SOPHIE - PRODUCT

SOPHIE
PRODUCT
2015
SOPHIE - PRODUCT

The concept is one that we have seen before. Take an album and make it what would be considered super commercial while mocking the idea of commercialism at the same time. PRODUCT is a collection of singles that have been released over the past couple of years from London producer SOPHIE. In line with the concepts the music is crystal clear deep pop. On "LEMONADE" the title is repeated along with the term "candy boys" over and over throughout the track emphasizing the sweetness that the track is supposed to portray. However under the entire album there is something sinister, just under the surface letting you know that not all is what it seems within the track. "LEMONADE" going into "HARD" shows that shift of moving from the brightness of what the music possibly can be into the depths of what it may become. The album can almost entirely be classified as PC music using tones that are almost entirely computer operated and have that often thin quality that so often comes with the genre.

Listening to the record that concept makes sense but the actual product is never all that impressive. Besides a few moments on the just over 25 minute record as a whole movements go on to long and get all mixed up in quite pedestrian music. The tracks where there are lyrics are reminiscent of Shamir ("VYZEE") but are not done at as high of a level. Because the album was compiled over such a long period of time tracks that may have felt fresh at the time seem dated now while the more recent ones actually do connect with what is going on today. It is an odd feeling and gives the album it's jumbled sense unlike Oh Wonder who's album was done over year but still feels like it was meant to be together. The best track is probably the last "JUST LIKE WE NEVER SAID GOODBYE" as it is the one time that you can actually connect with something that doesn't just feel totally hollow. Nice attempt with the concept but the execution leaves something to be desired, PRODUCT is one thing you can leave off your shopping list.

5 out of 10