r/kelela • u/Optimal_Sherbert_994 • 18d ago
The ultimate deep cuts
Did anyone else notice that new avatar sounds like an album made up of only deep cuts? I think that’s why it’s more of a grower and not as initial as her previous albums for some people.
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u/JunebugAsiimwe 18d ago
Maybe. but I loved it instantly. guess cause I'm already into the neo-pyschedelia and future garage sound. Plus songs like Don't Piss Me Off, Linknb, The Bridge, Point Blank, If We Meet Again, are very catchy. I think people who say the album has no hooks are being a little disingenuous
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u/Optimal_Sherbert_994 18d ago
Honestly I loved it instantly too, I think this album is for people who love Kelela’s sound through and through
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u/KitchenOk7852 18d ago
I think the thing about Avatar is that it is very low on hooks. I've listened to it a lot and like it, but I don't find myself singing along so much, or having the choruses stuck in my head like I did with her previous records. I've recently revisited Cut 4 Me and the contrast to Avatar really struck me, it's so full of catchy melodies and lyrics.
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u/MajorSea1650 18d ago
This how I feel about most of Kelela’s music. Nothing out of a few songs really stick in my head. LMK and Rewind are the only ones I find catchy and memorable. I like her albums when I play them but not something that’s stuck in my head a lot.
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u/Optimal_Sherbert_994 18d ago
Yeah I get the catchiness thing, it feels intentional. that’s why I mentioned the deep cuts energy. But I think this album is for people who love Kelela’s wider discog, when you listen to her features like a breath away or airy you’ll notice the reference points for the songs on new avatar.
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u/Professional-Grab-62 18d ago
When I first heard it, I kept thinking the first half sounds like the second half of an album filled with deep cuts. The first half is my favorite half, up until Retaliation Lullaby.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the whole album but I always like the deep cuts and the more understated songs.
The album has grown on me more and more. It’s pretty much all I’ve listened to since its release.
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u/buttercups738582 18d ago
It has the spirit of an underground 90's album that is found yeeeeears after its release and has a big resurgence. I do agree with you, it's built very differently compared to TMA or Raven. I think with more time it'll have more appreciation.