album Kesha - 'Gag Order'

[CroNich]

43 minutes ago, Popboi. said:

I'm sure the album will land somewhere in the top 20/30, top 10 will be impossible without a hit or the vinyl ready to ship (they will late next month). It's not like she is chasing for a successful album this time around either, she has a lot to say and is doing it her way.

I think if anything they’re wanting the album to be somewhat of a success, hence the change in approach to the roll out.

 

While I don’t necessarily know how the album is going to perform during the first week as there has not been a tonne of buzz around it yet, if the quality and acclaim is there the success will come over time. It may just be a slow burn or maybe she will officially just be an indie artist who doesn’t really chart, and that’s fine too.

[jesus del rey]

I think word of mouth is gonna do wonders for the album if its as good as insiders say 

[Taylor fanboy]

She should get the album reviews out before release week gradually for buzz if she’s going for word of mouth.

 

The listening parties with fans is also nice.

[CroNich]

1 hour ago, jesus del rey said:

I think word of mouth is gonna do wonders for the album if its as good as insiders say 

oh it is. I really don't see how this could end up being a complete flop. The quality is definitely there. 

[CroNich]

I have some thoughts to share: 

 

Spoiler

Disclaimer: Please don't take any of this as bible, I only got to hear each song once and they were played straight after one another and I didn't get to hear the interludes.

• Its really hard to say just how good this album is yet. While upon the first listen it was very evident that this is by far her best body of work ever, I think the true magic of each song will take several listens to truly appreciate. Meaning while there are a lot of songs that are 'instant', you can tell that they are designed to fall in love with more and more as you listen to the album more. 
• If you like ETA and Fine Line then you will definitely love this album. If you didn't love them I still think you will really enjoy this album as there is something for everyone. ETA and especially Fine Line are some of the more obscure tracks on the album, and its kind of surprising that she released them first, as there are many others with more instant appeal that aren't straight-up radio friendly hits.
• Something to Believe in blew me away. I was not expecting that at all. Its ethereal and almost a bit tribal at times I would say, definitely more upbeat than I was expecting and her vocals sounded amazing (it hardly sounded like her tbh)
• Living in My Head was stunning, very raw and confronting but not necessarily disturbing. I found the lyrics very relatable (as I did with a lot of these songs) and again her vocals are on point here
• Only Love can Save Us Now is basically what we've heard so far. Its a fun bop, definitely the most simple and generic on the album but I could see it having mainstream appeal and the final chorus is incredible (as we've heard). I do wish it had a bridge or some type of outro just to make the song feel a little less simple structurally.
• All I Need Is You almost made me cry to be honest. I can't remember much about the song but the vocal layering at some parts is heavenly and its just beautifully written and sung. 
• The Drama is definitely the most obscure song on the album and maybe one of the strangest songs I've ever heard (not necessarily in a bad way, I could see if having its own cult following). The structure of the song is all over the place and sometimes I think the production was a little too loud over the vocals. The ending is hectic though, so many vocals looped over each other getting more and more chaotic. It kind of gave me bjork meets Kesha vibes.
• Too Far Gone again was another beautiful ballad. Now that I'm writing this out I may be getting parts of it mixed up with All I Need Is You, maybe this was the track that had the gorgeous vocal layering at the end. Similar sentiments to AINIY, beautifully written and sung.  
• Peace & Quiet is really interesting. Its definitely more angry/upbeat. I don't remember much but I could tell this song was going to be one of my faves at some point. I can definitely see gen z/tik tok loving this one.
• Hate Me Harder. Wow. Easily one of my faves. Its definitely a lot more stripped back than the demo but I think it pays off because you really can focus on the lyrics and her vocals. It was the song that made my friend tear up. It feels very powerful and I can tell its gonna be a great one to belt in the car.
• Happy - I think my memory of each track got worse as the album went on (sorry ADHD) cause I was trying to process so much, but its also fantastic. Definitely more uplifting/folky-rock kind of vibes, feels like a very strong album closer and another song I could see taking off on Tik Tok or whatever if lightning was to strike at the right time. 
• Overall, I really don't see how this album could end up being a complete bomb. The quality is there; there really is something for everyone but at the same time the album feels really consistent and concise, and lyrically its one of the strongest most relatable albums I've ever listened to. The mixing is definitely a huge step up from High Road. I feel like ETA and The Drama are the only ones where it suffers a little bit. The rest of the album sounds so crisp and gorgeous. Her vocals are the best they've ever sounded.
• Out of the whole album besides Only Love, I think there is some real commercial potential with Something to Believe In, Peace & Quiet, Hate Me Harder and Happy. While none of them are your run of the mill generic radio friendly tracks, they each feel very current and probably the most digestable but also super unique, whacky and quirky in their own way.

