios that just fit so well.
The obvious strength of Big Thief, that is on full display here, is their songwriting ability. So many interesting harmonies, memorable melodies, and beautiful arrangements make this a record that is simply gorgeous. The lyrics dive a bit more into the abstract here than they have before, giving it the feel of a sort of late-Beatles Paul McCartney record.
Dried Roses is my favorite on here, even though that feels like a bit a boring choice given the variety of songs available here. Something about that main hook melody and Lenker’s delivery of the titular lyric have a mysterious but warm feeling. Simulation Swarm is also fascinating as one of the more upbeat songs on the record. The lazy rising synths beautifully contrast the active drums, and again, Lenker’s vocals do an incredible job of tying everything together.
Favorite Song
Dried Roses
Favorite Little Moment
Instrumental section at the end of Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe You
Cover Thoughts
Now we’re talking. This is iconic, adorable, and perfectly fits the feeling of the music. It’s so simple, but lovely. 9/10
Live Thoughts
I missed them because I’m an idiot. This is a pretty common thread on this list.
Favorite Line
Would you stare forever at the sun
And never watch the moon rising?
5. Caprisongs - FKA twigs
I fell in love Magdalene, but it’s far from a casual listen. This is why I was so excited to get a new twigs records, that despite some sad moments, is a much more varied experience. This record has gorgeous production and is filled in with angelic vocals. It’s a bit harder to talk about as a whole since it is technically a mixtape, but all the songs are just so good.
The way that the vocals on meta angel just tumble into each other and fall towards the drop feels unique. oh my love is effectively a perfect pop song. The 808s on lightbeamers get pushed so hard that they go out of tune, and it sounds fucking lovely. which way feels like the most experimental song on this project with its dizzying rhythms and lackadaisical melodies.
I just wanna thank FKA twigs for stepping up and making the best and most revolutionary pop album this year, when someone fell behind a bit.
Favorite Song
meta angel
Cover Thoughts
Big fan of this one, but its a bit scary idk why. 8/10
Live Thoughts
No tour in Denver for this one sadly.
Favorite Line
You wanna waste the day,
I wanna spend the night
When our rhythm be runaway,
I wanna make it right
4. Hellfire - black midi
I think I maybe gave this thing one listen before I saw it live. It was a bit too chaotic for me at the time, but decided it would be something interesting to do. These guys are batshit. The cacophony is stunning in a live environment and everyone is so technically talented, after the show I waited in the merch line for near 20 minutes, so I could walk away with this record and a tacky “I LOVE BLACK MIDI” t-shirt. And then we went to see them again the next night.
The record has this brilliant approach to storytelling that is so well complemented by Greep’s ethos. I have trouble believing that he’s just a couple of years older than me because it feels like his soul is from the 1920’s. He sways between over-articulating and bumbling through stories that sound like pulp crime novels.
The instrumentals are as chaotic as ever, but seem to do a better job of allowing some contrast in to really make the dynamics of this thing work. The moment that everything clears to allow for the harrowing guitar riff in Welcome to Hell, and the soft bossa nova rhythms on Dangerous Liaisons make the points where everyone really is going their hardest feel so much better.
Out of all these records, this truly feels like the most genius one, and it is incredibly aware of that fact.
Favorite Little Moment
MURDER on Dangerous Liaisons
Favorite Song
Dangerous Liaisons
Cover Thoughts
It’s alright, pretty detailed, but none of the chaotic shit they do on the covers ever grabs me. 6/10
Live Thoughts
They’re absolutely perfect. Tied for my favorite show ever. Their technical ability and showmanship is on full display. Unless you abhor the music, definitely try to see them.
Favorite Line
A whole verse from Dangerous Liaisons:
Front page news, “Random killing
No gang affiliation, no mob justice
Murder”
To see the bruised neck I wrecked
Immortalised in print
A circle opened from the black and white picture And my search for that face was complete
He climbed out the page and shed his skin
Revealing the red king
This was no mafioso, this was Satan himself
True evil, the stench of an unknowable wealth
“You’re coming with me son,” the cries, anguish, torment
The shame, pain, heartache, suffering
Futile regret
3. Dawn FM - The Weeknd
This is absolutely one of the best albums from The Weeknd. I felt like a crazy person when this thing first came out because while I was entranced by it, many seemed to quickly forget about it, or outright dislike it.
