Album: New Values

Introduction
"New Values" is the 3rd solo studio album by American rock musician, Iggy Pop, launched in April 1979. Following his previous two collective efforts with David Bowie, "The Idiot" and "Lust for Life", this album showcased Pop's musical development and his return to a more raw and aggressive noise. With a mix of hard rock and post-punk impacts, "New Values" includes Iggy Pop working together with guitarist James Williamson and bassist Jackie Clark on the album's production, which caused an invigorated noise in contrast to the more mournful tones of his previous albums.

Background and Recording
After the release of "Lust for Life" in 1977, Iggy Pop and David Bowie went different ways, with Bowie concentrating on his Berlin Trilogy while Pop continued to tour. After the dust settled, Pop contacted his former Stooges bandmate, guitarist James Williamson, having actually previously collaborated on the influential "Raw Power" album. The duo chose to team up once again, and "New Values" was developed.

Iggy Pop co-produced the album along with Williamson, which was taped at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. The supporting band members included bassist Jackie Clark, keyboardist Scott Thurston, and drummer Klaus Kruger. The album includes a mix of uptempo punk rock songs and mid-tempo post-punk tunes, with Iggy Pop's lyrics concentrating on personal experiences, relationships, and social commentary.

Album Content and Style
"New Values" includes 12 tracks in total, each displaying Pop's special songwriting and performing design. The album kicks off with the positive "Tell Me a Story", which sets the tone for the record with its appealing chorus and energetic pace. The album explores post-punk territory with tracks like "I'm Bored" and "Five Foot One", where Pop's singing delivery shifts from raw hostility to a more controlled and melodic design.

One of the standout tracks on the album is the title track, "New Values", which features a strong groove and remarkable chorus. This tune showcases Pop's reflective songwriting, touching on styles of disillusionment and yearning for something deeper and more significant in life. Other notable songs consist of "Don't Look Down", a melodic and catchy tune with a strong bassline, and "African Man", which explores social and political issues of the time.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "New Values" received mixed to positive reviews from music critics. Some praised Pop's return to a rawer sound, while others felt that the album did not have the commercial appeal of his previous partnerships with Bowie. In spite of the blended reception, the album ended up being a moderate commercial success, reaching # 180 on the Billboard 200 and # 34 on the Swedish Albums Chart.

In the years because its release, "New Values" has actually grown to be thought about a vital album in Iggy Pop's discography. Fans and critics alike have come to see the album as an essential bridge between the punk rock noise of his Stooges days and the more speculative direction his solo career would take. With unforgettable tunes and strong efficiencies all around, "New Values" remains a testimony to Iggy Pop's adaptability and talent as an artist.