ALBUM REVIEW: Major Lazer 'Free The Universe'
One of the most anticipated albums of the past two years, 'Free The Universe' from Major Lazer, landed in Australia this week. Read about it here!
One of the most anticipated albums of the past two years - with supposed release dates bouncing around like the drunk chick at a party, 'Free The Universe' from Major Lazer landed in Australia this week.
With the pressure cooker of hype that was lit under this release after the breakthrough success of 2009's 'Guns Don't Kill People, Lazers Do' recently solo head of the collective, Wesley Pentz a.k.a Diplo, had a mean feat in following up the buzz surrounding this release . A challenge that was met head on and resulted in what could well be one of the best releases of 2013 (still waiting for Daft Punk's 'Random Access Memories' though).
'Free The Universe' sees Major Lazer taking a step away from the classical reggae format that hosted the core of their sound in their debut LP. Though still largely song based and eclectic as ever, you can really hear (to no real surprise) Diplo leading the collective towards a more dance music orientated sound.
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We've all heard the albums three singles: Jah No Partial, Get Free and Watch Out For This (Bumaye) on blast via radio & blogs for the past year, so lets take a look at what the release has to offer beyond these three sure-fire hits. Here're my five 'must listen' picks (in no particular order):
1. You're No Good [feat. Santigold, Vybz Kartel, Danielle Haim & Yasmin]
Opening the album, this track employs the infectious hooks & trademark voice of Santigold, along with the smooth, bouncy rapping(?) of Vybz Kartel to welcome you to the new Major Lazer. Rolling snares and natural percussion bring an organic element to the track and work along side the song based form to take 'You're No Good' out of club territory and into the land of 'on repeat on my ipod'.
2. Keep Cool [feat. Shaggy & Wynter Gordon]
Is this a dance track or a song? I'm not sure, but I can't stop humming the chorus. Slamming industrial, dubstep-esque percussion and big ravey top line synths carry the classic throaty rapping of Shaggy and nurture the big room vocals of Wynter Gordon. A polished, poppy, dance hall edged track that bangs!
3. Scare Me [feat. Peaches & Timberlee]
Wooooah, I caught the end of this on Triple J the morning of the albums release - not knowing it was Major Lazer - and couldn't say it sounded quite like anything of recent times. A fast paced, super cool, 'Monster Mash'-esque pop song that has an energy unlike anything else on the album. Listen to this.
4. Bubble Butt [feat. Bruno Mars, Tyga & Mystic]
Thankfully Bruno Mars has no real place in this song outside of the chorus and instead we have some killer verses from Mystic & Tyga. Mystic brings an uber smooth, sex obsessed, boss woman vibe in her verse and references 'Guns Don't Kill People, Lazers Do' with the line 'Make you vibrate like a Nokia'. Tyga follows suit with a graphic response to Mystics sexual certainty, getting a bit grim with the line 'I ate the pussy fast, I'm about to start burping'. This is the track that screams trademark Diplo to me, the bouncy hip hop track is fun, upbeat and both ipod and club playable.
5. Jessica [feat. Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend]
Wake up on a sunny sunday morning, a bit hungover but feeling positive. Put this song on. 'Jessica [feat. Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend]' is the most reggae tinged track on the album and is totally made by the distinct and perfectly fitting vocal style of Ezra Koenig. I wasn't sure about this track until I found myself humming it.
'Free The Universe' is a release you need to hear to understand, get down to your nearest record store and grab yourself a copy, even if only for the artwork.
Words by Chevy Long
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