LP1

An absolute masterclass in electronic arrangement and production. Each track is its own small microcosm of carefully layered synths and samples, a small world that exists for only 3 minutes at a time and fully encompasses the entire soundstage. Some tracks could use a bit more variation, but overall an amazing listening experience.

Unlistenable in the way a lot of modern albums are. I'm speaking purely in terms of production here, but everything seems to be aimed at being parped through a laptop. Such a harsh sound. Also, I'm aghast at the critical response this album has had; perhaps it's age, but I'm simply not getting the same juice as the critics out of this dud. At least I can now say I've given FKA twigs a go.

Twigs apparently hates the term "alternative R&B", so let's be fair and not call this album that. Try "monumentally boring hipster bullshit" instead.

I've heard lots about FKA twigs but never took the dive. Boy am I glad I did here today. What a uniquely stimulating album. The textures in the beats, synths, and basslines elevate FKA's vocals, giving the music a certain "wow" factor. This can be partly attributed to producer and artist Arca, who had also done production work for Kanye West on Yeezus and Björk on Vulnicura. The sonic space being explored here is sublime. This album stands heads and shoulders above other pop/r&b albums for 2014. It stands for the natural progression of music: innovative and bold.

Really? It should be on a list alright. And that list is of Albums You Never Need To Hear Again before you die. This has no business being in THIS list. Hard pass. Replace with Florence + The Machine. Hey, I tried.

these songs are like the bridges of dubstep songs, breathy, glitchy, some nice vocal, but then it just lingers there for the entire track, I wanted more out of pretty much every track I listened to. Two Weeks made me have flashbacks to Mr Robot which was unexpected.

This whole album is a mood and I'm here for it. Brilliant production, great vocals, lots of energy (without being frantic). I'm sad that it took me this long to experience it.

She clearly has a voice, but this was dreadful. Just a bunch of falsetto abused over sound effects you could hardly call beats.

I remember when this album came it was what everyone who was anyone was listening to. it was the bomb, a revolution in music and all that. The thing is, it's been 7 years and it did not age that well, it sounds repetitive and confusing just for the sake of it. Magdalene is a huge leap forward letting go the repetition for a more soulful but still ground breaking sound. This is a great album and an excellent debut but it will not remain on this list for long I believe.

Music for ducklipped teenagers to put their makeup on to.

This is shit

Soft sung vocals with glitchy instrumentals. Initial thoughts are that I've heard this before? It sounds like the concept behind every female singer songwriter today, and the execution is the exact same... Everything on this album just blends together and it becomes a bland mess. These sorts of vocals also just make me cringe. Find a female "singer" on TikTok and there's a 95% chance that she sings like this. Whispery and whiny without an ounce of power. The instrumentals, the singing, the production, everything works together to make this album feel as uninspired and boring as possible. It really feels like the album has been plucked from the "music industry conveyor belt" and still has that mass-production smell (it might not be mass-produced, but that's how it feels). I feel like I've heard all of these songs before. I truly can't hear anything unique about this sound. The album would maybe work better if it tried to be less athereal and more punchy and groundbased? But yeah It's a solid No from me... I just noticed that the album has stopped playing and I didn't realize. Perfect background music lol.

I was bang up for this after hearing the haunting vocals and jagged beats of the opening track, 'Preface', followed by the quite beautiful, and a little raunchy, 'Lights On'. I loved it - sounding like someone had spliced Kate Bush with Bjork and replaced Thom Yorke with them during Kid A/Amnesiac-era Radiohead, but told Jonny, Colin and Ed to ditch the guitars. However, it then began to feel that it was just the same formula throughout the rest of the album: soulful voice over the top of chopped beats. Nothing wrong with that and I still very much enjoyed it. So much so that it remained on a loop for most of the day and I kept finding new little sonic nuggets with each play-through.

