“Grimes has given us a complete record that's everything pop should be in 2015: utterly uncompromising, imaginative and, somehow, universally accessible. ”
“Art Angels is Claire Boucher's fourth record as Grimes and her most audacious yet: a gilded coffin nail to outmoded arguments that women in pop are mere frames for male producers' talents. These 14 tracks articulate a pop vision that is incontrovertibly hers, inviting the wider world in.”
“On her 2012 breakthrough, Visions, singer-producer Claire Boucher (a.k.a. Grimes) was an indie-rock fan's platonic ideal of a pop star – blurring moody electro and moodier R&B in music that she made herself on Garageband, turning the underground into her own diva stadium, all while implying that actual pop success was something she could take or leave. Since then, she's signed to Jay Z's managemen”
“Art Angels: Bubblegum Tinted Catharsis Induced by Heartbreak. “Art Angels”, the fourth studio album released by singer Claire Elise Boucher — otherwise known as “Grimes” — takes rather advancing steps in Grimes’ catalog, particularly in her capabilities within the realm of lyricism and production. I was not the biggest fan of Grimes’ third studio album “Visions”, but Grimes not only doubles down on the factors that made that album worthwhile, but also on what made her music unique. “Visions” was created by Grimes in a couple of weeks, in a dark room in which she never left. She practically harmed herself to create it, and the sound represents that. Although atmospheric, it appears oppressive in nature, not just to the listener, but grimes herself. Vowing to never do this again, Grimes followed up her 2012 album “Visions” with her 2015 release “Art Angels”, that takes a surprisingly optimistic yet dystopian sound, befitting of Grimes’ voice and the style of production she took to when creating this album. The opening track to this album is masterfully orchestrated, part operatic, part cinematic. Referencing falling leaves, and attempting to catch them all, which we all know to be a frugal attempt kickstarts the visionary lyricism that puts this album on such a pedestal. “laughing and not being normal” is a masterclass is the weird fun that Grimes brings to the table when she is in her element. “California” the following track, begins to craft the insecurities Grimes carefully lays within the album, coupled with an upbeat and unexpected performance that makes it feel like you are being duped while listening. The lyrics are raw and honest, as well as relatable — really showing the humanity a pop star can hide behind all of the theatrics. The lead single of Art Angels: “Flesh without Blood” is one of the most danceable and vomit inducing heartbreak themes I have ever encountered, trading out a large majority of the optimistic production for futuristic fantasy. A diss track intended for a fake friend, many view the lyrics as interpersonal towards their romantic relations, which goes to show the ache Grimes endured while curating the song. “Kill V. Maim” is probably the most Grimes track on the entire album, a song Grimes described as a piece “written from the perspective of Al Pacino in the godfather Pt. II except he’s a vampire who can switch gender and travel through space.” A ridiculously funny concept in and of itself, Grimes manages to execute a perfect satire on misogyny and societal corruption. “Realiti”, my personal centerpiece of the album, is an existentialist tale on personhood and time. A masterclass in production and storytelling, Grimes not only confronts Death, but she asks him questions in hypotheticals through chilling vocals and haunting production that I cannot do justice through prose. The production of Art Angels doesn’t just serve as a foil to the ache-inducing lyricism, it adds to the aesthetics of Art angels that allowed for Grimes to create so well. The catharsis she created doesn’t just happen over time like adding grains of rice to eventually make a pile, it is present from beginning to end — and you only realize it when the more eerie tracks come to life. The heartbreak that surrounds Art Angels is everywhere the album breathes, and can only be felt so well with all of these components working together. Art angels is Grimes’ best album, and is definitely worth giving a shot. My only reservations with Art Angels is that there is a clear disparity between amazing tracks and great tracks. Standout Tracks: Flesh without Blood, Kill V. Maim, Realiti, Venus Fly (Feat. Janelle Monáe), and Butterfly.”
“Her best album imo. I like the poppy feel personally. Really want this grimes back tbh”
