nightshade
Diamond Member
I'm adaptable.
Joined: October 2008
Posts: 10,693
|
Post by nightshade on Oct 22, 2022 11:35:56 GMT -5
Popping back into say that Surrender My Heart is absolutely brilliant. It’s just everything you could ask for in a pop song and then some because that brutal honesty sung throughout the song is what makes her stand apart from the other girls (and guys). Carly, we don’t deserve you but we cherish the fu*k out of you for unapologetically wearing your heart on your sleeve.
|
|
freeman
Platinum Member
Joined: January 2008
Posts: 1,323
|
Post by freeman on Oct 22, 2022 13:58:26 GMT -5
Wonderful album. Carly never disappoints & remains an underrated Queen. Can I just say, “Bad Thing Twice” is an absolute masterpiece. The hook “Cross the rivers of my mind you’re my little rock skipper skipper skipper skipper.” 💛
|
|
Hurricane Lee
Moderator
#Justice4Soulsista
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 36,048
Pronouns: He/Him
Staff
|
Post by Hurricane Lee on Oct 22, 2022 14:41:45 GMT -5
I can't really place this in her discography (from Emotion forward, since I don't know her earlier stuff except Call Me Maybe, This Kiss, and Tonight I'm Getting Over You). LOL @ me accidentally switching to Run Away With Me in the middle of Keep Away, which is probably my subconscious working. I would probably still put Emotion and Dedicated over this, but a really solid pop album. I would give it a solid B+. Bring back Dev and Jack and lemme hear what she and Max can do and I feel like we might have her best album. I'm very happy that she has reached the level of success that she has, though.
1. Bends (Pure bliss. What a fucking gorgeous song and literally the centerpiece of the album.) 2. Go Find Yourself Or Whatever (Her best vocal ever, I think.) 3. The Loneliest Time (One of the best album closers I have ever heard.) 4. Surrender My Heart (What a way to start an album! But, at this point, this is what I expect from Carly.) 5. Joshua Tree (Was not expecting this groove! Excellent track.) 6. Talking To Yourself (This would make a good single.) 7. Bad Thing Twice (This reminds me so much of Ever Again by Robyn.) 8. So Nice 9. Beach House (Sounds better in the context of the album.) 10. Western Wind (Also sounds much better in context of the album.) 11. Keep Away 12. Far Away 13. Shooting Star (I hate her vocal treatment on this song so much that I have to put the song towards the bottom, even though it's kind of a bop.) 14. Sideways (Perfect song for an outfit change or interlude)
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2022 19:32:41 GMT -5
I am digging this album. It has some gems on it for sure, with the major gem being "Go Find Yourself or Whatever". It's such a beautiful song, and it gets me emotional. Phew, she did that.
|
|
SHOOTER
Diamond Member
3x Poster Of The Year!!!
Typical of those in power to stay worried about the *wrong* shit.
Joined: April 2006
Posts: 75,019
|
Post by SHOOTER on Oct 24, 2022 2:06:02 GMT -5
Talking to Yourself needs to be a single ASAP!
|
|
nightshade
Diamond Member
I'm adaptable.
Joined: October 2008
Posts: 10,693
|
Post by nightshade on Oct 24, 2022 13:31:06 GMT -5
I need a proper TLT tour now that the album is out. I'm so happy she delivered and the pre-release songs grew on me as well.
|
|
thezatch
Platinum Member
Joined: August 2015
Posts: 1,740
|
Post by thezatch on Oct 24, 2022 14:24:01 GMT -5
I want this woman and this album to finally receive some credit where credit is due and be nominated for another Grammy. They've skipped over her ever since 2013, despite her crafting some of the best pop music of the year its released time and time again.
|
|
Leigh
Moderator
Quietly better than you since 2005
Joined: February 2005
Posts: 3,772
Pronouns: he/him
Staff
|
Post by Leigh on Oct 24, 2022 14:49:16 GMT -5
LOL at the Target version not being available in stores. I hope they just haven't updated their website. But how dare she relegate those three bonus tracks to the deluxe, they're some of my favs on the first spin. Totally agree with this - 'No Thinking Over The Weekend' has been my vibe all day.
|
|
theflying
2x Platinum Member
Joined: August 2006
Posts: 2,936
|
Post by theflying on Oct 24, 2022 23:17:41 GMT -5
I finally was able to give this listen. I’m a huge Carly stan, and have seen each of her last three tours.
