Sensational (Erika de Casier album)
Sensational | ||||
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Length | 41:32 | |||
Label | 4AD | |||
Producer | de Casier, Natal Zaks | |||
Erika de Casier chronology | ||||
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Singles from Sensational | ||||
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Sensational is the second
The album was released on 21 May 2021 by British indie label 4AD, de Casier's first release with the label. Upon its release, Sensational drew widespread praise from music critics, who commended de Casier's vocals and songwriting, as well as the '90s and 2000s-influenced production. It was ranked by numerous publications as one of the best releases of the week, month, and first half of 2021. The album also spawned five singles, all of which drew favorable reviews from music critics and were promoted by music videos self-directed by de Casier. Four of the five videos starred de Casier playing the role of Bianka, her alter ego.
Background
In 2019, de Casier self-released her debut studio album, Essentials. The album slowly drew attention, appearing on several critics' year-end lists and eventually receiving praise from English singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, who invited de Casier in 2020 to remix her single "Physical".[4][5] De Casier began writing music for her second album in early 2020 while on tour, recording her first song of the project — "Call Me Anytime" — in one studio session while on tour.[6] During this time, she also signed to the English indie label 4AD; de Casier had long admired the label for its work with the Cocteau Twins, and was pleased by the creative autonomy which they afforded her in writing music.[7] She also noted that it had been expensive for her to self-finance the recording and release of her debut album, and that the experience had helped her to realize the benefits of working with a label and receiving outside help.[8]
In early 2020, she was slated to tour further in Australia and the United States, but upon the emergence of the
De Casier stated that she reflected on past relationships as she wrote the record, writing songs describing previous romantic endeavors. She elaborated to i-D that she "stood up for (her)self… I wanted to see myself as something other than the victim."[4] She stated that a few words guided her as she wrote and recorded Sensational: "Sexy, sensual, sensational […] dramatic, as well. The idea of being extra, being over-dramatic and over-acting. I wanted to explore that." The album was regarded as being more diversified and self-confident than her debut.[4] De Casier also drew influence from the music she heard on MTV growing up, reflecting that the TV station held extra significance for her as a young girl because it was "the only place (she) saw other Black people, growing up", as one of only two Black students at her school.[1][2] De Casier also cited as an influence her visits as a child to the public library, where in the music section she was able to explore the work of artists such as Erykah Badu, N.E.R.D., and Destiny's Child.[2] She singled out Craig David's Born to Do It and Aaliyah's eponymous album as particularly influential.[8] For the album's production, de Casier collaborated with DJ Natal Zaks, with whom she had also collaborated on her debut, and who had created a club mix of her single "Intimate" under his El Trick stage name.[10]
Composition
Lyrics
The album's lyrical theme is addressing the stereotypes surrounding single women and dating.
The album—particularly the song "Busy"—was also noted for its departures from the themes of single life and dating, and for its emphasis on self-love, chronicling de Casier's morning routine in "endearingly geeky" detail.[3] It has also been noted that several of the songs appear to be sequels or extensions to those on Essentials: on "Puppy Love", from her first album, she sang "You're so sweet, put your butterflies around me", while on Sensational's "No Butterflies, No Nothing", she sings, "No, I'm far from it"; the Sensational track "Busy" was also regarded as a contrast to 2019's "Good Time", in which de Casier urges a lover to spend some time with her.[10]
Music
The combination of retro musical sounds with modern lyrical themes was regarded as one of the album's defining features.
In addition to drawing influence from retro R&B, several songs—such as "Better Than That" and "Someone to Chill With"—also draw inspiration from the period's
Release
On 13 April, de Casier announced that her second album would be called Sensational and would be released on 21 May.[21] It also marked her first release on 4AD Records.[21] The album was digitally released by 4AD Records on 21 May, with a physical release on 23 July.[11][21] De Casier also announced that in Fall 2021 she would be embarking on a European tour, and that club remixes of the tracks on Sensational were forthcoming.[10][11][15]
Singles
To promote the album, four singles and music videos preceded its release. Lead single "No Butterflies, No Nothing" was released on 20 October 2020, becoming her debut single on 4AD; de Casier directed the accompanying music video.
