Fred again.. - Actual Life 3 ALBUM REVIEW

Listen: • Fred again.. - Bleu (b...
Fred's talents as a producer are evident on AL3's brightest moments, but he's not quite there as an album artist yet.
More electronic reviews: • Electronic Reviews
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FAV TRACKS: EYELAR, KAMMY, DANIELLE, KELLY
LEAST FAV TRACK: BERWYN
FRED AGAIN.. - ACTUAL LIFE 3 (JANUARY 1 - SEPTEMBER 9 2022) / 2022 / ATLANTIC / HOUSE, UK GARAGE
6/10
Y'all know this is just my opinion, right?

[@revantdasgupta8298]

You know a Dance album is doing well when Melon reviews it

[@willeditsvids]

Fred’s doing super well in general due to his boiler room set blowing up and a lot of tiktok hype as well

[@feli6277]

@@willeditsvids he already produced big hits for Ed Sheeran, too

[@jamkick8]

Delilah is genuinely one of the greatest sounding songs I’ve ever heard in my life.

[@ubesaaa]

It is by far the greatest experience of my life to enjoy Delilah live... It was the finale of the set and the build up was incredible and I don't think I've ever felt happiness like that.

[@gasmask1408]

so great, goosebumps

[@solosol5430]

A breath of fresh air in the current zeitgeist of electronic music. Although I agree that he is not a strong album artist yet, the guy has craaaazy potential.

[@casperolsen5247]

His first album is like one big song, everything is connected. Wished this album was the same, but it does not flow the same way as the first or even the second did.

[@e-o-o]

Can’t believe Fred went from most subscribed KZbinr to an electronic producer. Very unexpected turn of events!

[@vVincent.]

@@Matatrocity yeah but the ones that know, know...

[@willt.9654]

Only real ones remember the neighborhood squirrels

[@BopPop42]

I can't believe I lived in that time very vividly and yet it took me 2 seconds to make the connection.

[@teratoma.]

@@Matatrocity im 7 and i get it

[@Nezzen-]

is it bad that i actually thought for a second that this was fred? i had to see the comments to confirm it lol

[@Wiggywatup]

Love Fred's work. Agree some cuts not as strong as others, but all three Actual Life albums are easy plays all the way through for background music. Definetly some bangers on this album and one of my favorite electric producers right now.

[@apollog7764]

The life of a Fantano fan. Just like that you’re gonna enjoy Fred’s music less forever because fantano gave him a 6.

[@MtMars]

@@apollog7764 projecting

[@RichieProth]

The pronunciation of Garage at 0:42 shook me to my British core

[@RichieProth]

@@ChrisLawton66 you're the one who replied to a comment I left on a video that came out a year ago, Chris. Touch grass

[@LikeFourOrFiveOtherNames]

haha, i feel the opposite whenever i hear the british pronunciation… maybe we’re both saying it wrong!

[@ChrisLawton66]

@@RichieProth fair point

[@movement6514]

Fantano can't review electronic albums...

[@Imnotevenhuman]

9 out of 10 times it's an L take

[@billmonitor2372]

He did though

[@Cohen-]

​@@Imnotevenhuman Truth. Still surprised he called Space Laces a banger despite his music being so polarizing. But every other album that's Electronic that ain't Daft Punk gets pretty much shat on. I mean even daft punk recently got some slack by Mr melon didn't they? Or am I being dumb

[@mrtestarossa]

i was not expecting a review of this, but its a pretty valid opinion. can't believe you didn't like delilah as much though, that one is probably my favorite dance track of this year.

[@justanotherguy2590]

Honestly

[@lauracassin329]

it’s a certified BOP

[@MarshallSteeves]

Hard agree

[@MicDrg]

Delilah is comparatively simple, but it is #1 regardless. Agreed

[@Eric-hb5dn]

i think 6 is a perfect score for it, but delilah is easily my favorite song on the album

[@Name-qo6gz]

Delilah into Kammy with the transition is perfection

[@jackninetynine5036]

Seen as this guy doesn’t really review dance music I’d say it’s not his genre & was really harsh with rating this album. This is one of the best dance albums of the last few years should be an 8 at least

[@bzrkr444]

One thing I really like about Fred's music is how intimate it is, from the samples, to the titling and covers. It gives the music a really authentic vibe, like you listening to a completely pure feeling, completely honest

[@cheesybirdmess7349]

Exactly, he doesn't focus on himself but THE PEOPLE which is so refreshing nowadays. Have you ever watched his live and the way he includes in a vertical screen original stories from the people that were sampled? Goosebumps. Another level.