 

[bearman]

Thanks for your run-through @CroNich 

 

Something To Believe In is truly going to snatch me. 

[CroNich]

1 minute ago, bearman said:

Thanks for your run-through @CroNich 

 

Something To Believe In is truly going to snatch me. 

My wig was not prepared, its truly crazy that this is the same artist that released High Road 

Edited May 10, 2023 by CroNich

[bearman]

3 minutes ago, CroNich said:

this is the same artist that released High Road 

I don't know ha at this point, I'm afraid.

[josesuxx]

2 hours ago, CroNich said:

My wig was not prepared, its truly crazy that this is the same artist that released High Road 

AHHH  thx for your descriptions king

Edited May 10, 2023 by josesuxx

[CroNich]

21 minutes ago, josesuxx said:

AHHH  thx for your descriptions king

Sorry I wish I could be more detailed/specific. 
 

y’all are in for a treat tho.

[ainadalkaz]

4 hours ago, CroNich said:

I have some thoughts to share: 

 

  Hide contents

Disclaimer: Please don't take any of this as bible, I only got to hear each song once and they were played straight after one another and I didn't get to hear the interludes.

• Its really hard to say just how good this album is yet. While upon the first listen it was very evident that this is by far her best body of work ever, I think the true magic of each song will take several listens to truly appreciate. Meaning while there are a lot of songs that are 'instant', you can tell that they are designed to fall in love with more and more as you listen to the album more. 
• If you like ETA and Fine Line then you will definitely love this album. If you didn't love them I still think you will really enjoy this album as there is something for everyone. ETA and especially Fine Line are some of the more obscure tracks on the album, and its kind of surprising that she released them first, as there are many others with more instant appeal that aren't straight-up radio friendly hits.
• Something to Believe in blew me away. I was not expecting that at all. Its ethereal and almost a bit tribal at times I would say, definitely more upbeat than I was expecting and her vocals sounded amazing (it hardly sounded like her tbh)
• Living in My Head was stunning, very raw and confronting but not necessarily disturbing. I found the lyrics very relatable (as I did with a lot of these songs) and again her vocals are on point here
• Only Love can Save Us Now is basically what we've heard so far. Its a fun bop, definitely the most simple and generic on the album but I could see it having mainstream appeal and the final chorus is incredible (as we've heard). I do wish it had a bridge or some type of outro just to make the song feel a little less simple structurally.
• All I Need Is You almost made me cry to be honest. I can't remember much about the song but the vocal layering at some parts is heavenly and its just beautifully written and sung. 
• The Drama is definitely the most obscure song on the album and maybe one of the strangest songs I've ever heard (not necessarily in a bad way, I could see if having its own cult following). The structure of the song is all over the place and sometimes I think the production was a little too loud over the vocals. The ending is hectic though, so many vocals looped over each other getting more and more chaotic. It kind of gave me bjork meets Kesha vibes.
• Too Far Gone again was another beautiful ballad. Now that I'm writing this out I may be getting parts of it mixed up with All I Need Is You, maybe this was the track that had the gorgeous vocal layering at the end. Similar sentiments to AINIY, beautifully written and sung.  
• Peace & Quiet is really interesting. Its definitely more angry/upbeat. I don't remember much but I could tell this song was going to be one of my faves at some point. I can definitely see gen z/tik tok loving this one.
• Hate Me Harder. Wow. Easily one of my faves. Its definitely a lot more stripped back than the demo but I think it pays off because you really can focus on the lyrics and her vocals. It was the song that made my friend tear up. It feels very powerful and I can tell its gonna be a great one to belt in the car.
• Happy - I think my memory of each track got worse as the album went on (sorry ADHD) cause I was trying to process so much, but its also fantastic. Definitely more uplifting/folky-rock kind of vibes, feels like a very strong album closer and another song I could see taking off on Tik Tok or whatever if lightning was to strike at the right time. 
• Overall, I really don't see how this album could end up being a complete bomb. The quality is there; there really is something for everyone but at the same time the album feels really consistent and concise, and lyrically its one of the strongest most relatable albums I've ever listened to. The mixing is definitely a huge step up from High Road. I feel like ETA and The Drama are the only ones where it suffers a little bit. The rest of the album sounds so crisp and gorgeous. Her vocals are the best they've ever sounded.
• Out of the whole album besides Only Love, I think there is some real commercial potential with Something to Believe In, Peace & Quiet, Hate Me Harder and Happy. While none of them are your run of the mill generic radio friendly tracks, they each feel very current and probably the most digestable but also super unique, whacky and quirky in their own way.

 

so basically Something to believe in SOTY confirmed?

[Power love]

Will she have any commercial sounding songs on this album? 