Stop pretending to like things that you think will make you seem cool

Well, here's a thing. I'm suprised at how negative everyone is in the reviews. Yes it's not entirely original and doesn't follow traditional definitions of a cohesive album with tracks but it's inventive and fresh and precisely what I enjoy listening to. People are giving '1's for no more reason that 'it's not for me' so I'm going to give this a '5' for precisely the same reason in reverse.

I didn't particularly enjoy this as it I found it pretty dull and low energy. The vocals were really beautiful, but I probably won't seek it out again

The concept of this robotic smooch music and its reverberating post-punk hall of mirrors appeals to me, but the tracks feel like sketches sung rather than tunes, and the sound alone is not beguiling enough to carry an LP. At times I heard a resemblance to Kate Bush; other times I wondered if this was what listening to an Enya album without the hit(s) would be like.

Not bad exactly, but very simple and boring.

One of those cases where I can see why people would enjoy this but just not for me, there's just no through line for me to get attached to and nothing that sticks with me. But I can give props for not being some cookie cutter album and you miss 100% of the chances you don't take so it deserves props. The grandpa simpson quote comes to mind "I use to be with it, now what I'm with isn't it, and what's it is weird and scary to me"

This is a crazily enchanting album that had me mesmerized. Really interesting and unique. The soundscapes painted here are a bit stark, a bit startling, utterly beautiful. So many layers, such an incredible use of electronics. I loved it!

Wow

Wow. That was my favorite album of 2014.

A truly mesmerising album that combines a beautiful soulful voice with unique electronic music.

Great album. Great artist. Always a good reminder to listen to FKA

Layered, spacious, and slightly dissonant. One of the best albums of the ‘10s.

What a beautiful album and such a unique sound I really enjoyed this one!

Very good album. I love her voice and her choice of sounds to accompany it. I enjoyed this very much.

who knew? i never would have listened to this otherwise

Yup, big fan of this album. Sometimes breathy / surreal music doesn't have enough substance for me but this album delivered!

Amazingly innovative…. FKA twig is a true artist!

I have loved this album since it came out. So damn good 🔥.

I didn't really like this album when I first listened to it a few years ago, but after revisiting it it's grown on me a bit.

Dit is wel het goede

Robert se remet enfin au travail, avec un album de qualité qui fait du bien au milieu de la bouillie proposée récemment. En parlant de règlade, j'ai appris ce matin que les membres du groupe Fleetwood Mac s'amusaient à lancer des preservatifs remplis de lait pendant les concerts de leur début. Une anecdote qui fait sourire, plusieurs années avant que la femme chanteuse du groupe ne passe son temps à courir derrière le mec super charismatique du groupe tout au lond de l'album Rumours.

Wonderful, very new to me but I also feel like I need to really listen to it with no distractions to actually get a feel for it.

Les albums d'rnb post 2010 font toujours un bien fou au générateur, c'est une vraie constante. Je vais m'abstenir de répéter une énième fois ce que je pense des clébards à tête de mort mais vous connaissez mon avis les concernant.

Really enjoyed it. Lots of interesting beats but arranged around solid song writing.

This was a weird one. I’m not sure how to describe this album but I think I liked it. It really grew on me as I listened to it more and by the end I was vibing to it. Fav songs: two weeks, pendulum

I've seen this record cover all over the place but never clued in. So, here goes. Open mind. Clean slate... I have an embarrassingly small frame of reference for music like this. But it seems so goddamned innovative to me and her voice is so pretty. The song "Two Weeks" has more than 80 million plays on Spotify, yet I've just heard it for the first time. It's excellent. The synth sounds on that song and the record, in general, are great. I think the production uses a technique called "ducking" where the various tracks/instruments duck out of the way (in terms of volume) when other instruments are hitting. So, like, the volume of the synth drops when there is a snare hit. It's like the next level in the volume wars that people like Rick Rubin hate. I tend to dislike it when applied to rock music. But when literally everything in a mix besides the vocals are synthetic, it's a beautiful effect.

A brilliantly produced and performed album that makes me want to explore more. A strong four, almost a 5.