[@jonathanneel4266]

This is my favorite thing about Fred again’s music imo and it’s something fantano completely missed on this one

[@kc-lz8gs]

this is the complete opposite to me, it feels very intentional and manufactured lol

[@Aka47xxx]

Major label release.

[@benjadamon]

Wooooah did not expect Fantano to ever talk about Fred lol. Most exciting artist in the game right now

[@sovka8394]

overatted af. good finger drummer tho.

[@eastmidlandsmlbmeet-ups7186]

Talented but to me a budget Jamie xx

[@Aaantoni_]

@@eastmidlandsmlbmeet-ups7186 I'll take even a budget version of Jamie xx honestly, there's nothing out there even close to In Colour

[@cbftb]

I know right! Madness🤯

[@Kinshasa9200]

@@eastmidlandsmlbmeet-ups7186 his boiler room set is 10/10. His albums are pretty mediocre, but all of his best tracks would make a great ep. Would see him live for sure.

[@fa2lemuelm2]

Didn't expect you to review this. The description is quite fitting indeed. Can't wait to see if he can improve from here

[@JoaoPedro-hb3ms]

Actual Life 1 is still his best album

[@landoland6945]

2>>

[@danielleoooo]

Facts

[@Tom-dt9gs]

actual life 1 is FIRE and is 10/10. al3 is 6/10 good take melon

[@valence_electronica]

2 is just sooo emotional and kind of thematically constructed... I like AL1 but AL2 just hits harder

[@a2j544]

Deliliah (pull me out of this) is one of my favorite songs of all times. It would be damn near impossible to count the amount of times I've put my headphones on and listened to this song while on my way to a party and just felt an overwhelming sense of excitement

[@odmoore8908]

I think Actual Life 3 is not as strong as the first and second iterations, as they are more ‘album-like’ and have incredible mixing as they tell a story, especially given their contexts of being released in lockdown and I think they reflect the mood of uncertainty and beauty of the small, intimate moments and glimpses of better days that interspersed some really shite times for a lot of people. TL;DR - your moustache gives you good takes, Melon

[@hn6850]

I totally agree, this had bangers obviously from the Boiler Room but there was a lack of overall cohesion in comparison to his 2 other albums

[@Mattrae61]

A shame Melon was only able to pick up Fred whilst at his third and arguably most forgettable album, I don't think anything will ever come close to the emotions and feelings he was able to grasp within AF1. Lockdown clearly had a huge impact upon his producing, one that was translated straight to those who were lucky enough to begin listening back in 2020/early 2021, he really did something special.

[@benjadamon]

Spot on man. First two albums are special. New one is still great imo but doesn’t capture the same emotions.

[@djason_music]

Truth. AF1 in the time and place was so powerful

[@turkeychicken69]

His first album slaps

[@ItsLaxe]

this

[@Aka47xxx]

Nobody listens to his albums though. They're all so meh and forgettable. Lockdown nostalgia is the only thing going for him.

[@user-qo3xe5bv8l]

I’m so happy that you’re giving Fred some recognition, Anthony! This man is a gift to EDM and one of my favorite artists that I’ve discovered this year. I gotta say though, I have no idea how Clara and Delilah didn’t end up on best tracks, but that’s just me. I think they’re incredible. Either way, though, thank you for putting some time into his music and highlighting this man’s amazing talents.

[@user-qo3xe5bv8l]

@@Kyoko_ I’ve been listening to EDM since I was 10, and I’m 28 now. Still love him though!

