So you can imagine how excited I was to get my hands on their newest album “The Whole Love” the bands eighth LP to be released.
I love Wilco, but to me, no ablum of theirs compared to “Sky Blue Sky,” until now.
“The Whole Love” proves this band can progress from their first album in 1995 and continue to make music that grows with their listeners.
The album gracefully changes pace from light and almost poppy to dark and acoustic. “Sunloath” a quiet, almost lullaby sounding song about not wanting to loose love, is incredibly honest and straightforward in a way that is almost uncomfortable to listen to.
Juxtaposing the meloncholy feeling, the following song quickly changes themes and sounds in “Dawned on me” in which Jeff Tweedy sings about the amazement of still being in love with his wife, a song you want to tap your feet to or dance in your car to.
The feelings in the songs progress in the album similarly to how human love really develops, which at times can make the album seem a bit bipolar. One moment Tweedy seems completely invensted in love, the next minute detached or heartbreakingly honest.
Musically, the band pushed their limits in this album, showcased specifically in “Art of Almost” which begins the album in what can be best described as a frenzy. Synths, the amazing pairing of unlikely instruments, some wicked guitar and Tweedy’s singing really gets the listener amped up to listen to the rest of the album.
The album ends on a beautiful song “One Sunday Morning.” Unlike the opening “Art of Almost” the song doesn’t necessarily push the boundaries of the band’s limits, but it feels like a genuine Wilco song.The lyrics are heartbreaking and beautiful covering everything from Tweedy’s fathers death, to religion and depression. It’s an intensly honest song to the point where you feel like you’re listening in on someone’s private thoughts.
“The Whole Love” has proved to be an album worth listening to. If you’re not a Wilco fan or haven’t heard of them, this album is a great place to start educating yourself.
In Tweedy’s words in “Open Mind,” “If you would be the one to let me open your mind,” then listen to me, go out and buy the album and prepare to not be listening to much else for a week or two.
