Feist, as the 35-year-old Canadian song writer best known for her 2007 hit “1234” is known to listeners, takes on a totally new sound in her newly released album, “Metals.”
In this album, Feist has traded in her typical pop-jazzy vibe for a mysterious, almost sinister character to create a quality she feels she finally has some control over.
After her explosion into superstardom with the catchy-pop tune that had people everywhere singing “1 2 3 4/Tell me that you love me more” along with her, Feist was left feeling intoxicated and uncomfortable in the situation, as if she wasn’t truly a musician.
After being thrown into the fanfare, she found a forest in which to retreat north of Toronto and came to enjoy the sound of solitude.
The journey of creating her newest album was a long process, taking almost a year just for her to get interested in reframing her approach.
A majority of the album focuses on universal ideas and gives a view of the last several years of her life as if from an objective third party. The songs feature a variety of dynamic string accompaniments and are overflowing with emotions that range to fit any mood.
One rule Feist had for the album was to get rid of all hand percussion in the attempt to divert from cliché, light-hearted or clap-along songs.
Although it lacks the catch-on quality of her earlier work, “Bittersweet Melodies” is definitely the song that will get stuck in your head. With a light tone, shaded with a tinge of sadness, Feist sings “I remember us /‘fore we turn to dusk/just when these feelings were all about/when we still could trust/ in our hearts.”
Her vulnerability definitely comes through, especially in the song “Caught a Long Wind,” in which she asks “little bird have you got a key?/ unlock the lock inside of me.”
The diverse themes and styles of “Metals” make it hard to find cohesion or distinguish one song to be a hit. Ultimately, it’s the variety of the album that makes it relatable—showcasing the emotions people go through on a daily basis.
