1000 Forms of Fear

Description

The undeniable advantage that Sia has over many of her peers is that she writes their songs. Whether they are called Rihanna, Rita Ora, Beyoncé, Birdy, Oh Land, Katy Perry, Jessie J, Kylie Minogue, or Lea Michele, they have all turned to Sia Furler's talent to varying degrees. Four years after "We Are Born," "1000 Forms of Fear" is partly the result of these numerous collaborations. Sia Furler achieves what many artists wish to approach: capturing in twelve songs the essence and mindset of an era. "1000 Forms of Fear" and its perfect balance between a personal approach and the need to please the greatest number appears as the ideal album of the moment and the best-polished mirror of the musical production of this period. A little less original than "We Are Born," this second album makes up for it with the presence of the hit "Chandelier," which Sia wisely reserved for herself, even if it makes some of her clients envious. "1000 Forms of Fear" also has a claimed dark side, without being heavy, contrasting all the more with the mannerism of Lana Del Rey on "Ultraviolence." Moreover, the Australian's unique voice helps create atmospheres, thickening the body of certain songs. Sia knows how to make the melody of "Cellophane" intriguing, turn "Straight for the Knife" into a model of contemporary ballad, or play with the nuances of "Big Girls Cry" with equal joy. The only truly light song on the album produced by Greg Kurstin and Diplo, "Hostage" (in collaboration with Nick Valensi, the guitarist of The Strokes) helps to lighten an atmosphere as little volatile as the air of the time. Whether 2014 is a great musical vintage or not, "1000 Forms of Fear" will be the soundtrack of the summer. Francois Alvarez - Copyright 2017 Music Story