Special Occasion

Special Occasion is Emily Kings first proper album since 2019s Scenery, though the singer/songwriter paged through her songbook in the interim -- for the acoustic versions collection Sides -- and, in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, also released "See Me," her third Grammy-nominated recording. Assisted still by Jeremy Most, her main collaborator dating back to the Seven EP, King made Special Occasion as she dealt with a breakup. It starts with three strong songs that shake off the blues. "This Year" is a glimmering resolution to focus on herself after wasting energy on her ex. The title song is an untroubled getaway with hints of classic Brazilian pop and mid-70s Earth, Wind & Fire. Dashing and handclap-happy, "Medal" could be a flashback to a moment before the split, with King pining charismatically ("I just wanna get you on my team") before taking a breather in the bridge ("I never had to work this hard"). As the rest of the album transpires with moments of fatigued resignation and insecurity along with brighter displays of emphatic appreciation and warmth, Kings voice never loses its characteristic slinking quality. Production-wise, this is a tastefully embellished continuation of the acoustic paths taken for Sides and "See Me" instead of a progression from the electronic art-pop King and Most explored on Scenery. That album certainly wouldnt have been the place for "Bad Memory," a downcast Lukas Nelson duet laced with weeping pedal steel guitar, or "Who Wants My Love," an ambler that eases into rocking action that almost creaks. Special Occasion ends in a state of uncertainty, but King comforts with gentle words of reassurance and tranquil visions of two figures simply enjoying one anothers company. ~ Andy Kellman

アンプラグド盤を挿んで4年ぶりとなるオリジナル作。ラテン味のあるメロディアスな表題曲をはじめ、〈別れ〉をテーマに感情の起伏を歌う今回もジェレミー・モストの制作だが、ウィリー・ネルソンの愛息ルーカスとの共演も含むシンガー/ソングライター然としたオーガニックな楽曲群はカントリーに近い。美麗なハーモニーが際立つドラマティックな"Waterfalls"が白眉。
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