Moody, sultry, ethereal, and gorgeously layered. Sometimes the gossamer production here got away from itself for a little too long in my opinion; if bits of this just got slight cutting tweaking it could really soar.

The last time I gave a shit about year-end "best-of" lists this album was consistently near the top. After providing quite a jarring soundtrack to a stormy drive around Indianapolis, I didn't want to listen to it again. Of course, I enjoyed it immensely today; stupid, really - I am quite fond of "Magdalene" (fool me once and I'll double down, motherfucker) so should have returned earlier. Modern in a way I usually don't tolerate but there are clearly tunes and talent buried within the sterile, claustrophobic production

I have heard of her but this is first time hearing her music. It’s a different sound. It’s nice but not sure I’d listen to it again

I don’t know if this was just a refreshing change of genre after a week of dad rock, but I enjoyed this. Listened to it on a rainy drive home and found it both relaxing and intriguing, with lots of cool sounds for my ears to chase

Vaguely recollect giving this a listen when it was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize. I always listen to the yearly nominations as it is a good source for discovering good albums you might have missed (like this list!) Cannot recollect my reaction to it then but would have been similar to today’s listen. I’m all for experimentation and pushing boundaries but this album goes nowhere and quickly becomes boring. The occasional heavenly vocals are pleasing and these save it from a 1 star. 2/5 23/7/24

Irritating.

Evidently an impressive accomplishment, but no joy in hearing it. Full of textures in search of a melody. Lots of glimpses that Twigs sings beautifully but her voice is too often lost in a mess of… I’m not sure what to call it. It just sounds so overdone. Ultimately R&B, in its modern form, just ain’t my thing. Prime cut: Two Weeks

some of the worst music i've heard in my life

Das Cover sagt „Finger weg!“ Stimmt! Grausam!

Didn't like it. Didn't get it.

I tried. I really did. There’s nothing here. Hollow sounds.

Uh. No. Just no. This is an example of trash current-day music.

Jesus Christ, it's so minimalist. It's like literally nothing is happening. There's some interesting sounds and backing bits that sound kind of sci-fi, but it's just so empty. I don't think any single song distinguishes itself as something separate from the rest. Just high breathy vocals over some basic minimalist beats on every single song. It faded into the background easily enough for the most part, but that's hardly a winning endorsement now is it?

I’m open to all types of music but this doesn’t satisfy in any way. There’s no momentum to it, there’s no stand out song. It’s like it’s meant to be music for wales. Her voice often stays in the higher tone as she rambles over a collage of musical instruments. If this was the album that got her noticed then excuse me, I have music to make.

Sounds a bit too forced artsy

I don’t like this at all. The vocals are pretty. Production quality is good. It just doesn’t rub me right. I feel like the only thing this is good for is a radio station in Cyberpunk 77. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Fucking what?

Trippy opening on 1st cut - as 2nd cut opens up, this is an album made for headphones. "When I trust you we can do it with the lights on" - repeat ad nauseum. "Higher than a motherfucker dreaming of you as my lover" "I can fuck you better than her" "My thighs are apart for when you're ready to breathe in". It sounds like she has a good voice (kind of like Enya?), but juvenile lyrics and crappy computer music leave me embarrassed for the many many people who apparently dig this shit. Maybe it's a generational thing, but please.... Overall, I would rate this album as fucking awful. My impression by the middle of song #3 is that this album is designed for a different market than me (ya think?). Background soft porn music for being exceedingly high and having sex. While wearing headphones, so I don't know exactly how that would all work out. Good luck. __________________________________ 🎧 # of LPs reviewed: 14 🎧 # of LPs left to review: 987 🎧 # of LPs I found great/relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 3 🎧 # of LPs I *might* include in my own list: 6 🎧 # of LPs I will certainly *not* include in mine: 4

awful. I couldn't finish the album. Trying to be creative and innovative but it all sounds the same and just lands flat.

