A classically trained pianist, W.K. has always
blended keyboards into his songs. And in this effort,
he uses it to his best ability.
There are essentially two instrumental songs on
the album (one has a single lyric repeated and, of
course, it’s ‘party’) and they have been designed
to just make you feel good. Strong guitar riffs and
drums hit the right spots. It can get you through a
day at the gym or prepping for a midterm.
There are plenty of standout tracks. W.K. could’ve
gone the route of doing a sequel to “I Get Wet,” which
is the record he’s best known for. That would’ve been
amazing. It’s a fantastic album.
But he wisely chose to add elements of that album
and evolve his craft with both sound and expanded
lyrical chops. It feels like he was on a mission to
create a concept album designed to uplift a tired
spirit.
Feeling lonely? The emotion filled rock ballad
“Give Up on You” has W.K. singing “We won’t give up
on you/if thoughts grow dark/and you feel alone.”
If you feel betrayed, one of the top tracks, the
upbeat “Keep on Going,” states “Far away from
everyone/let ‘em blow away in the dust/and trust
that everything/is somehow gonna be all right.”
Feeling reborn? The hard hitting “ever again”
offers an anthem of going through rough patches in
life and coming out of the other side stronger, with
lyrics like “They say that nobody changes/but i’m
living proof that they do.”
The romantic will revel in “Total Freedom,” which
reminisces about a couple in love not caring about
the noise or the doubts that surround them. It’s
another rock ballad that hits the right notes.
An interesting twist is that three of the album’s 16
tracks are short motivational speeches. Sure you’re
there for the music, but every now and then, it’s
uplifting to hear.
Some of the advice are simple truths that you’ve
probably heard in some shape or form from a parent,
teacher or someone else that cares for you, but it’s
refreshing and different to hear on a mainstream
album in 2018. And it serves as a breather and setup
for the following songs.
The feel good album redefines the word party, as
W.K. has attempted to do for many years now. In his
mind, partying is essentially feeling or experiencing
intense moments. It also helps his continued efforts.
QNS.COM
30 SPRING 2018