Depeche Mode - Memento Mori [Columbia]
Depeche Mode released their 15th studio album Memento Mori on Columbia in spring this year. The album was promoted with the first single ‘Ghost Again’. This is the first album that Depeche Mode released as a duo following the departure of Andy Fletcher in 2022. In reference to this, there is a death theme dominant on this record, not only as a memorial to Fletcher, but moreover the global tragedies that humanity has faced with Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine. The song structure ranges from the classic DM electro pop track to more industrial and experimental instances here and there. Once again Depeche Mode shows that even though the recent albums in the last two decades might not have lived up to the standard, this album shows that they are far from being less relevant as the global music factor.
Glüme - Main Character
Glüme emerged during the Corona times even though some sources mention that she has been in the music before under the name Molly Marlette. Main Character is her second release and it is almost a concept album that reveals her story as the childhood actor but also paying a homage to the life of Marylin Monroe. It features collaborations with the likes of Sean Ono Lennon (son of John and Yoko), Rufus Wainwright, of Montreal, Johnny Jewel and even a reference to Lana Del Rey. The music style does not differ much from her debut release, being a melancholic delivery of introspective electro pop sound and certainly one of the best of its genre released in this year. Song highlights: 'Child Actor', 'Brittany', 'Main Character', 'Queen of LA'.
Lana Del Rey - Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd
Lana Del Rey returned with her 9th studio album this year announcing it in late 2022 with the release of the album title track. Keeping up with her music style and tone, the Tunnel under the Ocean Blvd gets very intimate with the listener and explores Lana's personal side, self-image, family, aging and fading glamour. Dressed in black and white, it reveals quite a colorful palette of genres and influences, kept quiet with Lana's soft and whispering tone of her voice. The record seems a bit too long where some tracks could have been left out. Still probably one of her best releases and a very fine sensual slow core to drift away to. Song highlights: 'A&W', 'Candy Necklace', 'Let the Light in', 'Paris Texas'
Yves Tumor - Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds)
The sixth studio album by Yves Tumor certainly shows consistency with their previous work, especially with the previous two releases. Each song is a stand out with its own nuance and intensity mixing electronic and rocky guitar sound in exquisite way. No matter what style they choose whether it be post punk, neo-psychedelia, industrial, or art rock, they always excel and give a unique and entertaining experience. Song Highlights: 'God is a Circle', 'Purified by the Fire' and 'Ebony Eye'.
Blur - The Ballad of Darren
In recent years Damon Albarn has been pretty much active with music. Since the last album release The Magic Whip in 2015, he has also released 4 albums with Gorillaz and a solo album in 2021. The new studio album The Ballad of Darren clocks at only 36 minutes but compact enough to portray all the height and depths of its melancholic beauty. This is most reminiscent of his solo work in style and atmosphere and as always, Damon gives the absolute Blur trademark with his vocals. For a band that has been around for more than 30 years and mostly remembered as 90’s act, this is a great effort and comeback. Song highlights: 'The Ballad', 'Barbaric', 'Russian Strings'
Sufjan Stevens - Javelin
Sufjan Stevens released his 10th studio album Javelin following the loss of his longtime partner. It is a very painful piece that it bleeds emotions and the sorrow is presented in a very potable way. It explodes on feelings and harmonies and seduces the listener. The album is a result of his home studio recording with contributions of his friends which gives the idea of a big team production. knows how to make acoustic songs sound like the most epic and beautiful thing ever. Song highlights: 'Goodbye Evergreen', 'So You Are Tired', 'Shit Talk'.
Kylie Minogue - Tension
Kylie Minogue has been around in the music business for four decades now and it is impressive that in each decade she managed to score a Top ten hit. Tension is her 16th studio release and this album is a real festival of dance forms. Where her previous album was more Disco influenced, on Tension once again she is inspired by 80's synth pop and 90's house and dance. This is certainly one of her best releases in the last ten years and she once again proves that electro pop and dance are he playground. Song Highlights: 'Vegas High', 'Tension', '10 out of 10'.
Slowdive - Everything is Alive
Slowdive released their fifth studio album in thirty years titled Everything is Alive. Music critics usually praise their first two albums Just for a Day and Souvlaki as their career peek. However each Slowdive album shows certain depth and quality and is authentic in its own way. Everything Is Alive feels like the essence of Slowdive and a mix of everything we know from their former records. It perhaps uses more ambient synth and less guitars. Overall, they have evolved and matured as a band but kept the standard Slowdive dream pop/shoegaze trademark. Song Highlights: all or none
Comments
Post a Comment