Album: Talk

Introduction
"Talk" is the launching solo album by Australian singer-songwriter and artist Daniel Johns, released on May 22, 2015. The album marks a significant departure from Johns' earlier work with his band Silverchair, as it looks into the world of electronic music, modern pop, and R&B. The album is a conclusion of over three years of composing and taping, throughout which Johns collaborated with numerous producers and musicians, consisting of Lorde's producer Joel Little and New Zealand singer-songwriter/producer Joelistics.

Background and Production
Following the indefinite hiatus of Silverchair in 2011, Daniel Johns started working on his solo material and try out different musical categories. In 2013, he released "Aerial Love", the lead single from the "Talk" album, which showcased a reversal towards electronic pop. The tune got mixed responses from fans and critics, but it signified Johns' decision to break away from his rock roots.

The production process for "Talk" was lengthy, with Johns dealing with the album in numerous studios throughout Australia and New Zealand. He sought partnerships with other artists and manufacturers to assist him explore brand-new sounds, resulting in a diverse album with diverse impacts. A few of the collaborators on the album include Joel Little, who co-produced 8 of the twelve tunes, and Julian Hamilton from Australian electronic duo The Presets.

Structure and Musical Style
"Talk" displays an extreme departure from Johns' deal with Silverchair, which was mainly rooted in grunge, alternative rock, and heavy metal. The album rather delves into a world of electronic beats, contemporary R&B, and ambient pop, showcasing Johns' adaptability as a musician and his ability to adapt to varied categories. His vocals remain an emphasize, with powerful falsetto and emotive delivery on tracks such as "Cool on Fire" and "Going on 16".

The album's sound scheme consists of layered synths, drum makers, and pulsating basslines, integrated with Johns' distinctive vocals and rich consistencies. Songs like "We Are Golden" and "By Your Side" have a pop-infused feel, mixing electronic production with catchy hooks and contagious tunes. On the other hand, tracks like "Dissolve" and "Imagination" explore a more speculative area, showcasing Johns' affinity for avant-garde electronica.

Reception
Upon its release, "Talk" got blended to positive reviews from critics. Many applauded Johns' boldness in checking out brand-new musical territories, while others felt that the album lacked a cohesive identity due to its eclectic nature. Some critics likewise missed the much heavier, grungier sound of Johns' previous work, commenting that the album's electronic, pop-oriented direction felt too far removed from his earlier design.

Commercially, the album carried out reasonably well in Australia, debuting at number 2 on the ARIA Albums Chart. In New Zealand, it reached number 25 on the NZ Top 40 Albums chart. The album's lead single, "Aerial Love", peaked at number 31 on the ARIA Singles Chart.

Conclusion
"Talk" represents a substantial departure from Daniel Johns' earlier deal with Silverchair and showcases his flexibility as an artist. Although met combined evaluations, the album demonstrates Johns' development as a musician and willingness to explore brand-new directions in his solo career. "Talk" serves as a particular, ambitious statement from an artist unafraid to shatter expectations and endeavor into uncharted musical area.

Artist: Daniel Johns

Daniel Johns, frontman of Silverchair & The Dissociatives. Discover his inspiring journey, iconic quotes, and solo career.
More about Daniel Johns