Death Cab for Cutie - Kintsugi - Amazon.com Music (original) (raw)

I love me some Death Cab for Cutie. I got into them way back in the day with their masterful Transatlanticism, and have devoured everything they've ever made. I still remember every single lyric, melody, beat, flourish, etc, from Transatlanticism, Plans, and Narrow Stairs. Transatlanticism and Plans in particular neatly fall into my definition of "perfect albums." Now I have added a new album to that list: Kintsugi.

There are a lot of reasons why I love this record. Every single second of each song is absolutely enthralling in every way. First off, the lyrics. Ben Gibbard has to be one of, if not my favorite lyricists making music today. He always finds a way to express deep thoughts simply yet so elegantly, and he's at the top of his game here. If you know anything about his personal history over the last several years, many of the phrases and words he uses have particularly powerful emotional impact. Every lyric is brilliantly poignant and deeply personal, while also being universal enough for anyone to relate to. I love that. Not only are the words impactful and meaningful, they just flow beautifully. I literally find myself going "Wow, that was goooood!" out loud in response to some of the genius turns of phrase and metaphors on the record. Awesome.

Kintsugi is wonderful musically as well. Every song has a melody that is immediately infectious and catchy, but also complex enough to keep you engaged no matter how many times you listen to them. I discover brilliant melodic flourishes each time I listen to this record, and I can't help but marvel at the subtlety and intelligence of the songwriting on display here. There's a HUGE variety of musical soungs to this album too. You want some classic emotional acoustic Death Cab? Then check out "You've Haunted Me All My Life" and "Hold No Guns." You want something with an incredible beat and trippy melody that sounds experimental and reminiscent of Postal Service? Check out "El Dorado." Have you ever wondered what Death Cab would sound like if they co-toured with Tears for Fears from the 1980's? Then "Everything's A Ceiling" is the song for you. Ever wonder what Death Cab would sound like if they were more poppy in a cool "Maroon 5" sort of way? Then you'll love "Good Help (Is So Hard To Find)." Other songs like "No Room In Frame," "Black Sun," "Ghosts of Beverly Drive," (which has one of my favorite chorus melodies of any song in years. SOOO GOOD, but really, the WHOLE ALBUM is that way) and "Little Wanderer" are CLASSIC Transatlanticism/Plans Death Cab. Then there's "Ingenue" and "Binary Sea," which are reminiscent of the more sunny and quirky Narrow Stairs album. Overall, Kintsugi is just a fantastic record, and while there's a ton of variety to the songs, each feel distinctly and uniquely Death Cab. I love it.

Seriously, this is easily one of thee best albums Death Cab for Cutie has ever made, if not thee best. I played this album to my parents, my little sister/cousin, as well as other friends and family, all of whom have VASTLY different tastes in music, and they ALL loved it immensely. I think it really speaks to Kintsugi's universal brilliance that no matter what a person's age, background, or normal musical tastes are, chances are they will love this record.

Bravo Death Cab, you really nailed this one out of the park. If you've been a fan of Death Cab for years as I have, then I guarantee you will love this record immensely. If you thought Codes and Keys was lacking in comparison to previous albums, then I implore you to give this album a chance, because it will most assuredly win you back. Overall, this is a masterpiece of an album I'd recommend to pretty much everybody. Buy it, prepare your mind and heart for one hell of a ride, and enjoy one of the best records this decade.