FKA Twigs - LP1 - Album Review

[@drhesslen]

I don't understand why people view this as a completely sexual album. Yes, the music is very sexy sounding and it plays with your brain. The lyrics are minimally sexual though. People need to view this glorious album for its musical uniqueness and stop viewing everything with a dirty mind.

[@sumoni]

A lot of people think all she sings about is sex. A good deal of her songs are sexual, but some of them are about self-image, her career, and etc. I think it's easy to mistake a song for being sexual, because the tone of the music comes across that way.

[@thenimlil]

gurl ur on literally every FKA twigs video hahah

[@whatreallymatters571]

sumoni It's more sensual then sexual which brings something different. It's easy to confuse it with straight sex.

[@wheatscat2530]

Froot (the song) by Marina and the Diamonds is a great example of the usage of sex as metaphor. It uses sex and desire for said lover as a metaphor of for her love of songwriting and how she is "saving all her summers'" for music.

[@matisebenign]

You know, I've always wanted to find out how music would sound blending R&B and Indie music together... and I think FKA Twigs mastered it. I cant wait to buy this album!

[@jb44421]

the chipmunk voice on "Closer" sounds nice.

[@lola9827]

Fka twigs is trip-hop...

[@shanelladams9256]

Give up is not about sex. Its about her breaking the image as a background dancer and going into a strong music career. How can you compliment the album in the beginning then bash out the flaws in the end. The whole album isn't just sex.

[@ShinyRyuji]

thanks for clearing that up.

[@jb44421]

Yes, I don't hear a sexual reference in the whole track.

[@HeathenDeluxe]

You make the guy from the Needle Drop look like a young Sinatra in terms of cool.

[@jeffemerson60]

You know I really needed this. My friend's are ignoring me, I got sick, The landlord's gonna sue us for $100,000 (yeah, let's see how that work's out), I lost a huge video file I put a lot of work into and one of my favorite actor's (robin Williams) died. So, thank you for uploading this, mark. My hope's got a bit brighter tonight.

[@btdfw]

The "over production", as you refer to it, is the very essence of what trip hop is? Are you familiar with trip hop? That is a serious question. It is my favorite genre and it is the over produced sounds that made this more comfortable and settled me in for the ride that fka twigs takes me on every time I listen to her. Yes, it is uncomfortable at times to hear to most. I feel that, but that in itself is what makes me notice the music/songs and lyrics to begin with. Pretty good review, btw. How can you talk that fast. You must write this stuff out. Do you memorize it or read from que cards? That's a talent in itself. Good review with very interesting points.

[@MyKeyMoonShine]

I agree, some of the production is somewhat unpleasant or seems out of place but it adds to the track. Her music seems to be more about creating pieces of interesting music, as opposed to making songs that sound the best they can sound as songs.

[@aamontesa]

Thanks for scratching beneath the surface! I always thought FKA twigs only wanted to evoke sexual feelings in a different light, but I never thought that that sex she's talking about was a metaphor for her feminity.

[@powpowtm]

I can't wait for you to review BANKS - Goddess when it comes out in September!!

[@KendylTV]

I haven't checked your channel in a while because I had a lot of faults with the way you handled your reviews, but I decided to check back in and you've definitely improved since last year. Still a lot of disagreements, but that's why music's subjective. You definitely sound more reassured and confident, which is exactly how someone should speak when they speak their mind. (I'd still set a warning for when you break into rants, but they're meaningful rants that link to the review, so I approve).

[@PF736539]

I definitely agree with what you said about the production. It is experimental and unpredictably glitchy, to be certain, but it definitely distracts from the vocals and lyrics, which was a shame. But, it seems like a debut diagnosis. Up next, could you review either the new Clean Bandits, Spoon, or Porter Robinson album?

[@jb44421]

I change my mind after seeing the description... even Twigs does not classify her music as Alternative R&B. You are missing the mark on your depiction of the residual messages in the album: "sex as metaphor."

[@aureliogj7966]

I would go as far as to say , the album is this decades Homogenic. And if u know ur Björk u will know what i mean.......oh, great video by the way.

[@o.steinman3855]

i have no clue how i didn't make this link

[@soaribb32]

This album is not just sex. It's about self love and abusive relationships.

[@reubenlee5282]

oh my god... he gets it!!!!

[@LennyLaserdisk]

When comparing Twigs to Beyonce, Mariah, Gaga, Aaliyah or any other mainstream artist, I think its important to mention that Twigs produced the album herself! PS. EP2 > LP1

[@sumoni]

Yep, she basically learned how to create her music from scratch. Not something many artists that are making it big now can say. Not that they aren't talented in their own right. It's just nice to see someone take the time to learn how to produce, dance, write lyrics, and direct videos. It took her some time, but she's well deserving of the success she has now.

[@marcni]

That's not really accurate. Twigs participated in the production of LP1 and EP2, but she collaborated with big names like Arca, Clams Cassino, Emile Haynie and others. Idk about Beyonce, Mariah or Aliayah, but Gaga has always participated in the production of her albums too. And I think it doesn't really matter if the artist him/herself produces everything or collaborates. If it sounds good in the end, having an album produced by other people does not discretid the artist. And producing an album alone isn't that big of a deal. I mean, yeah, it's a lot of work, but lots of electronic music producers have done it without bragging about it.

