Parquet Courts’ album “Wide Awake!,” released in 2018, is a bold and electrifying record that showcases the band’s exceptional talent as musicians and songwriters. With this album, Parquet Courts deliver a politically charged and socially conscious work that seamlessly blends elements of punk, post-punk, and indie rock, resulting in a dynamic and infectious sound that demands attention.
The album opens with the title track “Total Football,” a blistering and anthemic song that immediately grabs listeners with its energetic guitar riffs and driving rhythm. The song sets the tone for the rest of the record, inviting listeners to engage with its thought-provoking and socially aware themes.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Wide Awake,” a catchy and danceable song that features funky basslines and frontman Andrew Savage’s sharp and charismatic vocals. The song’s groovy rhythms and politically charged lyrics make it a defining moment of the record.
Throughout “Wide Awake!,” Parquet Courts’ songwriting is sharp and incisive, with tracks like “Violence” and “Normalization” delving into themes of inequality, violence, and the state of society. The album’s lyrics are thought-provoking and confrontational, reflecting the band’s ability to address pressing social issues with wit and insight.
Another highlight of the album is “Almost Had to Start a Fight/In and Out of Patience,” a frantic and exhilarating track that showcases Parquet Courts’ ability to seamlessly transition between different musical styles. The song’s explosive energy and anthemic chorus make it a standout moment on the record.
“Wide Awake!” also features impressive musical arrangements, with a blend of infectious guitar riffs, propulsive rhythms, and clever vocal harmonies that create a vibrant and engaging sound. The album’s production is crisp and raw, allowing the band’s energy and urgency to shine through.
In addition to its compelling lyrics and musical arrangements, “Wide Awake!” stands out for its thematic coherence and Parquet Courts’ authentic and unapologetic presence. The album is a call to action and a celebration of resistance, making it a relevant and timely work of art.
In conclusion, Parquet Courts’ “Wide Awake!” is a bold and electrifying album that showcases the band’s exceptional talent as musicians and songwriters. With its politically charged lyrics, infectious melodies, and themes of social consciousness, the album remains a standout work in the punk and indie rock genres and a testament to Parquet Courts’ status as one of the most relevant and influential bands in contemporary music. “Wide Awake!” is a must-listen for Parquet Courts fans and anyone looking for an album that challenges the status quo and embraces the power of music as a force for change, and it stands as one of the most significant albums of 2018.
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