[@DixonYamouf]

​@@Kyoko_ 10 years of dance music and Fred Again.. is one of those generational talents we hardly see bro

[@ckpizzle]

@@Kyoko_ weird gatekeeping comments like this just show how much of a loser you actually are

[@Kyoko_]

@@ckpizzle if you actually call it EDM and have been listening for 18 years then I dunno what to say

[@RoarTheRapper]

Subtlety artists are pretty unique I say, cause it's so easy to go for "the drop" or the earworm you know people want from many genres of music, but purposefully going away from those unspoken expectations makes for, in my mind, a more memorable artist.

[@sunfish9341]

this is true but i think these days a lot of musicians realize this and have started to go for that lofi contemplative sound and its made for a few pretty boring albums that have hit mainstream edm recently imo

[@RoarTheRapper]

@@sunfish9341 I know not everyone likes softer music but i don't thiink it's at all boring.

[@MalcolmTown]

Which albums specifically bro, I'm tryna rate your take

[@thugger2474]

I would give the album a 10/10

[@benw2751]

Worst one of the 3. Definitely not a 10

[@thugger2474]

@@benw2751 i think it is :) I like all three!!

[@danielwalberg3660]

@@thugger2474 w attitude

[@conner5290]

Didn’t expect you to review Fred. Nice to see this. You should review Odesza or Rufus Du Sol

[@leachjames85]

Actually surprised he hasn’t reviewed any ODESZA stuff yet

[@rossshiell2670]

our guy despises Odesza.

[@Cardvell]

Because it’s an instant 10

[@roelhumanoinquisitivo5804]

@@rossshiell2670 why? Any ideas?

[@rossshiell2670]

@@roelhumanoinquisitivo5804 Most people are like this with their music tastes - they ignore whole genres because they don't have the flavour they are looking for. Fantano doesn't particularly like country or melodic hardcore either.

[@elliottharris7496]

So happy Fantano gave this attention. I only very recently learned about Fred and being a new fan in the leadup to this album release was such a great experience.

[@djason_music]

Excited to see a fred review!! He was my most listened artist this year according to Spotify. Some bangers on this but not my favorite LP of his. If new listeners haven’t listened to his boiler room set on KZbin you must must must

[@sarrrrrrah1D]

would love to hear you review his previous projects in more detail, I think they come off as stronger projects to be honest

[@justinlong7778]

Yeah that’s a wildly low score for such an influential mix this one going down in history

[@FELLABORIS]

Fred disappointedly glances at that melon guy

[@alexlegaspy2641]

Haunting. Elegant. Beautiful. Divine. A powerful storm of raw sacred emotion. This is what dreams sound like.

[@RawrThinkFast]

man blew up the scene, I thoroughly enjoyed hearing his refreshing sound when I first heard him. only way is up!

[@BornBackward]

Fred's live show gets me in the feels everytime. 😭 Caught him three times in 22.. one time I was on acid and literally cried the whole time

[@steviejettstvset3462]

I think that Bored Lord - In Case We Never Get To Rave Again from 2020 is a more interesting project with a lot of similar elements to this one. Gave the same score that you did to this Fred Again album about a month ago by the way, which is probably the first time that has happened to me with one of your reviews. So that’s kinda cool, I think

[@tomasb6623]

He has a lot of potential and i love this album

[@shmoggy417]

Part of the abrupt transition I think from Kelly to Mustafa is to reflect the "end of a nightmare". I was expecting a killer transition like those in Actual life 2, but it makes sense. His first two albums have incredible flow and story telling

[@pearvoz]

I've loved that kammy track since he played it in that boiler room set

[@apc9681]

Best British pop-edm album in years

[@josealbertoum5149]

It amazes me how much the cheering from the crowd on his Boiler Room added to the track, especially Danielle. Still love em tho

[@bubblegum7489]

The album was pretty good imo. Gave the whole thing a listen from start to the end while on an evening walk and it literally felt like i was in an underground rave club. Well done fred , made me fall in love with garage and house again.

[@madhavsankaranarayanan4588]

People on the subreddit were just complaining about Tony not covering this 😂

[@jjthetrainman9430]

Is Fantano going to do a review on Jakey's Romcom?

