Graham Reid | | 1 min read
In the olden times artists released singles, EPs and albums. They were generally different things – short, medium length, long – although of course an EP and/or album may also include the hit single. That was acceptable.
Some acts didn't release singles so when the album arrived it was all new material.
Fans and the curious liked that.
American singer-songwriter Hayley Williams – formerly the front-person for the rock band Paramore – has taken another and increasingly common approach with her “debut album”.
It is 15 songs, but the first five came out on the EP Petals for Armor I (released in February) and the following five as the EP Petals for Armor II (released abut three weeks ago).
So this “debut album”, as it is being billed, only has five new songs which raises the question: Why not just release them as Petals for Armor III?
Oh, and seven of these 15 have also been released as “singles” so . . .
Anyway if you haven't already heard two thirds of this “debut album” it's pretty good in that she steps well away from Paramore's guitar pop-rock and explores subtle trip-hop/electronica r'n'b styles which allows her to essay a bunch of autobiographical lyrics and thoughts.
If the sonic textures are what makes this of interest, it does however feel overlong at 55 minutes (songs like My Friend are undercooked and unworthy vehicles) and requires that you take her as seriously as she takes herself.
You can all these songs on Spotify here.
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With 78-year old Bob Dylan now releasing a third single False Prophet from his forthcoming double album Rough and Rowdy Ways (a total of 30 minutes of music across Murder Most Foul, I Contain Multitudes and False Prophet) it seems the old folks are following the kids in this trend.
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