I think U-Turn might actually be my favorite. Which is weird since it wasn't even my favorite of the first batch of songs released, but it's grown on me so much.
I'm actually pretty pleased with this. The first four songs didn't grab me much as a whole but Stop Desire - Hang on to the Night is a killer stretch (those two songs in particular being my favorites). Perhaps my second listen will make me appreciate those first four more.
Really wanted to pick up a record last night and I had Diamond Eyes and Carrie and Lowell in my hands when I stumbled on this. I've always been a casual fan, enjoyed So Jealous, The Con and Heartthrob, and had a blast when I caught them live. I knew this was coming out, but I had no idea release was yesterday and I somehow managed to avoid hearing any of the singles. The variant sold me, and I couldn't be happier about picking this up. Outside of it being a great listen, it just feels so great diving into a new record without having any prior context again. I can't wait to wear this one out all summer.
After three listens, basically everything jams here but "That Girl" and "Boyfriend" and "100x" and "BWU" are huge Now to start collecting the rest of their discography. I've actually never listened to Sainthood
No instruments on the record? Seriously? Please note that a synthesizer is played the same way as a piano, and programming drums (especially to the extent they are on this record) at the very least requires the knowledge of what makes a good drummer. Sorry, but I'm sick of people undermining the creation of music just because you don't hear a guitar. To make a production this good is serious skill. And no, a producer didn't just write the music. Tegan and Sara had demos of all the songs (not just lyrics..) and they fine tuned them with Greg Kurstin, who is an incredible musician and producer. Greg may have played and programmed them, but he didn't just write the music and they wrote lyrics over it.
Really though, Greg is a monster. The production on this is HUGE. "Faint of Heart" is currently my favorite out of the non pre-released ones. So excited over how great this record is. Hope it does huge things for them! The vinyl is awesome as well..
Just wanted to say I listened to Sainthood for the first time today and it blew me away. Hence the avatar.
I've only listened to this a handful of times so far but right now, it's nowhere near Heartthrob for me.
I really wanted to be blown away by this album, but the lyrics are mostly cringe-worthy and repetitive. Anyone else feel this way? I feel like the rhymes are so basic.
Also programming and using synthesizers requires just as much talent and musicianship as guitars and drums and pianos. Using programming and synths and electronic ambience can really help set a mood and elevate an album even more (Kid A, Burials Discography, Discovery)
Yeah it's really easy to just keep this on repeat and say whoops I just listened to this three times. Sign of a great pop album
Debuted at #16 on the Billboard 200. Heartthrob debuted at #3. I couldn't find actual numbers anywhere, but that has to be a disappointment... Haven't been able to give this much time yet, but the two songs that have really stuck with me are Dying to Know and 100x.
I don't think they're cringe-worthy at all, and I like a lot of the lyrics on this album, but it does feel like a step down from Heartthrob lyrically. "Basic" describes it pretty well. Then again, I loved Heartthrob a lot so this record had a lot to measure up to in the first place. I do like this record a lot though. "U-Turn," "100x," and "Dying To Know" are my favorites right now.
Way late to this but I heard it for the first time a week or so ago and went and bought it last night. White Knuckles will never be out of my head