Well well... it's been 4 extra long years. I have alot to say. And I'm going to be totally honest, and not give a biased opinion. Which I've thought about all day, cause it's hard to come up with an honest opinion about something sometimes when you love someone so fiercely.
Lets start with the the above picture. And all the Supernova photoshoots and art for that matter. I love it! He looks so handsome! And young! And there's even a picture of him smiling! It's all new for him, the clothes, the hair....and I really think he looks awesome! I've read so much shit about him "selling out" and blah blah blah. That's so stupid. If he wore the same three shirts for the rest of his life and sang the same sounding songs forever people would complain about that! I think what's gotten people feathers so ruffled is that for Ray it's just SO incredibly different.
My very first listen to this album I was let down. I'll be honest. But I know why. Waiting for Rays new stuff is the longest wait you'll ever wait in your life. And I literally, honestly thought about and wondered about what it would be/sound like every single week of those 4 years. And this was 200% not what I thought it would sound like. Then I heard Supernova. I knew it would be very different. But I loved Supernova instantly. After I came to terms with it being the total opposite of his old stuff, I could appreciate the new.
I love all the interviews he's done about this album. Talking about how he was so tired of it. And not feeling excited and inspired anymore. That's sooo understandable. Especially with his stuff. It's all so depressing and mellow dramatic I'm sure it would get old writing that stuff and singing it every night. And I for one and happy that he's came out of some funk he was in, as he put it. He's having fun, and that makes me love it even more!
Yes, this whole entire cd sounds like he was trippin on drugs the whole time he recorded it. And maybe he was! haha But it's different, and it's fun and some of it's very lovely.
So... a list of sorts:
1- Ojai - This is my favorite kinda Ray. I love the music. Sounds like old 80s country. But is it number 1? I don't know haha these lists are so hard for me.
2- Airwaves - I love this lil noises and jump, shouts! I see this one being fun live too. A foot stomper. ** haha this went from #9 to number #2. Love when that happens! I absolutely LOVE this song!!
3- Supernova - I just love it!! His voice sounds fantastical. And it's fun!! I wonder if his niece Zoe loves it :) And Mister is sounding very sexy.
4- Pick Up A Gun - This reminds me of Rays old stuff like Be Here Now and I Still Care For You. I love the lyrics. Kind of haunting and depressing, but the good ones always are.
5- No Other Way - Same as Pick Up A Gun, this sounds like some of his older stuff. Love it!
6- Drive-In Movies - When I saw the track names a few weeks ago I was so excited about this song. We go to the drive-in quite a bit around these parts. It's a summer staple. It's cute. Which is not a word I'd usually ever use for Ray. And it's catchy. We'll never go to the drive-in again without singing this lil tune.
7- She's The One - I'm real, real excited to hear this song live. It sounds like it'll be a chair slammer. I love him screamin GIRL at the end. YES!!!! It sounds a bit like Jack White, which is A-OK with me!
8- Lavender - The first time I listened this was my least favorite. But it's growing on me, which means this list will probably change. And I hear Dan!!
9- Julia - I love the music in this song! Hello Dan Auerbach!! Its a feel good song! But I do think of Julia Nunes every time I sing Juuuuliaaa :)
10- Smashing - One has to be at the bottom. I say it every time. This songs just weird. Not that I don't like it. It reminds me of something that would have been in Forrest Gump in the scenes where Jennys getting high and standing on that balcony. This song
I've only listened to this album about 4 times so this is a very iffy list. But I am excited and I'm super glad it's different and so flowy and feel goody. I LOVE HIM THE MOST!