[@markshortall3384]

I immediately fast-forwarded to see if this would be a review where he stared at the camera for the whole video, after that intro and the limp biscuit review

[@coop3014]

Fred is the absolute Goat and you have no idea what you’re talking about. I hope he doesn’t ever follow any of critique.

[@tysonjankowiak]

Just came home from a fred again show!!!! Man is a wizard!! Best birthday ever lfgg

[@sachitechless]

I'll have to give some of these tracks another listen, I've definitely been pulled to his sounds but his albums definitely don't feel like a strong thorough listen. Delilah (Pull Me Out Of This) just hits the perfect sad banger vibe, especially as someone who uses music as escapism a bit much while I'm feeling low.

[@benjadamon]

Check out his other albums as well!! This is his weakest so far. If you’re looking for sad bangers go for Angie (I’ve Been Lost), Dermot (see yourself in my eyes) or Roze (forgive).

[@Warnerchild]

really surprised no "show me the body" review - and would love him to review "enumclaw"

[@Mantinhas]

Can't believe Fred the youtube star from 2009 made a comeback as a musician just to receive a 6 from the 🐐

[@gardenboydon]

Fred again reminds me a bit of Jamie xx production wise. If you are into quieter & sad sounding house, check this album out. There are some fantastic tracks

[@lauracassin329]

delilah is a certified bop in my opinion

[@benmckevitt5904]

Finally recognition for Fred!

[@ryandoeren6638]

haha did you sell out the MSG on 3 days notice? Didn't think so...

[@tori5008]

What’d you think of his coachella set?!

[@username-1999]

fred possesses melon and now both of them are staring at my soul for 7 minutes

[@smitty1937]

Yesss!! Love Fred Again, especially the early releases off this album

[@CoochiesaurusX]

10 OUT OF 10 REVIEW IT AGAIN!

[@michaelbernetediaz]

Love the review although I have to disagree with your take on Delilah which personally is one of my favourite songs. Hopefully you’ll continue to cover his stuff! AL1 must have been his best so far

[@ohdae-su4949]

You should check out his other projects, especially his ep "gang" with headie one.

[@jacob8972]

i don’t think we listened to the same Clara (the night is dark)

[@BelzertheRippler]

Pretty spot on. Excited to see what Fred does gong forward. Lemon meringue pie is the best

[@OsamaRaoPK]

I'm surprised Bleu isn't part of your favorite tracks. I'm loving that one.

[@crabstory]

You think you might review Jakey's Romcom?

[@RiceyBhoy89]

I loved the album,you maybe didn’t get lost enough in it but hey actual life isn’t for everyone..folk are just used to the polished expected usual shenanigans of EDM artists and there’s nothing wrong with that either but Fred I feel isn’t just trying to make good music,he’s trying to put his emotions out there and not everyone is going to connect with him.

[@Clavinization]

Are you going to review Jakey's ROMCOM?

[@jamesr141]

This guy is not a music nerd. He knows literally nothing about music. He's a consumer. Music nerds are composers, producers and artists, virtuosos, people who study and learn the art of MUSIC. Listening to a bunch of other people's work and judging it doesn't make you a nerd. If I eat a lot of food am I a chef? Am I a 'culinary nerd'? Fantano has stayed in the restaurant his whole life and has literally never been in the kitchen. He has no place calling himself a music nerd.

[@frankiepaul77]

Hey Melon, could you review Rauw Alejandro? He’s a puertorican whos burst into the latin scene by combining electronic/electro pop sounds. His latest project was Saturno (Saturn in spanish)

[@liamcosgrove2467]

As a musician of guitar playing and bass playing I can tell you this producer for actual life trilogy is the most powerful music that I heard in my life and made me learn more sounds, sampling and producing and i would love go down the same path as Fred Again

[@willt.9654]

I really dug this album, but I definitely see where Melon is coming from in his critiques. Boy do I love the marketplace of ideas!!1!

[@kevinlong4657]

Love all 3 of the albums so far. Kammy IS a certified banger!

[@johnh.3823]

Give Royksopp's latest 3 albums a listen, great stuff in there!