If this is a 5 Magdeline is a 6

(a) I can't stop looking at the cover. Her hair, her eyes, her lips, her teeth. The shine and color on her face. Beautiful but disquieting. (it's not a bruise, is it?) The hyper-real/non-reality of it. This image took up a lot of my brain space today. (b) I am completely unfamiliar with FKA twigs, a fact that earns the album extra points after what feels like several repeated artists over the past few weeks (a lot of white dudes I already know and some I've heard enough from already). (c) Like many others, this faded into the background a bit in the kitchen during dinner prep and was much, much, much, much, much more compelling and interesting with headphones and more focus. I'm intrigued and want more.

I truly believe that the apex of modern-day alternative rnb comes in the form of FKA Twigs' music. While she would go on to polish and round out her sound on future records, especially on her impeccable 2019 release 'MAGDALENE', this "rudimentary" release in her discography remains a stunning demonstration of pop, electronic, and rnb fusions 'till this day. With hints of some of The Weeknd's 'Trilogy' EPs and a mildly unsettling, yet ultimately troubled-romantic aesthetic not unlike some of Portishead's works, twigs manages to curate this hauntingly gorgeous piece that's parts experimental, yet undoubtedly still mass-appealing. You'll get stuttering electronic instrumentation and drums, gentle and breathy vocals, falsetto harmonies, ear-candy melodies, and intimate writing here - characteristics that may seem oversaturated now but this album proves that Twigs was (way) ahead of the curve when it came to refining some of these sounds. I'd say this record is best absorbed as a whole, with 40 minutes of consistently lulling music, but individual tracks like 'Two Weeks', 'Video Girl', and the closer 'Kicks' stand their ground as defiant ballad-bops within the genre. Honestly revisiting this thing, I forgot just how great of a debut album it is. I'd also argue that this record is one of the most influential in the genre - there really was no one doing it quite like FKA twigs nearing the mid-2010s. Also, this album cover rules.