[Luckitty]

15 hours ago, TomTom2288 said:

 

 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-12064931/Kesha-shares-kiss-boyfriend-Riccardo-Maddalosso-Los-Angeles.html

when did she break up with that guy with the long hair? 

[CroNich]

28 minutes ago, ainadalkaz said:

so basically Something to believe in SOTY confirmed?

It’s definitely a stand out on an incredible album so potentially but there’s at least 3-4 songs on there that I could see being SOTY quality

[CroNich]

11 minutes ago, Luckitty said:

when did she break up with that guy with the long hair? 

There’s no real reports on it, she’s always been very private with her relationships. I feel he may have been the one she had the secret engagement with though and I assume they split maybe 2-3 years ago.

[TomTom]

38 minutes ago, Luckitty said:

when did she break up with that guy with the long hair? 

Mid-2021 apparently.

[Ampersand13]

6 hours ago, CroNich said:

I have some thoughts to share: 

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Disclaimer: Please don't take any of this as bible, I only got to hear each song once and they were played straight after one another and I didn't get to hear the interludes.

• Its really hard to say just how good this album is yet. While upon the first listen it was very evident that this is by far her best body of work ever, I think the true magic of each song will take several listens to truly appreciate. Meaning while there are a lot of songs that are 'instant', you can tell that they are designed to fall in love with more and more as you listen to the album more. 
• If you like ETA and Fine Line then you will definitely love this album. If you didn't love them I still think you will really enjoy this album as there is something for everyone. ETA and especially Fine Line are some of the more obscure tracks on the album, and its kind of surprising that she released them first, as there are many others with more instant appeal that aren't straight-up radio friendly hits.
• Something to Believe in blew me away. I was not expecting that at all. Its ethereal and almost a bit tribal at times I would say, definitely more upbeat than I was expecting and her vocals sounded amazing (it hardly sounded like her tbh)
• Living in My Head was stunning, very raw and confronting but not necessarily disturbing. I found the lyrics very relatable (as I did with a lot of these songs) and again her vocals are on point here
• Only Love can Save Us Now is basically what we've heard so far. Its a fun bop, definitely the most simple and generic on the album but I could see it having mainstream appeal and the final chorus is incredible (as we've heard). I do wish it had a bridge or some type of outro just to make the song feel a little less simple structurally.
• All I Need Is You almost made me cry to be honest. I can't remember much about the song but the vocal layering at some parts is heavenly and its just beautifully written and sung. 
• The Drama is definitely the most obscure song on the album and maybe one of the strangest songs I've ever heard (not necessarily in a bad way, I could see if having its own cult following). The structure of the song is all over the place and sometimes I think the production was a little too loud over the vocals. The ending is hectic though, so many vocals looped over each other getting more and more chaotic. It kind of gave me bjork meets Kesha vibes.
• Too Far Gone again was another beautiful ballad. Now that I'm writing this out I may be getting parts of it mixed up with All I Need Is You, maybe this was the track that had the gorgeous vocal layering at the end. Similar sentiments to AINIY, beautifully written and sung.  
• Peace & Quiet is really interesting. Its definitely more angry/upbeat. I don't remember much but I could tell this song was going to be one of my faves at some point. I can definitely see gen z/tik tok loving this one.
• Hate Me Harder. Wow. Easily one of my faves. Its definitely a lot more stripped back than the demo but I think it pays off because you really can focus on the lyrics and her vocals. It was the song that made my friend tear up. It feels very powerful and I can tell its gonna be a great one to belt in the car.
• Happy - I think my memory of each track got worse as the album went on (sorry ADHD) cause I was trying to process so much, but its also fantastic. Definitely more uplifting/folky-rock kind of vibes, feels like a very strong album closer and another song I could see taking off on Tik Tok or whatever if lightning was to strike at the right time. 
• Overall, I really don't see how this album could end up being a complete bomb. The quality is there; there really is something for everyone but at the same time the album feels really consistent and concise, and lyrically its one of the strongest most relatable albums I've ever listened to. The mixing is definitely a huge step up from High Road. I feel like ETA and The Drama are the only ones where it suffers a little bit. The rest of the album sounds so crisp and gorgeous. Her vocals are the best they've ever sounded.
• Out of the whole album besides Only Love, I think there is some real commercial potential with Something to Believe In, Peace & Quiet, Hate Me Harder and Happy. While none of them are your run of the mill generic radio friendly tracks, they each feel very current and probably the most digestable but also super unique, whacky and quirky in their own way.

