Loss Of Life (studio album) by MGMT

From AlvaroIesus 05/14/2024 00:19

In their signature move to avoid commercial-sounding records, MGMT's "Loss Of Life" presents an ambiguous and unconventional sound compared to their highly successful album "Little Dark Age," making the record less accessible and somewhat unsettling for those seeking a major easy-listening hit.

While their 2013 self-titled album leaned too heavily on this formula, "Loss Of Life" is definitely a step in the right direction. It’s a solid grower; each listen reveals more of its exquisite oddness. The album features three of the best tracks in MGMT's catalog: "Mother Nature," "Nothing To Declare," and "Bubblegum Dog," along with important mentions like the odd/obscure sounding "Dancing In Babylon," "People in the Streets," "Nothing Changes," "I Wish I Was Joking" and "Loss Of Life".

Good listen, but very forgettable in my opinion. “Bubblegum Dog” is the highlight for me.

It is one of those albums you can tell will initially be underwhelming especially after the busy pop heavy Little Dark Age. This album is not a head bopper. It is much more minimalist but that doesn’t take away from some of the beautiful melodies and soundscapes you are used to with MGMT. The album gives vibes of a midlife crisis and I think every song is well done. This is why when I talk to people about it, everyone has different favorites and least favorites. It is a strong album as a whole and every song has something to appreciate. Don’t expect anything to grab you with catchiness, but it is not that hard to digest for anyone with a little patience. My favorite part is the sincerity. This is MGMT finally really doing what they want, and it working, unlike self titled.

I predict that if Congratulations grew on you, this album will too.

From allgood 04/02/2024 14:31

A significant regression compared to the impressive Little Dark Age.
Less original, less beautiful, just less MGMT

“Loss of Life” is a more acoustic take on MGMT’s sound. There are still little touches of psychedelia in the corners, but the meat is quiet crescendo guitar. Does this approach work; sometimes. At its best it brings the lyrics into focus and delivers intriguing moments. “People in the streets” is gripping with its juxtaposition of envy and anxiety. When it doesn’t, the songs muddle into nothing. The songs will stay in the same hushed lane from beginning to end. There are no egregious mistakes but I think they could have gotten a lot more out of this.

I'm stunned how gorgeous this record sounds on vinyl , would recommend this format to any big mgmt fans for this particular release as the difference from streaming was huge , I'm tied so far this year between this album and idles new offering . its only march so its already looking like it could be an excellent year for music

MGMT have gone mellow, and I am all for it. Some of the best lyricism of their carreers merge with an album that to my ears seems to be subtly and cinically narrating the cycle of life and death.

Definitely not an immediate listen or one of their poppiest. In fact it will most likely be relegated to the underrated pile along with their self titled and Congratulations.

It's very rewarding and for me they haven't missed yet.

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