"Polite" was released as the album's third single on 13 April 2021, with another self-directed music video as well as the announcement that her new album would be released on 21 May.[21][31] Two months after its release, the song was featured on a Toronto Star playlist highlighting "new tracks you need to hear".[13] The song reached number 32 on the Apple Music Chart, as well as number 66 on the global iTunes chart.[32] It also went into rotation on national Austrian radio station FM4 and Polish station PR Radio RAM 89.8.[32] De Casier released the album's fourth single, "Busy", on 12 May, with a slideshow in lieu of a music video.[33] The song was ranked one of the "10 New Songs You Need to Hear Now" by Paper, who deemed it one of the year's best pop songs; in July, Harper's Bazaar included it in their list of the "Best Summer Songs to Add to Your Playlists Now".[34][35] The single received play on four American radio stations, as well as the New Zealand station 8K Christchurch.[36]
The music videos for the last three singles, beginning with "Polite", all star Bianka, a fictional character created by de Casier who is the CEO of the "Sensational Corporation".
On 17 September 2021, de Casier released the album's fifth single, "Someone to Chill With", with an accompanying music video and announcement of expanded tour dates in the UK, Scotland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.[37] The music video was filmed by Stephanie Stål Axelgård and directed by de Casier, and depicts Bianka at the beach.[37] The video had been initially premiered at the electronic music festival STRØM in Copenhagen in August 2021.[37]
Critical reception
Aggregate scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
Crack | 8/10[3] |
DIY | [39] |
Financial Times | [40] |
The Guardian | [1] |
Loud and Quiet | 7/10[41] |
No Ripcord | [42] |
Pitchfork | 7.7/10[2] |
Sputnikmusic | 4/5[43] |
Upon its release, the album drew praise from music critics, earning a score of 78 out of 100 on review aggregate site
In a less favorable review, critic Louisa Dixon, writing for DIY, awarded the album three stars out of five, singling out "Drama", "Busy", "Polite", and "Someone to Chill With" as highlights but accusing the album of "get(ting) a little samey" in places due to de Casier's "understated vocal" and the "shallow pool from which many of the musical textures come".[39]
Accolades
In June 2021, Paste ranked Sensational as one of the ten best albums released in May 2021, praising her for "balancing herself on the same tightrope as her inspirations between relatability and luxury" and the record's "humility" and "confidence".[47] In June, the Guardian ranked it one of their best-reviewed albums of the previous month.[48] In July 2021, Bandcamp ranked the album among "The Best Albums of Spring 2021".[49] Also that month, DJ Mag named Sensational their "Album of the Month", with critic Eoin Murray calling it a "striking" album that suggests that de Casier "will have no trouble dominating dance floors as well as charts".[20]
Numerous outlets ranked the album as one of the best or most underrated releases of the first half of 2021.
In December 2021, Pitchfork placed it at number 40 on their "The 50 Best Albums of 2021" list,[56] whilst The Guardian placed it at number 37 in their similar list, with Laura Snapes stating that de Casier's "minimalist take on turn-of-the-millennium R&B shivers with sensitivity... while (her) coy delivery brims with a beguiling sense of mystery".[57]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Erika de Casier and produced by de Casier and Natal Zaks, except "Insult Me" and "Call Me Anytime", written and produced by de Casier.[11]
No. | Title | Length |
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1. | "Drama" | 3:48 |
2. | "Polite" | 3:24 |
3. | "Make My Day" | 3:29 |
4. | "All You Talk About" | 3:01 |
5. | "Insult Me" | 3:18 |
6. | "No Butterflies, No Nothing" | 2:59 |
7. | "Someone to Chill With" | 3:19 |
8. | "Acceptance (Intermezzo)" | 0:41 |
9. | "Better Than That" | 3:56 |
10. | "Friendly" | 3:00 |
11. | "Secretly" | 3:04 |
12. | "Busy" | 3:59 |
13. | "Call Me Anytime" | 3:34 |
Total length: | 41:32 |
Charts
Chart (2021) | Peak position |
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13 |
Remix EP
The Sensational Remixes | ||||
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EP by | ||||
Released | 12 November 2021 | |||
Length | 31:48 | |||
Label | 4AD | |||
Producer |
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Erika de Casier chronology | ||||
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Singles from The Sensational Remixes | ||||
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A remix EP, titled The Sensational Remixes, slated for digital release on 12 November 2021, was announced for release on 4 November 2021.[59] It was preceded by the single release of Spanish artist Isabella Lovestory & record producer Chicken's remix of "Drama" on 4 November 2021.[60]
Track listing
No. | Title | Length |
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1. | "Better Than That" (Hannah Diamond & caro♡ Remix) | 3:41 |
2. | "Friendly" (Smerz Remix) | 3:45 |
3. | "Polite" (Mura Masa Remix) | 3:50 |
4. | "Drama" (Isabella Lovestory & Chicken Remix) | 2:54 |
5. | "Someone to Chill With" (Eartheater Remix) | 3:22 |
6. | "Call Me Anytime" (They Hate Change Remix) | 2:54 |
7. | "Friendly" (Nick León Remix) | 2:59 |
8. | "Polite" (Natal's latenitemix) | 3:15 |
9. | "Busy" (DJ G2G SUPERMIX) | 5:08 |