[@yeanah2571]

Between this, and "Quest for Fire" from Skrillex, there were some tracks I didn't like initially as well. Going into Fred's boiler room performance, as well as Skrillex's DJ set, the songs moving in and out of one another makes for a completely different experience. That's a first for me, very weird.

[@bradcodes]

Still waiting on that ROMCOM review :(

[@ALLCAPS_95]

I've always loved Berwyn, maybe Fantano would dig what Fred did with it in the Mike Skinner feature that released a few weeks ago.

[@valence_electronica]

Yeah that version is soooo much better. I love how the arrengement on Mike (desert island duvet) turns the song into a little more of an energetic song with drive, from being a kind of interlude type track before

[@OnlyUseMyWii]

Delilah is a dime a dozen? I would like to be referred to dozens of similar tracks please Mr. Best Teeth in the Game.

[@dawsonhicks5929]

Ah shit did not expect a Fred again review

[@SparkimusPrime]

Yo. It’s crazy because I accidentally stumbled across him for the first time today when his Boiler Room set auto played after Swedish House Mafia. He was 🔥🔥🔥 That’s all I heard from him though.

[@kuramathespiritrealmdetect228]

Can you please review back 2 life by thaiboy digital

[@ThunderHOWL16]

his track jungle is such a banger

[@benjadamon]

The USB ep is so tight. Just pure bangers.

[@madhavsankaranarayanan4588]

Damn was not expecting this review

[@killiantierney5009]

Can you get to the Yamz tho?

[@goofysgobstopper]

Fred again.. is a legend 🔥🔥

[@straightXjessedge]

When I read the title I honestly thought melon was just reviewing an album by FRED (the KZbinr) for a second time.

[@taylorlove7684]

this album would have got a 10 if he was called fred 2: electric boogaloo

[@mousekill82]

Review Actual Life 1 & 2 please!! Definitely the stronger entries of the trilogy

[@AydinRD]

Could you review the new Disturbed album? Thatd be cool

[@drowsy8188]

Could you do damn right by Audrey Nuna?

[@joshchambers8208]

I think this is fair but a bit too harsh, Fred deserves way more praise for the bangers he has given us on AL3. Even if there are three songs that didn’t work out, the others are so good that it almost doesn’t matter. I’m grateful for Fred Gibson and how consistently he delivers great music for the people. Also you can’t talk about Fred’s music without talking about seeing it live, different gravy.

[@joelwilcox5424]

With the distortion and everything, I definitely think Berwyn is Fred really showing his Burial influence

[@Dr_Sethers]

Listen to his set at the boiler room! Best thing I've heard in a long time

[@patient666zero]

Stucktony Buffthano

[@yaboiflint5926]

he”ll come back to this later and bump it up to at least 8-9

[@sherman8r1998]

HEY FRED AGAIN RECOGNITION

[@JohnDoe-vc5qb]

Fred Again is a bangin DJ. It’s just a matter of time for that yellow flannel

[@spongegar]

Opening scared the shit out of me

[@Martiandy]

And then it wins a grammy

[@yoshikagekira9624]

Fantano gave fred the mbdtf treatment

[@TheHomieDaygo]

Do you like Ross From Friends melon?

[@Javi1da]

Can you please review survivor’s remove by g Herbo

[@Ab0ut55Ducks]

Kelly might be a personal favorite tracks of mine but would love to see the Melon do the other After Life EPs feel like they are better as a whole a flow much better than this EP

[@BroAnarchy]

Best Intro. Ever. So far.

[@victorianoemi3406]

I have a serious question. When are you going to do a review on NBA Youngboy’s 5 new albums?

[@thatjack4]

Can you review lil peeps rereleased album that just came out and the new metro album

[@locajoji8315]

he'll do the metro one, but probably not the peep

[@normalguy4548]

I literally just watched Fred Agains Boiler Room Set. What a great coincidence

[@aarond9563]

I just wish he reviewed AL 1 and 2. A fair amount better imo

[@hardlyworking_]

why did i think this was going to be Fred the kid from like 2007 era youtube lol