"LP1" by FKA twigs is a seminal work that marked a significant point in contemporary music upon its release in 2014. This debut studio album by the British singer-songwriter and producer, Tahliah Debrett Barnett, known professionally as FKA twigs, merges ethereal soundscapes with raw emotional expression. The album's unique blend of avant-garde production, intricate lyricism, and thematic depth showcases twigs' multifaceted talent and cements her position as a transformative figure in modern music. ### Lyrics The lyrical content of "LP1" is a vivid exploration of vulnerability, sensuality, and introspection. FKA twigs employs a poetic approach, often intertwining themes of love, desire, and pain. The lyrics are marked by their abstract yet deeply personal nature, allowing listeners to engage with the music on an emotional and intellectual level. In "Two Weeks," she sings, "I can fuck you better than her," a bold declaration of confidence intertwined with sensual vulnerability. This line, like many others on the album, balances between raw honesty and a poetic delivery that leaves a lasting impression. The song "Pendulum" encapsulates feelings of longing and instability, with lines like, "So lonely trying to be yours, when you're looking for so much more." Here, twigs addresses the complexities of relationships, highlighting her ability to convey profound emotions through minimalistic yet impactful lyrics. ### Music Musically, "LP1" is an eclectic mix of genres, blending elements of R&B, electronic, pop, and trip-hop. The production is characterized by its experimental approach, utilizing unconventional sounds and structures to create a soundscape that is both immersive and challenging. The album opens with "Preface," which sets the tone with its haunting vocal samples and sparse instrumentation. This track, along with others like "Lights On" and "Video Girl," showcases twigs' ability to create an atmospheric experience that draws the listener into her world. The use of space and silence is a notable feature throughout the album. In "Closer," for example, the minimalistic production allows twigs' ethereal vocals to take center stage, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The beats are often syncopated and layered, providing a complex rhythmic foundation that enhances the overall texture of the music. ### Production The production on "LP1" is nothing short of groundbreaking. Produced by a team including Arca, Emile Haynie, Dev Hynes, Paul Epworth, and Clams Casino, the album's sound is meticulously crafted. The production techniques employed are innovative, with a heavy reliance on digital manipulation and unconventional recording methods. One of the standout tracks in terms of production is "Hours," where twigs' voice is layered and processed to create a multi-dimensional effect. The song "Numbers" features glitchy beats and distorted vocals, exemplifying the album's experimental nature. Each track is meticulously constructed, with attention to detail evident in the way sounds are layered and juxtaposed. ### Themes "LP1" delves into themes of identity, intimacy, and emotional complexity. Throughout the album, FKA twigs explores the interplay between vulnerability and strength, often reflecting on personal experiences and emotions. The recurring themes of love and desire are examined from various angles, presenting a nuanced perspective on relationships. The theme of self-discovery is prominent in songs like "Pendulum" and "Give Up," where twigs grapples with her sense of self in the context of love and longing. The album also touches on themes of empowerment and autonomy, particularly in tracks like "Two Weeks," where she asserts her confidence and control. ### Influence "LP1" has had a profound impact on contemporary music, influencing a wide range of artists across genres. The album's innovative production and genre-blending approach have inspired musicians to push the boundaries of conventional music-making. Artists such as Solange, Kelela, and Björk have acknowledged the influence of FKA twigs' work on their own music. The album's success also paved the way for greater acceptance of experimental and avant-garde music in the mainstream. "LP1" challenged listeners and critics alike to reconsider the boundaries of pop and R&B, contributing to a broader appreciation for innovative and unconventional sounds. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros: 1. **Innovative Production**: The production on "LP1" is pioneering, blending electronic and acoustic elements in a way that sounds fresh and forward-thinking. 2. **Emotional Depth**: FKA twigs' lyrics are deeply personal and poetic, providing a rich emotional landscape for listeners to explore. 3. **Vocal Performance**: Her vocal delivery is unique and versatile, ranging from delicate whispers to powerful crescendos, adding to the album's dynamic range. 4. **Thematic Cohesion**: The album maintains a cohesive narrative, exploring themes of love, identity, and empowerment with depth and nuance. 5. **Cultural Impact**: "LP1" has had a significant influence on contemporary music, inspiring artists and expanding the boundaries of genre. #### Cons: 1. **Accessibility**: The experimental nature of the album might be challenging for some listeners who prefer more conventional music structures. 2. **Pacing**: Some tracks can feel slower and less engaging, potentially affecting the overall flow of the album. 3. **Abstract Lyrics**: The abstract and poetic nature of the lyrics might be difficult for some listeners to connect with on a personal level. 4. **Production Overload**: In some instances, the dense production can overshadow the vocals, making it hard to focus on the lyrical content. ### Conclusion "LP1" by FKA twigs is a landmark album that combines innovative production, intricate lyricism, and profound thematic exploration. Its impact on contemporary music is undeniable, influencing a range of artists and pushing the boundaries of genre and production techniques. While its experimental nature may not appeal to all listeners, those who engage with the album will find a deeply rewarding and immersive experience. "LP1" stands as a testament to FKA twigs' artistic vision and her ability to transform personal vulnerability into a universal and transformative work of art.

This was unexpectedly good.

I've been a huge fan of Twigs for some years now, and her art never gets old. LP1 is a strong output that should not be underestimated. I've always preferred MAGDALENE (2019), but LP1 (2014) is pretty impressive as well.

mon petit rayon de lune

Pop has a tendency to age rather quickly. It's a genre closely tied with the present fashion. LP1 is now 10 years old (a lifetime in pop years) and it still holds up brilliantly. The production is stellar, FKA Twigs' vocals are hauntingly beautiful - but the most impressive thing is that if this was released tomorrow, it would still feel new and fresh.

This is a way easier listen than it has any right to be. It's really good. It's got a really good vibe and flow. I'd never heard anything by this artist before, so it was all new to me. Lights On was the first track that stuck out to me. Really good. It's the same standard the entire way through. But more than anything, it's a really really easy listen

(⌣́_⌣̀)

Wow this album is really my style.. I have never listened to FKA Twigs before but I had no idea she made such good music! I can see why this album is on the list it sounds so fresh for something released in 2014.

fada sinestésica!!! essas fãs racistas do Robert Pattinson têm que tomar tudo no cu!

