Mac DeMarco is a Canadian born singer-songwriter who has gained plenty of exposure over the last few years with the release of his albums 2 and Salad Days. A large part of his appeal is due to his blend of dream-pop and indie rock elements, which make for a very accessible and nostalgic sound, while also producing tracks that are very unique.
I've never gotten around to listening to DeMarco's debut album, but his two others (2 and Salad Days) are great projects, and show immense potential for the multi-instrumentalists future. On his newest piece of work, Another One, I was really hoping to see DeMarco reach that next level in his career.
As simple and straight forward as the mini album is, at it's core, Another One is a collection of romantic love songs that give the listener a sample of just how easy it is for DeMarco to display his emotion through song. While he sticks with his trademark twangy guitar sound, there's also the introduction of synthesizers to Mac's sound, which are certainly a welcome change.
Despite the similarity in subject matter of the songs, DeMarco's song writing ability is still on display, as the mini album contains some of the best lyrics he's wrote to this date. The blend of self-loathing, desperation, affection, disappointment, and plenty of other sentiments all come together as the track listing progresses. DeMarco also does a great job of differentiating the instrumentation from track to track, as no two songs feel alike, even with the obvious lyrical similarities.
The intro track is one of the better cuts on the project in my opinion, as The Way You'd Love Her is a jingly pop tune that showcases the multi-instrumentalist musical talent, as he uses multiple sounds to create a very catchy track. It definitely carries a throwback sound, and is the perfect introduction to prepare the listener for what is to come on the album.
The third track, No Other Heart, is another stand out in the track listing. This track sees a beautiful combination of synths and guitar notes joined together with DeMarco's story telling, as he talks about being in love with someone who loves someone else. My favourite part of the track has to be DeMarco calling himself lover boy in one of the lines, as it's about due time that we see that phrase return (for comedic purposes obviously.) Following that song is another great track in Just To Put Me Down, a somewhat upbeat track that contains just the right amount of funk and sweet guitar playing that are met with the chanting hook of "lift me up, just to put me down."
The eight track on the mini album, which is also the closer, is My House By The Water. It's an instrumental track that features just a synthesizer and the sound of waves rolling into the shore. A very relaxing cut, it helps wrap up the project exceptionally well in my mind, and it comes to a close with Mac DeMarco revealing his address to the listener, and even inviting them over for a cup of coffee. (6802 Bayfield Ave, Arverne, New York, for those who are curious.)
There's only so much to say about the album, as it finishes up around the 24 minute mark, making for a very short but sweet project. In many ways, Mac DeMarco delivered on Another One, just not in the way I was hoping to see him do. While I was looking for a piece of work that would be his most fleshed out and complete, I instead was presented with an album that featured a collection of catchy, well-written, pop influenced love songs. In no way was I disappointed with that, but I still want to see what it is the singer songwriter is truly capable of. I do not have many complaints about the project, but one of the obvious problems is the lack of longevity it has. While all 7 tracks (not counting the outro) are certainly worthy of playtime, their similarity in subject matter makes the project just a little too repetitive and simple at times. With that being said, that's part of what makes it so enjoyable, and if you're looking for a jingly, accessible, enjoyable pop album that you can sing along to, this is worth your time.
Rating: B+
Favorite Tracks: No Other Heart, Just To Put Me Down, A Heart Like Hers, Without Me
Least Favorite Tracks: None
The third track, No Other Heart, is another stand out in the track listing. This track sees a beautiful combination of synths and guitar notes joined together with DeMarco's story telling, as he talks about being in love with someone who loves someone else. My favourite part of the track has to be DeMarco calling himself lover boy in one of the lines, as it's about due time that we see that phrase return (for comedic purposes obviously.) Following that song is another great track in Just To Put Me Down, a somewhat upbeat track that contains just the right amount of funk and sweet guitar playing that are met with the chanting hook of "lift me up, just to put me down."
The eight track on the mini album, which is also the closer, is My House By The Water. It's an instrumental track that features just a synthesizer and the sound of waves rolling into the shore. A very relaxing cut, it helps wrap up the project exceptionally well in my mind, and it comes to a close with Mac DeMarco revealing his address to the listener, and even inviting them over for a cup of coffee. (6802 Bayfield Ave, Arverne, New York, for those who are curious.)
There's only so much to say about the album, as it finishes up around the 24 minute mark, making for a very short but sweet project. In many ways, Mac DeMarco delivered on Another One, just not in the way I was hoping to see him do. While I was looking for a piece of work that would be his most fleshed out and complete, I instead was presented with an album that featured a collection of catchy, well-written, pop influenced love songs. In no way was I disappointed with that, but I still want to see what it is the singer songwriter is truly capable of. I do not have many complaints about the project, but one of the obvious problems is the lack of longevity it has. While all 7 tracks (not counting the outro) are certainly worthy of playtime, their similarity in subject matter makes the project just a little too repetitive and simple at times. With that being said, that's part of what makes it so enjoyable, and if you're looking for a jingly, accessible, enjoyable pop album that you can sing along to, this is worth your time.
Rating: B+
Favorite Tracks: No Other Heart, Just To Put Me Down, A Heart Like Hers, Without Me
Least Favorite Tracks: None
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