I adore White Noise. It’s probably my favorite now. (Although ask me tomorrow and it would change I’m sure) But I remember being super disappointed that it didn’t sound like Ledges or CTG when it came out. Just gotta wait till it hits you just right I guess
Lover is easily my favorite. He could continue to make variation after variation of that record and I would listen every time.
Does it do the half singer/songwritery, half poppy thing from Lover or does it lean to one particular side?
It feels completely cohesive as one. Like Stranger in the Alps, poppy and full singer songwriter songs.
Haha, busy weekend, so I didn't get to sit down with this until today. But I'd echo pretty much everything you've said so far. It corrects one of my only complaints about Lover, which is that it felt like Noah hadn't quite figured out how to blend his pop sensibilities with his folk/singer-songwriter side yet. As much as I adore that record, it ends up feeling a tad disjointed. This one combines everything he does well really naturally, and doesn't have a song that's a noticeable outlier or weak point (IMO) in the way that a couple of the tracks on White Noise and Lover just never worked for me. You mentioned Stranger in the Alps, which is a good reference point. It also reminds me a bit of Field Report's Marigolden, which does a similarly effortless blend between folk, pop, and little electronic flourishes. So, very positive first impressions. Looking forward to spending more time with it and really getting into the lyrics. "Sleepless in Seattle" already has some of my favorite lyrical work he's done, just in terms of what that song says and the emotions it's conveying.
He's not really religious anymore, if that's what you're referring to. His lyrics haven't felt "churchy" to me for many years. Carry the Ghost had some songs about his issues with religion if I recall correctly, after that it's been mostly about love, drugs and other struggles, heh. But @Craig Manning the lyric master can probably elaborate on this.
Just a question based off the pillar of salt explanation he gave a bit ago. I was curious how deep it ran throughout the record and if it went beyond that story.
I can't imagine anyone who is a Noah Gundersen fan not loving this album. It's such an emotional wallop. Might be his best album since Ledges. "Bright Lost Things" is my early favorite.
This fucking part: Where it's just half finished skyscrapers begging the question Does anyone care anymore? This city was built on the back of a spirit that I can't feel anymore Maybe there's a new anger or a new seed for some younger farmer to sow But right now it feels like last call on New Year's Eve And the bartender is telling me to go But I don't want to go home
God I don’t condone leaked but I’d do horrible things to hear this album. I need it in my life. It’s been a weird few days.