St. Vincent always delivers, however something about this album still connects to me after 12 years of listening. It has it’s own vibe and sound that can’t be found anywhere else. It invented it’s own sound and style.
Take the track Northern Lights, it has a catchy pop hook while Annie sings cryptic lyrics that are potentially about a break down and feeling like the world is ending, as she uses her guitar to scream for her. Throughout this it progressively keeps escalating, until it eventually explodes with an out of control theremin.
And this is only one track from this amazing album, from the purring Chloe In The Afternoon. The hit star from the album, Cruel. The escalating, dark but majestic Surgeon. The sweet, but sad Strange Mercy, referring to the pain of her father’s imprisonment. The soft and sweet Champagne Year. Or the depression anthem, Year of the Tiger. 11 years old and this album is still fresh, moody, funky, dark and fun. Strongly recommend.