I agree with just about every word of that Pitchfork review.
The biggest thing I can say is that this record shows why Carly isn’t a superstar, despite having literally every aspect of her music there: She just doesn’t let herself be larger than life on records. She doesn’t leave a PERSONA out there. And, this is not a new observation. But to me, let’s look at a song like Beach House.
Beach House is bad. I’m sorry. I get that it’s enjoyable, and I bop to it a little — but that song flops because the whole concept needed to be done by a superstar.. Otherwise, it just feels trite and been there, done that. Carly literally is not the kind of artist who needs to force viral moments, and LOOK AT WHAT CONNECTED — an insane, theatrical, earned, organic moment in a 4:30 disco power ballad. *THAT* moment connected.
And this sort of goes to my issue with the record: In some ways, it’s her most interesting honest songwriting. But in other ways, it’s never been so apparent about her lack of persona. And for better or for worse, this album was released in the shadow of Taylor, and even Beyoncé, who know how to do on record charisma. Even Meghan Trainor has a strong on-record persona, and I think it’s what helps her connect even if her songs can occasionally feel half-baked or corny. Her attitude elevates everything. Carly just doesn’t have attitude.
So, for me, I got lost around Beach House. I just wasn’t as compelled by her, in ways that I normally notice much. On Emotion, every song was a smash and felt so unique, so it didn’t matter. On Dedicated, for me the songs were strong and fleshed out enough, with enough bangers and career bests that it didn’t matter.
Here, I notice it.
I will say, I think the first four tracks were fabulous. But why did Joshua Tree end? I was on my way to loving that song, and it stopped. I feel like Carly succumbed to the Tik Tok era, but then, why would she have a 4:30 length song that’s a disco power ballad as a single?
Fave songs: - Surrender My Heart - Joshua Tree, this would be a 10/10 if it had a final section. - Talking To Yourself (minus that final time the music just cuts out completely for a second; it just doesn’t work) - Far Away (obsessed with this, the production is incredible) - Sideways, but again, why did she not write a bridge? The melody is incredible - Western Wind - The Loneliest Time - Keep Aways
|
|
Ling-Ling
Diamond Member
Kill Kill Kill Kill! Die Die Die!
Joined: September 2003
Posts: 13,492
|
Post by Ling-Ling on Oct 25, 2022 9:28:04 GMT -5
I think Carly's persona aligns perfectly with her output though. She writes earnest and charming songs about love and heartbreak. That unassuming, kinda average, girl-next-door vibe is 100% true to her music. Her being some larger than life persona would be bizarre and downright incongruous IMO. "Beach House" fails because it's not a good song and feels forced. Not even Yonce could pull that one off.
For me Taylor is exactly the same way, I don't find her persona dynamic at all. She succeeds when she plays to her strengths and fails spectacularly when she attempts anything too far out of her wheelhouse. As for Meghan, I find her attitude and personality annoying/corny/gimmicky. She's an eternal pass for me.
Not only do I find this album engaging (and a much more consistent listen than Midnights), there's a level of ease and comfort here. And that's because Carly played exactly to what makes her so special as an artist. And it's telling that the one failure on the album is when she fought against her better instincts.
|
|
theflying
2x Platinum Member
Joined: August 2006
Posts: 2,936
|
Post by theflying on Oct 25, 2022 12:03:37 GMT -5
I think we kind of agree though. (And I completely agree that she is charming because she does NOT do a superstar forced persona. But that’s also an example of why she isn’t a major pop star, IMO.)
Beach House is such a clunker because, as the Pitchfork review noted, she tried to force a moment. And she’s just not the kind of artist that needs to do that.
