Review
"All Born Screaming" by St. Vincent is like stepping into a new literary era penned by the artist herself, Annie Clark. Known for her earlier detours into the avant-garde, this self-produced album signals a reset, embracing a warmer, more romantic vibe. Musically, it’s a rich tapestry woven with threads of Bond-like drama, Steely Dan-infused prog, buoyant art-pop, and a touch of industrial rock's grittiness. This creates an expansive, almost liberating sound, a sharp contrast to the meticulously controlled narratives of her past works.
Imagine reading a novel, where each chapter introduces a new depth of human emotion against a backdrop of both beauty and violence. The album dives off with the psychedelic dreamscape of "Hell Is Near," enveloping you in layered sounds and haunting vocals. "The Power's Out" is like a dreamy, reflective love letter, while "Reckless" captures the raw turbulence felt after losing someone dear. Clark's lyrics, often enigmatic, carry a glimmer of hope and shared human experience. The title track, "All Born Screaming," encapsulates the raw vitality of life itself, underlining the paradox that to be born screaming is to affirm one's existence. Garnering high praise with a Metacritic score of 89, "All Born Screaming" stands as a testament to St. Vincent’s evolution, connecting deeply personal themes with universal resonance. - Josh
