Album: Free

Introduction
"Free", launched on September 6, 2019, is the eighteenth studio album by American rock icon Iggy Pop. This album comes as a follow-up to the seriously well-known "Post Pop Depression" from 2016, taped with Josh Homme, Dean Fertita, and Matt Helders. "Free" presents a stark contrast to its predecessor, showing a more experimental, minimalist, and introspective side of Iggy Pop. Collaborating with jazz trumpeter Leron Thomas and guitar player Sarah Lipstate (Noveller), Iggy Pop provides an unique soundscape filled with poetry and haunting tunes, reflecting on his life and career.

Musical Style and Influences
The sonic taste buds of "Free" considerably varies from what fans would get out of Iggy Pop. The album leans greatly into jazz, ambient, and electronic soundscapes, diverging from the punk and rock 'n' roll spirit usually related to him. Leron Thomas's trumpet playing lends a soulful tone to the tracks, while Sarah Lipstate's ambient guitar textures paint a fascinating backdrop. Unlike the high-energy hard rock sound of earlier efforts like "Lust for Life" and "The Stooges", "Free" has a more controlled, reflective, and speculative atmosphere, making it a remarkable listen.

In addition to the musical influences, the album likewise features spoken-word elements, with Iggy Pop reciting poetry by Lou Reed (" We Are individuals") and Dylan Thomas (" Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night"), showcasing Pop's appreciation for literature and the spoken word.

Themes and Lyrics
The lyrics throughout the 10 tracks on "Free" touch upon styles of self-reflection, liberty, existentialism, and social issues, exposing a vulnerable side of Iggy Pop. The opening track, "Free", starts with the poignant statement: "I wan na be free", setting the tone for what follows. In tracks like "Love's Missing" and "Page", Pop ponders the significance of love-- both physical and spiritual-- as a recovery force in his life.

"James Bond" explores the unpredictability of masculinity and power, while "When We Were Young" is a classic look back at the early phases of his career, performed over a disorderly jazz crucial. Furthermore, "Sonali" is a poetic journey through a thought of world, advocating a loved one to move beyond their ordinary life.

The album also addresses political and social styles, most significantly in Lou Reed's poem "We Are the People", where Iggy Pop assumes the voice of American people, expressing their disappointments and needs for modification.

Reception
"Free" got generally beneficial reviews from critics, who praised Iggy Pop's determination to take risks in his music and present something totally various from his previous releases. The album's speculative nature and introspective themes were praised, with many commenting on how the 72-year-old artist still has the capability to surprise and innovate.

Nevertheless, the album also faced some criticism from fans who were expecting the renowned punk noise that Iggy Pop is understood for, highlighting the polarizing nature of "Free".

Conclusion
In summary, "Free" is a daring and unanticipated departure from Iggy Pop's punk and rock 'n' roll persona, diving headfirst into the worlds of jazz, ambient music, and spoken word efficiencies. Touching upon styles of introspection, liberty, and social commentary, this album presents a susceptible side of the famous artist and shows that he is still capable of pushing borders and transforming himself. While not for everyone, "Free" is a fascinating record for those willing to embrace the diverse, experimental nature of Iggy Pop's artistry.