It makes me wonder why she shortened up a bunch of stellar songs on the first half. Was she trying to play Tik Tok/streaming game? I just don’t understand why — she doesn’t need to play those games. It’s not how she developed a fanbase. It’s really upsetting lol.
|
|
SHOOTER
Diamond Member
3x Poster Of The Year!!!
Typical of those in power to stay worried about the *wrong* shit.
Joined: April 2006
Posts: 75,019
|
Post by SHOOTER on Oct 26, 2022 2:15:15 GMT -5
Projected to debut at #20 with 19.9k SPS (10.8k sales). Top-20 queen!
Kiss: #6, 46k.
E•MO•TION: #16, 16k.
Dedicated: #18, 21k SPS (13k sales).
Dedicated Side B: #22 (Top Album Sales).
|
|
kimberly
Diamond Member
act i RENAISSANCE
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 11,914
My Charts
Pronouns: they/them
|
Post by kimberly on Oct 26, 2022 3:22:13 GMT -5
Talking to Yourself needs to be a single ASAP! No. 2 hit on the kimberly weekly 😌 this album is phenomenal. I got to see her show on release day and I even loved hearing "Beach House" -- I now like the song, actually! "Go Find Yourself or Whatever" and the title track are my current favorites alongside "Talking to Yourself" but there's nothing I dislike on this record. well done, Carly.
|
|
Dreams
9x Platinum Member
We Are Lambily
Joined: November 2011
Posts: 9,268
|
Post by Dreams on Oct 26, 2022 4:42:38 GMT -5
I like the album a lot. I've had the time to listen to it once only so with subsequent listens my feelings might change, but for the time being I rank Dedicated and E•MO•TION higher. All songs range from pleasant to great until towards the end where the album kinda falls apart for me.
|
|
Choco
Diamond Member
lavender haze
Joined: February 2009
Posts: 26,924
My Charts
Pronouns: he/him
|
Post by Choco on Oct 26, 2022 9:16:26 GMT -5
I haven't given it many repeat plays but I found it very good and strong, yet still would rank Dedicated and EMOTION higher.
This fucking woman can make a pop gem though. I wish she got more attention.
|
|
Ling-Ling
Diamond Member
Kill Kill Kill Kill! Die Die Die!
Joined: September 2003
Posts: 13,492
|
Post by Ling-Ling on Oct 27, 2022 11:49:16 GMT -5
I think this is the first Carly album where I'm drawn way more to the slower tracks than the uptempos. She really served on "Bends," "Keep Away," "No Thinking Over The Weekend," "Western Wind," and "Go Find Yourself Or Whatever." I can't get enough of these. Also, per her latest interview in Vogue.
|
|
theflying
2x Platinum Member
Joined: August 2006
Posts: 2,936
|
Post by theflying on Oct 27, 2022 15:36:05 GMT -5
Far Away and Sideways are on repeat.
I’m soooo bummed Joshua Tree and Sideways are short because that is SUCH a 1-2-3-4-5 punch.
|
|
Envoirment
Diamond Member
Joined: December 2009
Posts: 13,527
|
Post by Envoirment on Nov 7, 2022 20:41:50 GMT -5
This album is so good. I don't think there is a song I would skip - the bonus tracks are great as well. So many bops.
|
|
bat1990
Diamond Member
Joined: July 2004
Posts: 12,937
Pronouns: he/him
|
Post by bat1990 on Nov 19, 2022 14:32:29 GMT -5
|
|
thezatch
Platinum Member
Joined: August 2015
Posts: 1,740
|
Post by thezatch on Nov 21, 2022 15:28:39 GMT -5
Pro tip: Slide "Beach House" down to the very end of the tracklist (or remove it completely) and replace it with one of the bonus tracks of your choice.
