Absolutely has returned with her highly anticipated second album, Paracosm, and listeners should prepare for an extraordinary auditory adventure. This record masterfully blends killer vocals, enchanting journeys, and profound self-discovery, establishing the young artist as a formidable force in the music industry.
A Deeply Personal Record
Paracosm arrived on a cold, wet Wednesday afternoon, but its warmth and intimacy were instantly captivating. The album serves as a deeply personal autobiography, reflecting a growing trend among artists to break down the wall between themselves and their fans. At just 22 years old, Absolutely, whose real name is Abby-Lynn Keen, demonstrates a maturity and talent that belies her age, positioning her for global acclaim.
Family Talent and Tour Highlights
Talent clearly runs in the Keen family. Absolutely's sister, RAYE, is a seven-time BRIT Award winner, and another sister, Amma, is also an accomplished musician. Currently, the siblings are touring together on RAYE's This Tour May Contain New Music tour, offering fans an unforgettable live experience that complements the studio brilliance of Paracosm.
Track-by-Track Exploration
Absolutely's soft tones hit with immense impact from the opening track, drawing listeners into a world where every song feels like a standout. The album avoids the common pitfall of having only one or two memorable tracks, instead delivering consistent quality throughout.
Helium: A Therapeutic Escape
The opening of Helium is unexpectedly brilliant, featuring brass instruments, compelling vocals, and poignant lyrics that explore the struggles of walking away from a relationship. For three minutes and eleven seconds, the track allows listeners to forget the world, providing therapeutic relief through its masterful composition.
Simple Things: Magical and Unexpected
With an eerie opening reminiscent of a foggy forest, Simple Things surprises as soft guitar chords break through. The song creates an out-of-body experience, especially when listened to with spatial audio, capturing the unpredictable nature of meeting someone special.
No Audience: Authenticity and Power
Soulful and enchanting, No Audience imagines a theatre with empty seats but magic on stage. The track encourages letting go of external expectations and embracing authenticity, with powerful vocals that make it perfect for running playlists or country lane drives.
Prototype: Electric Energy
Prototype stands out with electric, sharp vocals, punchy basslines, and an infectious energy described as sweet delirium. This track has the power to transform a night out, making it perfectly timed for winter's end.
No Furniture: Relatable Love
No Furniture explores the universal desire to fill emotional space with one person. With softer vocal tones and relatable lyrics about love feeling like home, this track resonates across generations, from teenagers to nonagenarians.
Elevator: Genre-Blending Brilliance
Elevator delves deep into relationship dynamics, blending jazz, pop, R&B, and soul elements. The track's mesmerizing quality comes from deep messages and soulful delivery that lift listeners off the ground.
Trojan Horse: Confronting Inner Strangers
Trojan Horse addresses the common experience of feeling like a stranger in one's own body, with high notes and poignant lyrics that make sense of internal struggles. It stands alongside powerful anthems like Sticks + Stones by Nicola Roberts.
Paracosm: Embracing Individuality
The title track, positioned as track 11, is worth the wait. With airy vocals and a chorus that takes huge leaps, it encourages embracing individuality with the memorable line: "The best pieces of me, they remain, just a little bit strange."
I Just Don't Know You Yet: Vocal Mastery
First heard on TikTok, I Just Don't Know You Yet showcases Absolutely's impressive vocal range across three minutes and nineteen seconds. The song explores themes from relationships to religion, creating a prayer-like atmosphere.
Goodbye Glitter: Perfect Closure
Goodbye Glitter closes the album with playful, airy vocals that evoke running through sunlit meadows. The track's soothing tones bring emotional exploration full circle, providing perfect closure to the journey.
A Landmark Achievement
Paracosm instantly establishes itself as one of the top albums of the past twelve months, demonstrating Absolutely's artistic growth and potential. With its combination of emotional depth, vocal excellence, and enchanting melodies, this record promises even greater success for the London songstress in the coming years.
