Tales Of Us (studio album) by Goldfrapp

From Boltzmann 01/11/2020 23:41

The more you listen to this album, the more special places you discover. It is as simplistic as it is beautiful. It won't blow you away on the first listen, but it will grow on you. But maybe this might be a "only real fans get it" thing; after all the emphasis lies on her unintelligible vocals, which is really Alison's signature move.

Goldfrapp go darker with "Tales of Us", a very well-written, cinematic record that does feel a bit like "Felt Mountain" with the addition of chamber pop and the subtraction of trip-hop vibes. There's nothing else to say other than it's an accomplished record with biting lyrics that marks one of their very best.

Raw and powerful. Every single track is a a great one, all filled with emotional resonance and organic beauty. The lyrics draw from very impressive sources; from an intersex child raised as a boy to the story of Philomena and her son to gay lovers in WW2 who never see each other again.

This is where Goldfrapp excel and other singer-songwriters fail; what Alison is singing gorgeously has meaning. Dramatic, passionate meaning. One of their best works (if not the best), definitely up there with their astounding debut "Felt Mountain".

Fantastic and intimate song cycle from artist with pedigree that has somehow flown under the radar. Anyone who's a fan of Carrie and Lowell would love this.

From ilovelctr 12/16/2014 12:26

This literally blew my mind upon my first ever listen... And I daresay that it's the one and only album where there is no weak track for me, among all the albums I've heard so far, which I mean seriously without exaggeration.

From start to finish, Alison's singing is captivating, and has more emotions than ever before. Though many sources claim this to be folktronica, I sense folk noir and sadcore elements in this masterpiece, and yet, I find this album far superior to the rest in the same categories. I'd say this is much more melodic than Cat Power's works for instance.

So far this is absolutely Goldfrapp's most affecting record for me, and a slight shift between the quieter first half to the grander second half serves as the best evidence that it's the melody which makes this album stand out, even without the aid from a deluxe groove, because it's the melody that unifies the atmosphere.

A beautiful album with a dark atmospheric feel. Absolutely lovely.

From Boggleward 11/28/2013 20:50

This album is simply a new, beautiful and rare masterpiece.
Original in style, well balanced & consistent - like one long piece made up of related movements - and totally gorgeous sounds and melodies from start to finish. Probably Goldfrapp's best album, and deserves much higher ratings than currently - I am sure that time will provide them.

A lot darker than the last offerings from Goldfrapp.

It took me a while to get this but i have grown to love the depth and beauty of the simple melodies and Alison's ethereal voice!

Well worth a listen!