Why This Album Matters:
Julien Baker is an acclaimed songwriter that has set herself apart from her contemporaries through boldly introspective songwriting that never shies away from even the most difficult topics.
In Her Own Words:
“With my previous two records, the idea I had was a little bit more idealistic, Baker told the NME. And for my own sanity, I chose to apply this narrative to all the obstacles and struggles and pain in my life, to help me assign meaning to pain… you know, what human beings have been trying to do since the dawn of time!”
Having battled with substance abuse through the years, Baker also discussed relapse in the same article: “In the year over which I made this record, I had to unlearn the idea of recovery being linear, or quantifiable, or something that you did out of principle, that was just a moral achievement.”
OK Human:
Weezer has never been the type of band to repeat themselves. They have always embraced change with the goal of remaining fresh and avoiding stagnation. By incorporating an orchestra, Weezer explores what is, for them, a new direction of symphonic pop.
OK Human retains many of the distinctive signposts that have come to define Weezer, and it is all framed in a fresh presentation.
Recommended If You Like:
Beck, The Cars, Ben Folds Five and solo Ben Folds, Liz Phair, Todd Rundgren, and Nada Surf
FYI:
- Before the pandemic, Weezer had intended to release a hard rock album called
Why This Album Matters:
The Hold Steady is a throwback to the days when loud, guitar-driven melodic rock n roll ruled FM radio. They conjure up memories of local bar bands telling their beer-soaked stories about neighborhood couples falling in love; nights strewn with the scattered remnants of broken relationships; the home town high school hero longing for a brighter future in a better place; and the inevitable descent on to hard times. Inspired by Bruce Springsteen-style narratives, the Hold Steady paint vivid portraits of lovers, local heroes, drug addicts, working stiffs, seedy characters, and misfits looking for an easy dime.