About U was the debut release from MUNA; a band thoroughly engrossed in electronic pop. As far as debuts go, they’re normally not as polished as this release and while some may lament the use of AutoTune-styled vocal manipulation and presentation, it works exceptionally well for this style of music and other than a couple of times throughout the entire album, I don’t feel it is a technique that is overused.
Released in 2017 on Vinyl, CD, and Compact Cassette, About U is a stunning introduction to MUNA and while I’ve yet to pick up a copy of the album on Vinyl, I look forward to adding it to my collection in the near future for it’s energetic and utterly addictive, meaning that it is very likely that I’d wear that record out. In the interim, however, the Apple Music stream, an Apple Digital Master, is simply magnificent. The album has most certainly been recorded, mixed, and mastered incredibly well and while it has a modern sound, that isn’t a detriment for the soundstage is immersive with great separation between each musical element. There is little doubt in my mind that you will adore the streaming version of About U if you don’t have access to a physical copy; I know I do.
So Special sets the tone of the album from the moment the song begins and the depth of the musicality with the vocal sitting right on top of the mix is utterly perfect.
Loudspeaker will get you moving, either on the dance floor or via some toe-tapping and head-bopping. A great song!
I Know A Place has a killer rhythm and is a solid tune with a catchy lyrical aspect.
Winterbreak is a little weak, but perhaps it is simply due to the tempo shift as the previous tracks were a lot more upbeat in comparison to Winterbreak.
Around You picks up the tempo and this pace is where I feel MUNA shines.
After is EPIC; I love the moodiness.
Promise isn’t a standout but works well within the album structure.
If U Love Me Now is a lovely vocal-focused song with a solid beat that works well for this style of music.
Crying On The Bathroom Floor is ready for the dance floor; exceptional!
End Of Desire is a B-side; not a bad one, but not a standout either.
Everything is another spectacular vocal-focused song with a musical backing that is absolutely captivating; I love it! Everything is, without doubt, one of the best songs on About U.
Outro closes the album perfectly, although this is one song where I feel the vocal manipulation was taken a little far and is subsequently distracting. Nevertheless, Outro encourages me to play the album again and remain within MUNA’s expanding catalogue of music.
From start to finish, About U is absolutely incredible. There isn’t a bad song to be heard on the album and that is something that simply cannot be said for most debuts. A masterful release!