Maravilhoso!! Ótimo. Delicioso de ouvir... Gorgeous.

Not great

Twigs' vulnerability is transcendent. I first heard Two Weeks listing to a mix, and stopped what I was doing to listen to the full album. There's a paradoxical intimacy to the lyrics and delivery that, even though it was released as an album, it makes me feel like I've stumbled on someone's private diary, and I shouldn't be listening to this because I'm crossing someone's boundaries. Incredible work.

Maybe a 4.5, I dunno, but the way experimental early 10s dance music is fused into pop forms is so mesmerising. On this relisten, the interpolation of Air Supply's "I'm all out of love" as it drops into Two Weeks is a levitational moment.

Slaps.

When FKA twigs hit the charts in 2014 with her trip-hop inspired, electronic R&B, she became a phenomenon with capital F. 10 years later, and everything still holds up extremely well. Includes my second favorite song titled 'Two Weeks'.

I can feel magic in this album

Slow dreaming trap with slick vocals make this an easy listen to get your groove on.

This is such a beautiful album. Saw Twigs play twice and astounded and moved both times. Standout tracks: Lights On Two Weeks Hours Give Up Tbh I could just write the full track listing here.

FINALMENTE uma artista solo feminina. E a FKA ainda. Que produção, o álbum passou voando.

Not exactly a perfect 5, but closer to a 5 than a 4

I don't get a lot of the criticism of this album in the top reviews. Yes lots of artists sound like this now... but they didn't when it was released! Also, it sounds great on proper speakers. It is also a remarkably sexy album and I have had a lot of sex with this as the background music, so that does endear it to me somewhat!

I don't like using word 'beautiful' in recs because what does it even mean? But I don't know how else describe this album, every single song was simply beautiful and I loved it from first to last second.

Rating: 10/10

AMAZING

Amazing! I really enjoyed the instrumentals and the vocals on this one.

oh fuck. artistry on the next fucking level. generational. fav songs: lights on, two weeks, hours, video girl, number, kicks.

never heard of this before but instant 5 for me. i'm not sure what this is but i love it!!

J’aime beaucoup la voix et son traitement, qui ne l’objectifie ni ne l’enjolive pas, qui n’est pas trop appuyé. Textures et ambiances incarnées

Det här är så mycket bättre än jag kom ihåg... har letat efter något dylikt... älskar hur allt flyter. Också ett plus fär att vara ett val från 2000-talet som inte är mediokert/bakåtblickande.

cool

I loved this so much. Wow, why did I miss this when it came out. It’s so unique. I’ve never really heard anything like it. I remember hearing FKA twigs’s second EP, maybe? This is a whole world unto its own. Oozing creativity. I was just waiting to find out what she was going to do next. I loved the choral influences. I’m sad that I never heard this when it came out, but in hindsight maybe I just wasn’t ready. 5/5, blew my mind

Certified bedroom banger

Avant-pop, a new genre that I now need to delve into. FKA Twigs provided a refreshing take on pop, using all sounds imaginable with an amazing voice to carry you through her soundscapes. Big fan now, I'm excited to continue following her.

What a gorgeous album. I’ve never given twigs much of a chance (outside of Cellophane, which may just be the best break up song of all time) but I will definitely be checking out more of her music after this.

fuck man

The production alone seems deserving of a 5. She has an absolute amazing display of vocals. There is literally something about every song I find enjoyable. This is another album that caught me off guard. Definitely 5! 1. Lights On 2. Preface 3. Video Girl 4. Numbers 5. Give Up

This is very cool. Really enjoyed Two Weeks, Numbers, and Kicks. But so many great moments overall.

I love this, really in the Björk and SOPHIE School of production, which is definitely one of my favorite approaches to music.