Pop – Life That

Regina Spektor has released her newest album Remember Us to Life which sadly feels very same same. I adore her sound and style but there isn’t anything I’d say ground breaking on this album.

She has some poppy layered songs which this time around don’t tend to work.

That being said what I love is when you strip her sound right back to just singing and a piano or with light instrumental elements. This where Regina truly does shine. She creates a real sense of how it is to feel depressed but enlightens us on her journey and her mind. Doing so in such a simple way of using her vocal talent and piano skills. I’ve always preferred her songs to Amanda Palmer but hey. Both are great in their own rights.

Sadly though I feel Regina Spektor and her pop efforts on What We Saw from the Cheap Seats were remarkably better.

This is how she takes us into the album in Older and Taller with lyrics such as “enjoy your youth” “sounds like a threat” What can I say I’m older now and I didn’t enjoy my youth I’d have to say I’m much happier now! Lies Regina Lies!! Honestly though I feel I’m enjoying myself and life much better then my actual youth. But hey that’s just me. Just enjoy your life I say. Not just your youth.

Also explaining what sounds like a well off child’s expression of depression on Grand Hotel is well kinda missing it’s point and not hitting it’s mark at all here just kind of boring me lyrically. Maybe I’m missing the point? But vocally and musically it is totally on point.

While saying all this don’t let that put any doubt in her ability and talent as she still does shine through tracks like The Light and Obsolete these are where her talents and abilities truly shine.

I wish I could be more positive about this release but hey just go see her live and you’ll be blown away.

She is flawless when you strip back the sound to just instrumental elements. This is how her voice truly shines.

Still worth a listen just not her best effort when it comes to doing “pop”

Pro tip: Skip through the pop songs and listen to the slower more intimate ones over and over again.

Also one must never forget that she did the theme to Orange is the New Black.

Solange has released her Third Album A seat at the table With it’s polished pop sound and interesting guest vocals which include The-Dream, BJ the Chicago Kid and Lil Wayne. They all seem nicely placed within this slowed down chilled album confines.

At first listen this album could Maybe the background of a dinner party you’ve spent at least 500 dollars on and having this in the background? Then everyone gets angry and some drama breaks out after someone gets slapped in a lift on the way up to the dinner party? I can imagine this playing out in a hour long video clip. Or maybe it was reality and it already happened? Either way this album would suit the situation perfectly.

Solange has always had a laid back pop sound that seems to just slip into the background of any setting. It’s R&B style has always really does work with her vocals. She wants to shine while singing laid back songs and that’s amazing. Especially if you can pull it off (Which Solange can).

Everyone as of late has had personal interludes on their albums to really bringing a personality to an album. Solage is the same. But it’s good that artists are able to show how they feel and put their heart on their sleeves through spoken word. I struggle with doing stand up comedy sometimes and it turns into stories so I understand what it’s like to try to get something out or a message with out it actually connecting in the art you are involved with. It’s the beauty of the human condition really.

But managing to do so with out dodgy 90’s interludes which included party scenes or missed messages from a boyfriend this is deeper it’s got something more to it now.

It’s not just about the music but also sending a message and trying to educate along the way. Hey why not! As long as you keep me grooving while I sip my fine expensive wine then it’s fine by me Solange (Note: I don’t drink expensive wine or wine for that matter but if I did it would be while listening to this album)

The album does have a smooth and mellow flow throughout never gets too abrasive and keeps it “cool”. Perfect for relaxing and reflecting on what ever you feel like while looking into the distance at the same time.

this album does get into subjects like being black and producing and creating art in F.U.B.U. Writing and working on a album for three years will mean you have a lot to say.

I hope living in Australia does mean we are getting albums in this digital age a day before everyone else now. If this is true this is amazing!!

Also one of the last lines of Junie does remind me of my sister with the line “Don’t want to do dishes just want to eat food” I relate and understand there are people out there EXACTLY like this.

A beautiful quiet not in your face release of a beautiful album that slips into your day nicely.

Tag: Pop

Regina Spektor Remember Us to Life

Solange A seat at the table