[@sumoni]

marcni It certainly doesn't negate from an artist's abilities if they strictly stick to singing, you're right, as long as the music is good. But there are some artists who try to take more credit than they deserve for the production of their music when in fact they had like 5 or more writers and producers create the album for them. I think that artists who do get more involved in the technical aspects of creating their music do deserve a bit more praise than those who don't. I'm not an expert, but it sounds like it takes quite a bit of time and patience, especially if you don't know what you're doing initially. Than to just come in and sing with everything basically laid out for you. There's some people that think Taylor Swift deserved a grammy over Daft Punk. Daft Punk collaborates with other artists and in comparison Taylor's singles have outsold them. But I think artistically and technically, they more than deserved their grammy over her. I don't think it's bragging if you can honestly say that you contributed that much to your album. I think she's quite proud of it and she should be. Some commenters have been impressed with how she created her hi-hats. If you don't believe in what you do and take pride in your work, then what's the point?

[@marcni]

Yeah, I agree, artist should be proud of their work. I guess I'm just pissed at artists who use the fact that they produced their albums to promote it as "better" or "worthier". Lately, I feel there's a trend toward bedroom producers (cough, Grimes, cough) who get a lot of praise and hype when their music isn't actually that good. Oh, and I was talking only about production (as in the process that happens after songwriting and recording). Composition is a whole different story. If an artist just "comes and sings" and is not involved in the creation of its art in any other form, then I can't give the artist that much praise. And I don't feel good to comment on the Taylor Swift/Daft Punk thing since I'm not into their music.

[@sumoni]

marcni I see what you mean now. That makes sense and art is certainly subjective, even if someone produces it themselves. I think so far with FKA Twigs she's not promoting her record as better than others in that way. I think given what she's said about her background she's hustled pretty hard to learn and become knowledgeable about how to create her music. I'm not deep into the indie scene, but I do see that with a lot of mainstream artists. The bragging and lying about what they did with the production of their music. Like they're trying to prove their more than just a top 40 pop artist.

[@BollyBibby]

"...you perverts" 😂

[@IAmNotAFunguy]

You've done American Idol albums in the past. So can you review Testify by Caleb Johnson the newest Idol winner?

[@charlesjohnson7760]

You should check out and review the new spooky black project "Leaving" EP.

[@jb44421]

This review was OK. I think some of his comments are a bit excessive though. The album is TIMELESS . I will be listening to songs like "Closer" and "Lights On" for years to come.

[@crappypants100]

Can you review The Wind and The Wave's album From the Wreckage? It seems pretty interesting and I wanna know your thoughts.

[@trumpetking11]

You definitely got a new camera recently.

[@goodiesbaddies]

Great review ! I really was looking forward for you to review FKA Twig's album as many have been raving about it and, despite its positive feedback, I still don't really 'get it'. Putting aside a few tracks such as Two Weeks or Pendulum (which in my opinion have the perfect 'equilibrium' in comparism to the other tracks on the lp), I feel as if though the overall sound was a bit forced, trying too hard to sound different from other rnb artists, up to a point where it loses its concept and essence. Nonetheless, I value this album for its intellectual effort, and I couldn't agree more with you on the production as well as the minimum presence of melodies in general. Thank you for your review !

[@goodiesbaddies]

Can you please review Sky Ferreira's Night Time My Time ? It came out last year but I would be so grateful if you could give us your opinion on this album.

[@GerardoHernandez-pj8gs]

Please review The Saturdays Greatest Hit album!

[@RageNotch]

i would love to hear your review for INSA by Mellowhype :)

[@donovanumbra9704]

Dude you are brilliant! Your insights are original and on point and your manner is exciting. One tip, however, if I may: improve your speaking voice. Your intonation and rhythm has an abrasive, unrestrained quality that can be a bit off-putting. I'd hate for people to miss out on your work due to presentation; just something to think about.

[@mozique1851]

Thank u my friend, i shall work on it. :-)

[@Yungbratha]

Is this the weird girl with the two big front teeth?

[@mozique1851]

Lol i guess. Lol

[@goodmusiq880]

Loved your video! You might be into my friend, Gana! Search her Heart Shaped Box cover!

[@TAP555]

Hey, I don't know if you take requests but I sent you a message for one just there! :))

[@DamitaJo]

black people and people who listen to R&B really despise the term 'PBR&B'. Please don't use it again

[@lozoft9]

AMENNNNN!! I can't repeat this enough. It's the most condescending term I've heard music journos come up with in years.

[@whatreallymatters571]

Damita Jo What does it even mean?

[@whatreallymatters571]

Damita Jo Does he not realize that soft rock was basically created by black people as well and all music has a link to black people and the genres we create?

[@btdfw]

oh and to mention lady gaga really was distasteful in a comparison to fka twigs. Lady gaga TRIES so hard and to me is an epic failure every time. Apples to apples. Not pop to trip hop.

[@MyKeyMoonShine]

I don't think you give her enough credit. There are some brilliant moments in Gaga's discography. Also it really doesn't matter if they are different genres, he was comparing her music to a song that uses a similar theme and he even said that FKA Twigs did it better.

[@btdfw]

MyKeyMoonShine I don't give her any credit. Gaga is not worthy. It's just my opinion. Don't let it bother you.

[@MyKeyMoonShine]

Bryan Phillips I wasn't being bothered, just providing another opinion. It's called discussion, most people are used to it.

[@btdfw]

MyKeyMoonShine cool. I'm not trying to offend anyone. Love me some Twigs though. Her style and voice reminds me a bit of Nicola Hitchcock & Mandalay.

[@MyKeyMoonShine]

Bryan Phillips It's interesting that she rarely uses her full vocal range. You can tell she is capable of doing a lot more than she does on this album (not that what she does is in any way sub par). I guess it's more production/theme focused music. Someone compared her to Bjork in another comment. While vocally they sound nothing alike her vocal style and some of the production reminds me to some of Bjorks work, especially on Homogenic and Vespertine.