Reverend & The Makers: This How Happiness Feels?
Jon McClure crafts big anthems brimming with emotion on This How Happiness Feels?. This labor of love, born from a time of loss, radiates joy through tracks like the Motown-inspired ‘Haircut,’ where apologies flow to a loved one overlooked amid their stylish new look.
McClure channels a midnight caller in the humorous ‘Late Night Phone,’ blending easy-listening vibes reminiscent of Sinatra backed by a colliery band. Robbie Williams joins on ‘F***ed Up,’ pondering fame’s twists that lead to therapy while grasping at sanity.
The album shifts from the slow funk of ‘UFO’ to the epic, Ennio Morricone-esque maximalism of ‘Who Cares.’ Overall, it delivers an uplifting experience.
Rating: ****
Lykke Li: The Afterparty
Swedish artist Lykke Li lays bare her soul on her sophisticated sixth album, The Afterparty, emerging as a stronger artist with a matured voice. Her once-cute tone now rounds out perfectly, merging organic instruments with signature electronica.
‘Not Gon Cry’ sets a revolutionary tone, fueled by a gospel-inflected chorus. She unleashes female rage in ‘Happy Now,’ where orchestras and choirs ignite a disco explosion. ‘Lucky Again’ sweeps like a contemporary take on Stevie Nicks.
True to its name, the afterparty surpasses the main event, positioning Li for her next chapter.
Rating: ***
