Sia – 1000 Forms Of Fear
Review by Elizabeth Tolbert
There is always something inherently captivating about an artist who isn’t afraid to be real. Australian-born singer/songwriter Sia Furler, who is known for her shy personality, has definitely not shied away from anything with her first complete body of work since entering rehab in 2010. The album, aptly titled 1000 Forms of Fear, is a jarring and striking narration of Sia’s most personal struggles splashed across a musical canvas in organized chaos. It’s rawness resonates with the listener as Sia’s pain is echoed within every note that she sings.
1000 Forms of Fear kicks off with the massively popular track “Chandelier”. The first single from the album has become a familiar staple on just about every countdown list in America, thanks in part to its enchanting music video featuring Dance Moms star Maddie Ziegler. And while that track may be a radio sensation, don’t think that it will be 1000 Forms of Fear’s only hit; this is not a filler album. Track “Burn the Pages” would make a perfect follow-up single to “Chandelier”, with its similar driving energy and synth-pop tinged melody. Likewise, “Hostage” is reminiscent of Gwen Stefani and sounds as if it would be right at home on a 90’s teen movie soundtrack.
But 1000 Forms of Fear features mostly slower, yet equally as powerful, songs. The piano-driven “Eye of the Needle” showcases Sia’s outstanding vocals with a larger than life vocal arrangement in the bridge. Similarly, “Cellophane” is so heartbreaking, and heartfelt, the listener has no trouble imagining her pain. Though it’s difficult to choose, one of my favorite tracks on the album is “Elastic Heart” (and not just because it was on a Hunger Games’ soundtrack). Darker in sound than her other tracks and with an electro-pop undercurrent, this song has the cinematic proportions of the blockbuster soundtrack on which it was first featured.
Having written mega-hits for Rihanna, Beyonce, and Christina Aguilera, it is not difficult to understand how Sia has risen to songwriting fame. This entire album is so well-written, I can’t pick a song that is lyrically better than the rest. Each track dabbles in different genres and perfectly encompasses all of Sia’s influences. Simply put, 1000 Forms of Fear is a fantastic pop album while simultaneously being like no other pop album on the market. Sia’s innate emotional honesty and fearlessness with her musical experimentation are what make this a truly stand out album for an artist that likes to hide from the spotlight.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended Tracks: “Chandelier”, “Elastic Heart”, “Burn the Pages”
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