This project dives head first into the atmospheric, synth-heavy sound that After Hours merely played with. The instrumentals on every song are gorgeous and layered: there are so many little details complementing the ramping grandiosity of it all. I don’t have a sufficient music vocabulary to accurately describe the beauty of its sonics, but it really is the type of record that can transport you before you even hear a word.
And then The Weeknd fucking it too. I feel like this is his greatest divergence from his sound, maybe ever. On the title track, the vocals are as heavenly as ever, albeit sitting back a little to really let the music establish the feeling of the record. But in the next song, he hits us with this low-pitch, melodramatic vocal tone that resolves into a glittering chorus. Alternating between gloomy ponderings and anthemic shouts, even when his performance isn’t revolutionary, it’s near perfect.
Favorite Instrumental
Is There Someone Else? What an outcast on this record. He released a snippet of this just before it came out, and it was a decent misdirection, but I was completely enamored by it. It has such a lazy dance feel to it that drives the beat, and an overbearing bass to push it even further. The vocal chops kill and when the synth chord comes in, it sort of grounds you. And that transition at the end. Come on man.
Favorite Song
Gasoline
Cover Thoughts
Pretty cool. Fits the sound well, nothing too crazy, but still better than most of others. 8/10
Live Thoughts
He fucking killed it. I hate the fact that it was in a stadium, but he’s just too good to care. The set design was incredible, his showmanship is pristine. His live shows make it very clear that he cares more about going down as a legend than anything else, because he could’ve easily stopped caring at this point.
Favorite Line
Catalog lookin' legendary
Ring froze like it’s February
XO, that’s a mercenary
A quarter bill on an off-year
2. It’s Almost Dry - Pusha T
Holy shit this thing is crazy. In a completely different vein than the last one, it similarly manages to be unavoidable. The dichotomy of production throughout forms a concept in it of itself. Somewhere Pusha T talks about how Pharrell was always pushing him to experiment and try new things while Kanye focused on his strengths. This is exactly what it sounds like, as we get many songs that sound like classics right next to crazy new hits.
My primary complaints end up being more with the features than the songwriting. Kanye is completely dizzy on this record, with his verses aging somehow faster than those on Eazy. Sounding like they were recorded on his iPhone (they probably were), AutoTune struggles to find the melodies he’s attempting to sing, and I pity the poor studio engineer who had to make these even listenable. Although these may have sounded at place during a Donda listening party, they are offensively flippant given the quality of the rest of this project. The Don Toliver song is also terrible. Surprisingly, I adore Kid Cudi’s feature here and contrary to popular belief, the distortion is perfect.
On Brambleton the bass completely dominates, and Pusha T seems to dance around the instrumental creating a constant movement. I’ve been in love with Neck & Wrist since the first time I heard it. Pusha T’s lazy delivery on the hook swings on Pharrell’s steadfast rhythms and Jay-Z delivers a verse that is more fun than anything he’s done since 4:44 (“Y’all spend real money on fake watches shockingly”). Rock N Roll feels more pop-rap than anything else here, likely thanks to the Beyonce sample and Kid Cudi’s addictive hook. Kanye is at his absolute worst here, but everyone else covers for him well. Call My Bluff is the craziest song on this record with Pusha T flowing over a synth beat that kinda sounds like an old carnival. The record ends on an incredible note, with I Pray For You. On this Clipse reunion, Pusha T and No Malice reflect on their lives over an incredibly moving beat. Every song here is just incredible.
Favorite Beat
I Pray For You. Kanye and Labrinth fucking killed this one. The way it switches between the synths and the choir. The attack on the synths also just creates the craziest groove.