Total length: | 31:48 |
References
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- ^ a b c d Sherburne, Philip. "Review: Erika de Casier - Sensational". Pitchfork. Conde Nast. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
- ^ a b c d Samways, Gemma. "Review: Sensational". Crack Magazine. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Kendall, Zoe. "Erika de Casier is making Y2K music for the future". i-D. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ a b Future Music (July 2, 2021). "Erika de Casier: "Sometimes when I open Ableton Live I'm blank - what the hell am I going to create?"". MusicRadar. Future Publishing. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
- ^ a b Cavalcanti, Amanda. "Erika de Casier Lets Loose on 'Sensational'". Bandcamp. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ Julliand, Briac. "Rencontre : Erika de Casier, sensation douce-amère de la scène r'n'b". Les Inrockuptibles (in French). Retrieved 24 May 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f Hussain, Shahzaib. "Astral Realm: An Alternative Roundup #2". Clash. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
- ^ a b Ihaza, Jeff. "Erika de Casier Makes Sensitive R&B For Club Kids". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Hinton, Patrick. "Fired Up: How Erika de Casier Grew into an R&B Sensation". MixMag. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
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- ^ a b c Kellman, Andy. "Review: Sensational". Allmusic. RhythmOne. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
- ^ a b Assaly, Richie (11 June 2021). "Weekend playlist: Seven new tracks you need to hear, from MF DOOM to Rostam". Toronto Star. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
- ^ Embley, Jochan; Smyth, David; Durrant, Nancy (July 2, 2021). "Our music recommendations: What we're listening to now, from Big Red Machine to Rico Nasty". Microsoft News. Evening Standard. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
- ^ a b c d Walder, Megan (21 May 2021). "Erika de Casier - Sensational". Clash. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ Whitmer, Savannah (2 August 2021). "Erika de Casier, "Sensational"". Flood Magazine. Anthemic. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
- ^ a b Rivers, Joe (23 June 2021). "Music Reviews: Erika de Casier — Sensational". No Ripcord. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
- ^ a b c Rettig, James (18 May 2021). "Album Of The Week: Erika de Casier Sensational". Stereogum. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
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- ^ a b c Murray, Eoin (19 July 2021). "Album of the month: Erika de Casier 'Sensational'". DJ Mag. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
- ^ a b c d e Strauss, Matthew. "Erika de Casier Announces New Album Sensational, Shares New Song "Polite": Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ a b Darville, Jordan. "The 7 projects you should stream now". The Fader. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ Rettig, James. "Erika de Casier — No Butterflies, No Nothing". Stereogum. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ "The 100 best songs of 2020". The Fader. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ "No Butterflies, No Nothing charts history". Top Charts. AppGeneration. Retrieved 20 June 2021.
- ^ Rettig, James. "Erika de Casier Releases New Song Drama". Stereogum. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ D’Souza, Shaad. "Erika de Casier leans into the drama on her new single". The Fader. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ Ihaza, Jeff (2 March 2021). "Song You Need to Know: Erika de Casier, 'Drama'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ Sherburne, Philip. "Single Review: "Drama" by Erika de Casier". Pitchfork. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ "Drama radio spins". Top Charts. AppGeneration. Retrieved 20 June 2021.
- ^ Rettig, James (13 April 2021). "Erika de Casier Announces New Album Sensational". Stereogum. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
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- ^ "Busy charts history". Top Charts. AppGeneration. Retrieved 20 June 2021.
- ^ a b c "Erika de Casier : 'Someone To Chill With' Video & Added EU/UK Tour Dates". 4AD. 17 September 2021. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
- ^ a b "Sensational by Erika de Casier at Metacritic". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
- ^ a b Dixon, Louisa (20 May 2021). "Erika de Casier - Sensational". DIY. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ a b Hunter-Tilney, Ludovic (21 May 2021). "Erika de Casier: Sensational — Compact, Stylish Songs". Financial Times. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
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- theguardian.com. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
- ^ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
- ^ Pappis, Konstantinos (4 November 2021). "Erika de Casier Announces 'The Sensational Remixes' Album, Shares New Version of 'Drama' Read more: Erika de Casier Announces 'The Sensational Remixes' Album, Shares New Version of 'Drama'". Our Culture Mag. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
- ^ "The official website for independent record label 4AD". 4AD. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
External links
- Sensational at Discogs (list of releases)