 

Thank you so much for this! Can't believe we'll all be listening next week 

[cyberpunkgoth]

14 hours ago, Popboi. said:

top 10 will be impossible without a hit

high road peak at #7 iirc 

so it's not impossible 

[youmustbeupgraded]

22 hours ago, Junlin said:

The commercial performance of this album perhaps is not that optimistic for such an “indie” era, and after checking Bebe position, that could be a reference for your expectation. 

oh well, she is in her avant garde era

[305]

It will def chart within the top 20/30 maybe even top 10, I think we all know this won't really be a huge success but to say it won't chart in the top 100 is comical

[Edgy]

I can't help but share my thoughts on the experience. It was an absolute delight to be among the first to hear the highly anticipated album.

 

Spoiler

Kesha has always been renowned for her energetic and empowering pop anthems, and her latest album, "Gag Order," further solidifies her position as a formidable presence in the music industry. With this album, Kesha demonstrates her evolution as an artist while remaining true to her distinctive style and infectious charisma.

One of the most remarkable aspects of "Gag Order" is its production. The tracks are expertly crafted, seamlessly blending a diverse range of genres to create a fresh and dynamic sound. Kesha's vocals are as captivating as ever, effortlessly carrying each song and conveying a wide range of emotions. This album primarily focuses on vulnerability and introspection, allowing listeners to connect with Kesha on a deeper level.

In conclusion, "Gag Order" is a resounding triumph for Kesha, showcasing her growth as an artist and her ability to create music that deeply resonates with listeners.

 

Edited May 10, 2023 by Edgy

[Gladiator]

13 minutes ago, Edgy said:

I can't help but share my thoughts on the experience. It was an absolute delight to be among the first to hear the highly anticipated album.

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Kesha has always been renowned for her energetic and empowering pop anthems, and her latest album, "Gag Order," further solidifies her position as a formidable presence in the music industry. With this album, Kesha demonstrates her evolution as an artist while remaining true to her distinctive style and infectious charisma.

One of the most remarkable aspects of "Gag Order" is its production. The tracks are expertly crafted, seamlessly blending a diverse range of genres to create a fresh and dynamic sound. Kesha's vocals are as captivating as ever, effortlessly carrying each song and conveying a wide range of emotions. This album primarily focuses on vulnerability and introspection, allowing listeners to connect with Kesha on a deeper level.

In conclusion, "Gag Order" is a resounding triumph for Kesha, showcasing her growth as an artist and her ability to create music that deeply resonates with listeners.

 

Any albums out there that the experience reminded you of sonically that we can draw as reference to what to expect?

[Junlin]

 

 

[Edgy]

7 minutes ago, Gladiator said:

Any albums out there that the experience reminded you of sonically that we can draw as reference to what to expect?

Out of her own discography, it is almost as if it were a long-lost cousin to Rainbow.

It is challenging to compare, but one could almost say that this is her own interpretation of Taylor Swift's 'Midnights'.

[gettsleazy]

I'm so glad I'm back right in time for the album release. It was grueling to watch y'all react to ETA and Fine Line real time. 

 

The visuals. The concept. The sound. The Rick Rubin co-sign. The rollout. This is everything I've ever wanted from a K era since she dropped Warrior.

 

I remember talking with my good judy @collin years back about how excited we'd be if Kesha experimented with a more downtown electronic sound and I can't believe we're actually getting something in that vein, let alone something produced alongside Rubin, Hudson Mohawke, and creative directed by Bryan Roettinger. 

 

Eat The Acid is a masterpiece. Easily Top 10 in her discography. It wasn't as instant for me, but oh my god I probably listen to it 10 times a day at this point. This is something so few mainstream artists dare create. It challenges then rewards you... the last minute is what I imagine god-fearing christians hear when the rapture begins. Fine Line was more instant melodically for me (the production is god tier), but the lyrics are really hard to digest given what we all know about the situation. I imagine it will strike a bigger chord with people who aren't as close to her legal battle (which will be incredible for her!) I do wish it had a "beat drop" but then I started to question why I'd even want that in a song that's so clearly personal, and I was able to reframe my thinking on it. Still, I play it less than ETA by a long shot. 

 

While I wish we got "music videos" I don't mind the visualizers. Eat The Acid's video is engaging enough to watch all the way through -- Fine Line not so much, but still incredible and mind-blowing. ETA is also incredibly thought-provoking and a great move from a marketing standpoint. 

 

I love that she's opening up about her "forced happiness" surrounding Animal and her revisit of that sound for High Road. I think that's why so many of us had a disconnect with that era -- it really did feel forced and I'm glad she's speaking on it. Her quote about always loving Animal and how nobody can ever take it from her. And how her old self is "dead"... 

 

I played both for some friends, and a handful of my friends LOVED ETA before I even shared it with them. This is her "art not the charts" era but I really wouldn't be shocked if this brought her back into the mainstream on its merit and artistry alone. 

 

We're SO ******* back girls! I can't believe this is what follows the High Road era. I really never thought it would happen.