Favorite Song
Neck & Wrist
Cover Thoughts
Yeesh, this shit is super ugly. I love the Lana Del Rey cover, but that was never gonna happen. 3/10
Live Thoughts
Forgot to buy tickets lol, he was going with IDK too, so that’s a bit upsetting.
Favorite Line
Rarely do you see the Phoenix rise from the ashes
Lightnin' struck twice on four classics
Self-preservation, we separate ourselves from the plastic
The ankle of my sweat still elastic, still do gymnastics
1. Ants From Up There - Black Country New Road
I didn’t actually listen to this record right when it came out because I wasn’t a fan of their debut. It wasn’t exactly within the scope of what I was used to, and I didn’t give it enough time. What ultimately did it for me was ironically enough not Black Country New Road, but Black Midi. When they came to town a friend and I saw them on a whim and were instantly convinced. Upon instantly becoming accustomed to a sound that I previously had no taste for, I decided to give this one a shot. It was well worth it.
From start to finish the brutally honest songwriting, pristine production, and song structure create a spectacle impossible to ignore. Its beautiful and direct. Whenever I finish listening to it, I’m sad that its over, but so happy that the band was able to preserve this moment so perfectly. I’ve pestered everyone I know to listen to it, which will probably be seen as a societally acknowledged red flag in a couple of years, but I am completely unable to get over how good it is.
I love the way that the bass moves before the crescendo on Chaos Space Marine, and the breakdown that follows leads perfectly into this record. The guitar solo on Concorde feels so innovative, and I wish I could articulate these thoughts more, but I can’t really even comprehend how well the band is able to so emotively play, let alone describe. The layering on the final melody is the first of many climaxes on this record that are pulled off without it every feeling old. On Bread Song the instrumental swells beautifully, but my attention is never full drawn until almost all the elements clear and the drums come in. The slightly offbeat chord changes, the tamborine?, the slams, “Oh Darling I,” and lack of full resolve draw me in every time I hear it. Good Will Hunting is my favorite. The way that the choruses change keep it interesting throughout, but none feel any more compelling than the rest. Black Country New Road doesn’t make any parts weaker in the interest of others hitting hard, they somehow manage to all feel perfect while maintaining a strong sense of movement. Haldern is the most ambient track on here, with Isaac’s singing feeling like more of a background element. The brass also shines the most on this track, playing these underlying melodies that despite their repetition always feel so emotive. The Place Where He Inserted the Blade has such a strong sense of rhythm driven by Wood’s vocals. The bridge shines the most with its moving bass, horn licks, and FIDDLE LINE. Snow Globes starts so minimally and builds the slowest out of any song on the record. I adore the messy drums and the fact that the climax isn’t very contrasting, just an increase of energy. There’s also a great version of this they did with black midi that is even longer. Basketball Shoes seems to be the band’s magnum opus. They’ve been preforming it since 2019, but decided to include it on this album instead of the last one. It is an incredibly fitting sendoff to this era of the band. Isaac Woods shines the most here on his send-off song. I much prefer the abstraction present in these lyrics as opposed to the original, but the rawness of his performance doesn’t suffer at all from this self-censorship:
Oh, I can’t think of anything better
Pick a hair off my sweater
And drown in me
Like boyfriend jeans
Oh, I haven’t felt this way in like ever
I am the convo, you are the weather
And the clamp is a cracked smile cheek
And it tortures me
…
In my bedsheets now wet
Of Charli I pray to forget
All I’ve been forms the drone
We sing the rest
Ah, your generous loan to me
Your crippling interest
This is a perfect record in my book and as much as I’m sad about the lead singer’s departure, I hope he gets better. The band’s new stuff sounds really good (the Happier Than Ever cover is my favorite), but this might not ever be touched. It’s so incredible.
Favorite Little Moment
The first breakdown on Good Will Hunting
Favorite Song
Good Will Hunting
Cover Thoughts
Definitely iconic even if it’s not my favorite. 7/10
Live Thoughts
:((((
Favorite Line
It’s just been a weekend
But in my mind
We summer in France
With our genius daughters
now