Kimbra – The Golden Echo
Review by Theresa Pham
Today’s pop music seems to get such a bad reputation and many seem to believe pop has lost its finesse; I beg to differ. Kimbra’s sophomore album The Golden Echo is bold to say the least. For fans of her 2011 debut record Vows, The Golden Echo is less the lovechild of cabaret jazz and pop most are accustomed to, and more of a dizzying ride through pop history’s greatest moments. From Prince to Madonna to Justin Timberlake and even TLC, Kimbra tries it all. The ride is exhilarating, but also at times raucous and confusing.
The album opens with “Teen Heat,” a milky tune that is a bit vulnerable. If you strip away the over production, you can get a glimpse of Kimbra’s absolutely extraordinary vocal talent. The album then moves to her lead single “90s Music.” Though written as a humorous joke, the song quickly deteriorates into a hodgepodge of synth and an uncomfortable use of vocal effects. Considering the shortcoming, “90s Music” has a interesting flair inspired by yesterday’s R&B, but put to a trap beat. I really want to like “90s Music,” but it honestly just represents The Golden Echo’s potential for success.
Luckily Kimbra changes the pace with “Carolina” and transport the listener to utopia. “Carolina” opens with a child’s laughter, which builds, swells, and tumble to an ethereal chorus. Like a burst of sunshine in bottle, the song is energetic, effortless and innocent. The hooks and harmonies remind the listener of Kimbra’s sheer genius.
The other standout tracks are “Nobody But You,” “Madhouse,” and “Miracle.” “Nobody But You” is clean and the most straightforward track on the album, while “Madhouse” is the most scandalous. “Madhouse” is my personal favorite because it’s a carefully crafted and tight combination of Janet Jackson and Prince’s best qualities. I am torn with “Miracle.” The song has deep disco groove, but also symbolizes all of The Golden Echo’s flaws. “Miracle” is luscious, punchy, and joyful, but towards the end feels a bit dragged out and over the top. The song is also incredibly manic.
As an artist known for her mischievous love of surprises, Kimbra has not disappointed. For only being her sophomore album, The Golden Echo is quite an impressive reinvention and highlights her chameleon versatility. The album is unexpected, exciting, refreshing and even at its worst admirable. Just the amount of experimentation in the album alone is mind-blowing. Yes, The Golden Echo has the potential of being phenomenal with a bit of editing, but Kimbra has still managed to make a sound that has been forgotten, new and completely her own. No song is like another and her distinct point of view present throughout.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Recommended Tracks: “Carolina,” “Madhouse,” and “Miracle”
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