Sunglasses

I've given this album a fair shot — probably seven or eight full listens — and I just can't connect with it the way so many people seem to. The opening track drew me in with its promise of something special, but the album never delivers on that promise. It keeps gesturing toward profundity without actually achieving it. The production is admittedly impressive from a technical standpoint, and there are flashes of genuine songwriting talent. But too much of this feels like an artist trying to be Important with a capital I rather than just making good music. I wanted to love it, I really did.

Tried really hard to get into this and gave it way more chances than most albums. Some sections are legitimately interesting but they're sandwiched between long stretches of tedium. Not worth the effort for most listeners.

This grew on me a lot. First listen I thought it was good, not great. By the fifth listen I was completely hooked. The subtlety of the arrangements really rewards patience and close attention.