Unlike AHFOD and MOTS, I can relate to the new album. For me, it’s an album that needs to be listened to from start to the end to understand the whole message, which is quite clear. Like Ghost Stories, I see it as a very cohesive album, except for "We Pray," which I like, but I felt it lost a bit of flow in the album. Jon Hopkins’ contribution was very well done, and I hope we get more from him on the next album. My two main complaints are that I feel the band doesn’t fully utilize the climax to let Jonny shine (Max Martin?) and adds unnecessary parts, like the "FLIFIL 2."
MOON MUSiC (8.5/10): Melancholic like "Always In My Head," it was a very positive surprise. It sets a tone for the album like "let's find the answers together." The only point I didn’t like much was the transition to the next track.
feelslikeimfallinginlove (6.5/10): Works much better in the context of the album. I still find it superficial, but it contributes well to the whole.
WE PRAY (6.5/10): It’s one of the feats I liked most from the band. I find it powerful, both in the instrumental and in terms of lyrics. However, I felt it lost a bit of context in the album.
JUPiTER (7/10): A positive surprise as well. It could easily fit on EL and brings a beautiful message, even though the lyrics seem superficial. I like the transitions, but like in other tracks, I think they could last longer.
GOOD FEELiNGS (5,5/10): Very well constructed, with a strong bass line, but Jonny could appear more. There are moments in the album when I stop and think, "now is Jonny’s moment," but he doesn’t come as I would like. I try to relative the Chris's lyrics, but in that I couldn't.
ALiEN HITS/ALiEN RADiO (10/10): I was expecting something special based on the reviews, but not this much. It’s a journey. I’m very happy that it serves as a spoiler for the next album. My only complaint is that I wish the explosion from 1:30 to 2:00 lasted longer.
iAAM (9/10): One I was most looking forward to. It’s truly special, a mix of VLV with MX. I also wish it were longer. It feels a bit rushed, and Jonny could have had more space.
AETERNA (7.5/10): I was almost sure I wouldn’t like it, as it’s not really my style, but it’s very well executed, with a strong bass presence and an amazing atmosphere. However, I think the second half didn’t quite fit.
ALL MY LOVE (9/10): What a beautiful piano line. It reminds me of Beatles and Elton John. The climax of the song is very well crafted and builds up gradually. It will be part of my wedding song.
ONE WORLD (9.5/10): There’s a melancholy around 4 minutes that is very special, and it’s one of the moments that moved me the most in the album (and why not the entire discography?). It’s the end of a cohesive album that truly is a journey for the band. I only didn’t give it a 10 because I think the recorded voices could have been better utilized.
7,9/10
In the end, I’m very happy with the new work. I think that this album will get more recognition when the discography is complete, and we'll understand more of it. I believe it plants seeds for the last two. Although I agree that sometimes the lyrics seem superficial, I think they carry much more feeling and connection than MOTS, and they blend well from start to finish. I think we can expect great things in the last two albums.