Singles is the fourth studio album by American synthpop band Future Islands, released on March 24, 2014 through 4AD Records. The album's lead single "Seasons (Waiting on You)" was picked as the best track of 2014 by NME, Pitchfork Media and Spin. Singles received acclaim from contemporary music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 82, based on 32 reviews, which indicates "universal acclaim".
Another great addition of a band I had no idea of before this… I really liked the songs and the lead singer’s somewhat unusual voice. The more I listen the more I really like!
You must see the lead singer pour every fiber of his being into each and every song while performing live to truly appreciate the greatness of this band. And to realize that he does this night after night while on tour is simply astonishing. If you thought there was no true passion left in indie rock, look no further. Absolutely deserves a place on the official list.
Synth pop lives! Good synth pop! Yay!
Great example modern synth pop album.
I’ve been a fan of this band for a while but hadn’t listened to this LP straight through. I’ve always enjoyed how unique their sound is, a heady mix of synth and prominent bass underscored by Herring’s passionate vocals. People here are going to complain about the latter, but the man just genuinely loves performing – saw them live last year and he clearly lives to sing and bare his heart to others. It’s emotionally honest and refreshing, some authentic artistry in an increasingly cynical and profit-driven music industry. Nobody is making the exuberant yet melancholy-tinged tracks like these guys, and I hope they continue for a good while. An absolute crime one of their LPs wasn’t on the original 1001, seems like it would be up Dimery’s alley.
Refreshing; ever so slightly offbeat but also poppy. Enjoyable enough but not ground breaking. I could see myself listening to this again sometime. Not a fan of the cover, though.
Future Islands makes 1980s synth pop with an very expressive singer. When you listen to an individual song, it sounds pleasing not impressive of distinctive from other synth pop. When listening to a full album each song is similar and it gets a bit boring.
I thought this was perfectly enjoyable to listen to and actually wouldn't mind if we had more music in this vein in the current pop landscape. But the thing is, as someone who lived through synth-pop the first time around, it's hard not to be reminded of a ton of artists who were far better than this. Fave Songs: Spirit, Sun in the Morning, Seasons (Waiting on You), Light House
Synthpop feels to me like something that resides firmly in the 80s and early 90s so I was dubious of this. But the vocal and percussive elements in this gave it a harder edge that seemed to plant it in its own century. I liked this, though I didn't manage to pull much out of the lyrics.
Singles starts well, very much emerges as bright and vibrant modern synthpop, then it gets dull pretty quickly. Doesn't come close to retaining the same energy as it starts with and finishes flat and disappointing. 2 on balance.
I didn't really get this one. I like synthpop, but this didn't really do it for me. Also, dude seems like he's doing a David Bowie impression a lot of the time 3/5
Weird, Post-pop music for the tragically hip. I kept getting essence of Neutral Milk Hotel for some reason. Not my bag.
Different sound to what I expected
Finally the album with Pitchfork’s 2014 song of the year!!!! Neat synth-led pop