Weyes Blood - “Titanic Rising” Album Review

posted April 13, 2019 in CommRadio, Arts & Entertainment by Jade Campos

Natalie Mering, professionally known as Weyes Blood, has been in the industry for quite some time yet she remains unknown like many in the “indie” genre. Her first full length album, “The Outside Room,” was independently released in 2011.

Since then, Weyes Blood has released three more albums that have been critically acclaimed, though only one of which has charted. Yet, with her new album, “Titanic Rising,” the singer may find herself breaking through on a Billboard chart once again. Beginning in late April, the singer will take the album on tour.

Listening to Weyes Blood is an ethereal experience, particularly with “Titanic Rising.” After listening to the album, a person will wonder where the singer has been throughout their entire life. She is much like the incarnation of Carole King, though with a psychedelic twist.

“Titanic Rising” explores the feeling of the beyond, falling in love and the unknown of the future. There are no words that could encapture the experience of listening to this album. Through the vocals and the musical composition, Weyes Blood is able to capture the true meanings of life’s emotions that musicians have tried for so long to explain.

Nearly every second of the album adds purpose to the singer’s exploration of human thought and feeling. From the finely tuned lyrics to the string arrangement, each piece brings something to the table. There is not a wasted second or breath on “Titanic Rising.” Diving into the first track begins an entire experience that demands all of a listener’s attention.

As soon as the album begins, it feels as if the listener has transcended into a brand new world. The opening track, “A Lot’s Gonna Change,” sends audiences into a place they are familiar with, though have never truly known before.The vocals are light and airy, which blends well with the elegant string ensemble. It is a listening experience unlike any other on the radio.

The title track, “Titanic Rising,” is an instrumental piece that sounds as if it were recorded under water. The music is muffled, though listeners can clearly make out the sounds of a dolphin. It offers the feeling of being underwater.

Perhaps what is most charming about “Titanic Rising” is that it comes full circle. The album begins with an airy string orchestra that is not far beyond what listeners have heard before, but just enough to bring them in. “A Lot’s Gonna Change” is like the first few steps a person takes into the water before letting the head fall completely beneath the surface.

As the album closes, Weyes Blood brings back the orchestra for “Picture Me Better” and the instrumental “Nearer to Thee.” It is a grounding feeling after coming back from the world that “Titanic Rising” has transcended listeners to. Although beautiful, it is almost disappointing that audiences have to live in reality once again.

It is a shame that Weyes Blood is considered indie-rock, because her music is unlike anything that has come before. She takes from many genres and combines them into a genre of her own. “Titanic Rising” proves just that Weyes Blood is a stand alone artist who shouldn’t be confined with the label of a genre.

Perhaps one of the greatest things the album accomplished was proving that music can still be excellent even if it is not in the mainstream. While it is clear that the singer has taken inspiration from many different places for the album, Weyes Blood is an excellent musician all on her own. To be excellent, music doesn’t have to follow popular gimmicks.

“Titanic Rising” is easily one of the greatest albums of the year, and it would be difficult for any other to top such a masterpiece. Although it may not be receiving any mainstream radio time, it is certainly worth it for audiences of any music taste to take a listen to the ethereal listening experience.

Rating: 9/10

Reviewer’s Favorite Track: “Something to Believe” and “Movies”

Reviewer’s Least Favorite Track: “Everyday”

 

 

Jade Campos is a freshman majoring in print journalism. To contact her, email jmc7727@psu.edu.