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(Photo courtesy Karen O) (Photo courtesy Karen O)

After dabbling in soundtracks for the last five years, Yeah Yeah Yeahs’s frontwoman, Karen O, finally released her solo album debut “Crush Songs” on Sept. 16.

O’s eloquent lyricism, often overlooked because of the more hectic sound of her other band, is clearly showcased by the simplistic acoustic guitar made use of on this album, something prominent in the album’s single, “Rapt.” The song’s chant-like verses, punctuated by O declaring that “love is soft, love’s a f---ing bitch” before entering a swaying chorus of gentle strums and soft, drawn-out vocals, shows off her ability as a songwriter to work with the most basic tools and, juxtaposing them, make the combination magical.

The album also reflects the lovelorn tone implied by its title through O’s yearning vocals and lyrics, as well as the frustration that comes along with a crush, through the rollicking beat and repetitive lyrics of cuts like “Day Go By” and the frantic chords and playful screams featured on “Beast” and “Body.”CrushSongs-01

Although O’s brand of poetic angst is always appreciated, the track that stands out most on the album is the ballad “Indian Summer.” Its girlishly earnest vocals and melodic guitar, reminiscent of Camera Obscura’s early albums, provide a refreshing contrast to the gusto and edge of the rest of the album as they somehow perfectly reflect the relaxation of a hot summer day.

[embed size="compact"]Karen O – Rapt[/embed]

With the vocal swagger of a lounge singer and the vulnerability of the poetic soul that she has proved herself to be, it’s hard to go wrong with anything O does. Taking a chance on “Crush Songs,” with the experimentation of a debut and the self-assurance of an accomplished frontwoman proving to be her faithful helpers, paid off in the end as she showed a more sensitive side to alt-rock’s favorite chanteuse, something made clear in an announcement made by O on her website.

“When I was 27, I crushed a lot,” O posted in a virtual postcard. “I wasn’t sure I’d ever fall in love again. These songs were written and recorded in private around this time. They are the soundtrack to what was an ever continuing love crusade. I hope they keep you company on yours.”

 

Reach the reporter at ezentner@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @emilymzentner

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