Violet

I appreciate the artistic risk-taking even if the result is a bit of a mess. There are kernels of good ideas scattered throughout but nothing is developed enough to really land. Frustrating because you can hear the potential.

I went into this with an open mind and came out confused about its reputation. The songwriting is meandering, the production choices are baffling, and the whole thing feels about twice as long as it needs to be. There are maybe two tracks that justify their existence and the rest is filler. I don't begrudge anyone who loves this — art is subjective and all that — but I find the unanimous critical acclaim mystifying. This felt like homework, not music. I kept waiting for the moment where it all clicks and it just never came.

The first half of this album is some of the best music I've ever heard. The second half is merely great. That slight drop-off is the only thing keeping this from a perfect score. Still an essential listen.