In a generation of instant gratification, artists that are able to steer clear of headlines and the spotlight are even more sought after. Fans become restless if they don’t hear new music from their favorite artists every year, comment sections are flooded with “Where’s the album” regardless of the nature of the post. Artists who are able to keep an air of mystery around themselves and their music have become rare but when these elusive artists return with new music, everything from the album itself to the promotion around it becomes elevated, and the excitement you feel about new music doubles. Since her 2008 debut, Santigold has been releasing some of the most innovative and daring music on her own time. Her latest release comes four years after her 2018 dancehall-inspired album, I Don’t Want. On 2022’s Spirituals, she navigates spacious, up-tempo instrumentals to create a consistent and fun LP.
The album kicks off on a high note. You instantly fall in love with Santigold’s high-pitched falsetto over the pitter-patter of guitar strings and booming 808s. While the light-heartedness of the instrumental is a ray of light, the songwriter’s lyrics juxtapose this feeling to tell the tales of inner demons and loneliness. This theme continues throughout the album, instrumentals that force you to dance are met with lyrics of concern, much like in the song “No Paradise”. The undeniable rhythm of the song simply lays the backdrop for Santigold to croon about the struggles that continue to plague so much of the world.
On Spirituals, Santigold achieved consistency without becoming stale. While the tempos switch between electronic-infused ballads like the ambient song “The Lasty” and the bluegrass-inspired single “Shake”, she never loses sight of the complete body of work. The album is largely dance-inspired, she’s able to manipulate the definition of the genre and create a world so bright and colorful that it is easy to get lost in the intertwining sonics. She structures the songs on Spirituals in such a way that you’re able to cherish every scattering drum pattern and lush synth, Santigold forces you to focus and appreciate every aspect of the music she created without making it too obvious.
The ten songs that made the final cut for Santigold’s fifth studio album are jam-packed with her creative approach to melody and unpredictable song structures. Every moment on Spirituals feels purposeful and meaningful, leaving no note behind, but in the end, you’re left wanting more. It’s understood that sacrifices are made in order to keep the vision of the album true, another two or three songs would be welcomed to extend the length of this otherwise incredibly fun album.
While Santigold takes her time with releasing new art, it is always worth the wait. Spirituals is no different, she created a very enjoyable album filled with so much personality and emotion that it’s hard to deny the beauty of it. While the length does make you question what could have been, the 10-tracks presented are so masterfully done and built to be put on repeat.
One Response
I love the opening tracks, but hate the end of the album. Not because i never want to hear aggressive or danceable music, but because the flow of the album doesnt make any sense. I might have been able to forgive it, if the last tracks were amazing, but they are just horrible. Its like painting a beautiful picture and then paint it black.