FKA twigs creates world-class pop music on MAGDALENE
MAGDALENE comes four years since twigs’ first full-length release, LP1. While LP1 introduced twigs as an innovative artist to follow, MAGDALENE cements her as one of the most creative voices of modern pop music.
As is evident from the record’s title, MAGDALENE is steeped in Christian references. The juxtaposition of religious symbolism and sexuality can often be used as a cheap ploy for subversiveness in pop songwriting. Yet, because twigs brings the Christian elements both into the lyrics (as on “Mary Magdalene”) and into the orchestration (as with the choral singing on “Thousand Eyes”), this combination makes complete sense.
Despite the R&B sensuality that flows through this record, it is also deeply pained. To say MAGDALENE is a breakup album might be a bit reductive. Yet, many of the tracks deal with twigs coming to terms with who she could be outside of a broken relationship.
MAGDALENE is a tortured, spiritual manifesto for pop music’s future, and you can expect to hear its influence in countless albums to come.
9.5/10
Trial Track: “Home With You”
Star Bar:
“I’m a fallen alien
I never thought that you would be the one to tie me down
But you did
In this age of Satan
I’m searching for a light to take me home and guide me out” (Twigs on “Fallen Alien”)
