sneakyishere Posted May 2 Posted May 2 (edited) Honestly feeling really bad for anyone who can't hear the brilliance in this album, sooo much more interestingly produced, melodically nuanced and lyrically mature than the previous one. I absolutely do agree with the sentiment that she won't be getting a big bad #1 this era, but genuinely good music rarely spawns such success, so... that said, French Exit is my least favourite of the album, while Houdini, EOAE, HFY, TW, FF are my favourites for sure. The massive attack influence is nowhere to be seen, but there for sure are smidges of psychedelia and britpop Edited May 2 by sneakyishere 8 1
Kayseri Mantisi Posted May 2 Posted May 2 Falling Forever was my fav and it aged for me on second listen? What's happening Maria is also giving a big skip? And singles are giving they were the best songs? This album is a let down for me *as of now* i am disappointed omg
ahauntingnearu Posted May 2 Posted May 2 MA REE YUH!!!! EOAE is such an unexpected album opener tbh I like it and am positive it will grow on me, but easily her worst opener - no question TW is such a damn bop I can't WD is almost like style in the verses, not literally in sound, but in vibe? Idk how to explain it - so good though. The bass is awesome FE a great breather - not a standout but far from filler. This is the first time I'm thinking "we need the extended version!" FF I died. This could have used an amazing key change tbh if she really wanted to make a gay anthem AFL is so good, that drop I Love! So sad it's so short but it still works as a track Maria whew HFY so good too, it does make me emotional - her best closer by far (not that that was going to be hard to beat) ----- All in all, her melody game is ON POINT - she and crew really did THAT! Production is very good (and anyone saying any more than two songs max are "FN 2.0" are just gonna expose themselves as morons lol). I wish she'd put more thought into harmonies, adlibs, additional vocals that could further add to the songs. I wish H and TS had more influenced the sound of the album tbh, I like it all but loved that direction kore than the happy, light vibes throughout. Maybe more on a deluxe later? This album is so warm - perfect summer listening tbqh. It certainly won't top FN if we're honest, not that it isn't better in some ways - just that that came during a really special and unique time and I can't see a "normal release" like RO taking its place for that reason. Buuuut I am so excited to continue listening. Anyone who says this isn't a veeeery solid pop album is just delusional 2
Gladiator Posted May 2 Posted May 2 (edited) Pop fans not liking when a pop star serves pop music is something that needs to be studied the **** some of you talking about Edited May 2 by Gladiator 1 1 4
Peak Now Posted May 2 Posted May 2 HOW LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG
My20sBlues Posted May 2 Posted May 2 This as an album as a whole is better than FN, but the hits were clearer on FN which isn't exactly a bad thing. 4
TayDuaStan Posted May 2 Posted May 2 So i heard the album and well… it's great… for the most part, but nowhere near as consistent as Future Nostalgia or Debut. Falling Forever, Anything For Love, Happy For You, Maria, Illusion & These Walls are is the highlights. Although AFL being that short is a crime. Watcha Doing is good, although it didn't deserve the hype. "It's RO's Levitating" was a HUGE LIE. French Exit is boring Falling Forever & Anything For Love are incredible. Can't wait to hear them live on tour. And the production is top notch (Ian delivered) End Of An Era is ok These Walls is also incredible. On repeat Maria is a huge bop. So good Happy For You might be one of Dua's absolute best songs, like wow (I need DL4 to be an album full of this sound). If she went all in with singles produced by Danny & Kevin, why didn't she release this as a lead, it's one of the best songs of all time Illusion is still incredible Houdini & Training Season remain god awful. The NMP & Good In Bed of Radical Optimism.
marty_xcx Posted May 2 Posted May 2 these walls, anything for love, happy for you are the standouts on my first listen 1
Peak Now Posted May 2 Posted May 2 Just now, ahauntingnearu said: I wish she'd put more thought into harmonies, adlibs, additional vocals that could further add to the songs. You know, I think you hit the nail on the head here: compared to FN the tracks sound a bit... empty? I guess that's the Kevin Parker impact
Peak Now Posted May 2 Posted May 2 2 minutes ago, TayDuaStan said: Houdini & Training Season remain god awful. The NMP & Good In Bed of Radical Optimism. keep Houdini out of your mouth omg 4 3
MaxMartin Posted May 2 Posted May 2 (edited) This era was SO mismanaged... -TS should have never been released as a single -Houdini was a good lead but the video was so lazy and boring for a lead single -watcha doing should have been released as the second single with a bomb video ala espresso -She should've shut up about psychedelia & experimentation cause the album's theme is nothing like that and just sounded pretentious Edited May 2 by MaxMartin 3 1 1
Peak Now Posted May 2 Posted May 2 (edited) Agreeing with everyone else that Maria is an album highlight It's kinda Mediterranean? Oh the Eternal Summer Vacations must've inspired her Edited May 2 by AndThenTheCocaine
TayDuaStan Posted May 2 Posted May 2 My current ranking: Happy For You Falling Forever Anything For Love These Walls Illusion Maria Whatcha Doing End of An Era French Exit — Barrier— — Earth's mantle — Houdini Training Season
_Fey Posted May 2 Posted May 2 1 minute ago, sneakyishere said: Honestly feeling really bad for anyone who can't hear the brilliance in this album, sooo much more interestingly produced, melodically nuanced and lyrically mature than the previous one. I absolutely do agree with the sentiment that she won't be getting a big bad #1 this era, but genuinely good music rarely spawns such success, so... Yeah, there is so much growth here. Whether or not I like it more than FN (I can't tell yet), I feel like FN is going to sound "immature" after this. I definitely think acknowledgement of the growth from her previous work will get lost in discussions about "but there's no obvious hit" lol especially coming off an album that felt like it was full to the brim with potential hits. I think it's okay though. Dua is still popular, hot, and well liked. I think she can afford to have a "the girls didn't get it, maybe it was ahead of its time" album right now. 3 2
djcalpal Posted May 2 Posted May 2 Just now, TayDuaStan said: My current ranking: Happy For You Falling Forever Anything For Love These Walls Illusion Maria Whatcha Doing End of An Era French Exit — Barrier— — Earth's mantle — Houdini Training Season LOL your hatred for Smashdini and Winning Season needs to be studied. 1
Peak Now Posted May 2 Posted May 2 (edited) Honestly, Future Nostalgia is one of my favorite albums ever so I don't fault this album that much for not "living up" to it. Edited May 2 by AndThenTheCocaine 1
djcalpal Posted May 2 Posted May 2 As a whole this album actually reminds me more of Debut than Future Nostalgia. 2
sweetblindness Posted May 2 Posted May 2 Anything for Love was a little disappointing, should've at least been developed into a fuller song. It ended right as I was getting into it 1
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