For me? "Anxious" sounds good coming after the no-skip brilliance of tracks 1-5.
|
|
Au$tin
Diamond Member
Pop Culture Guru
Joined: August 2008
Posts: 54,536
My Charts
Pronouns: He/his/him
|
Post by Au$tin on Nov 21, 2022 20:57:14 GMT -5
I actually have grown to love Beach House. It's quirky in the only way Carly can make sound authentic. Fits right in with Part for One and the music video to I Really Like You. The only part of the track that kinda falls flat is the "harvest your organs" line.
That being said, I do think it does stick out like a sore thumb on the album and would make more sense as a bonus track.
|
|
daddy
Platinum Member
Joined: November 2017
Posts: 1,285
|
Post by daddy on Nov 22, 2022 11:13:59 GMT -5
I see all this hate for “Beach House” but I really like it and think she pulls it off?
|
|
|
Post by Devil Marlena Nylund on Nov 22, 2022 11:16:00 GMT -5
Yeah I never got the hate for it. Organ harvest line notwithstanding, I always thought it was a clever and neatly designed song. It’s months later and I’m still listening to it regularly.
|
|
MyLastView
Diamond Member
Joined: August 2006
Posts: 10,787
|
Post by MyLastView on Nov 26, 2022 13:10:39 GMT -5
Never posted about it here but I saw her live earlier this month and it was FANTASTIC. She was so much fun and sounded incredible, and the set list was top notch (just wish she’d done “Bad Thing Twice” haha).
In that vein re: “Beach House” - I’ve always enjoyed it, but my friends who I went to the show with didn’t. But they said after seeing her perform it live, it clicked for them & now they love it too lol.
|
|
HamedM1 💔
Moderator
Skinny Muslim Legend
No Peace On Stolen Land #FreePalestine
Joined: April 2021
Posts: 5,208
Pronouns: He/Him
Staff
|
Post by HamedM1 💔 on Dec 6, 2022 13:02:27 GMT -5
Anxious and Bad Thing Twice are the current obsessions.
|
|
thezatch
Platinum Member
Joined: August 2015
Posts: 1,740
|
Post by thezatch on Dec 15, 2022 6:59:20 GMT -5
Actual song starts around the 2:23 mark. I really hope Interscope has plans to push this to radio in January.
|
|
ampersand
Platinum Member
Joined: February 2016
Posts: 1,597
Pronouns: he/him
|
Post by ampersand on Dec 15, 2022 14:34:26 GMT -5
Yasss girl looks like she was finally given a budget for this video!
|
|
Carlitoz
2x Platinum Member
Joined: October 2003
Posts: 2,691
|
Post by Carlitoz on Dec 28, 2022 12:36:54 GMT -5
LOVING Surrender, Joshua, Talking, Beach and Loneliest SO MUCH. AMAZING pop songs! I guess I'll get into the rest of the album eventually. It kinda' loses my attention.
How have the singles done on pop radio? Any interest at all?
Beach House is great. Perhaps people would've felt more identified with it with different lyrics. The music/beat is awesome.
The video for Surrender is funny and visually beautiful, but in the end it bores me. I wish she was doing more that just standing there singing. I think I would've preferred a simpler video, but with more of her and more energy coming from her. Love the song though! And hope it does something on pop radio.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2023 11:40:20 GMT -5
|
|
Bhad Bill
Platinum Member
Joined: April 2014
Posts: 1,040
|
Post by Bhad Bill on Jan 31, 2023 14:58:20 GMT -5
Still listening to this! So Nice and Keep Away are two of my favorite songs she has ever done, but I also LOVE Joshua Tree, Surrender, Talking, Western Wind, Bad Thing Twice, and Anxious.
I pretty much love all but 1 or 2 tracks on everything she's done besides Tug of War lol.
Just for fun, my two favorite songs from every Carly album (in 1,2 order) are:
TLT: So Nice, Keep Away DSB: Comeback, Solo Ded: Want You in My Room, Real Love EmB: Fever, The One Emo: Your Type, Let's Get Lost (the most difficult, justice for IDJCHTD, MTMOTN, LAH, & WB) Kiss: Tiny Little Bows, Curiosity (Remix) TOW: Bucket, Tell Me
|
|