Introduction
"Remember Us to Life" is the seventh studio album by Russian-American singer-songwriter Regina Spektor. It was launched on September 30, 2016, through Sire Records. Produced by Leo Abrahams, the album includes orchestral plans and explores a vast array of musical styles, including pop, indie-rock, and folk. Spektor's distinctive voice and evocative lyrics take spotlight as she looks into themes of love, loss, and hope throughout the album.
Background and Production
After a four-year break following the release of her previous album, "What We Saw from the Cheap Seats", Regina Spektor began working on "Remember Us to Life". In interviews, she exposed that a lot of the songs on the album were inspired by her experiences as a brand-new mom and pondering the state of the world around her.
For the production of the album, Spektor worked together with British manufacturer and artist Leo Abrahams, who is understood for his work with artists such as Brian Eno, Paolo Nutini, and Imogen Heap. Recording sessions occurred mainly at The Village Studios in Los Angeles. The album features string plans by Rob Moose, who previously worked with Spektor on her 2009 album "Far", and the horn arrangements were provided by Kelly Pratt.
Album Content and Lyrics
"Remember Us to Life" is identified by Spektor's trademark mix of diverse musical styles, deeply emotive storytelling, and a strong melodic sensibility. The album opens with the haunting and climatic "Bleeding Heart", a tune showcasing Spektor's vocal variety and her ability to infuse her lyrics with a combination of vulnerability and power. From there, the album moves through a varied set of tracks, from the playful "Older and Taller" to the poignant "Obsolete".
Spektor addresses themes of love, mortality, and the passage of time throughout the album. In "The Light", she assesses the charm of life's short lived minutes, singing, "The monsters turned out to be just trees/ And when the sun showed up, you were looking at me". The album's title track, "Remember Us to Life", is a plea for compassion and mindfulness, making use of styles of collective memory and stories gave through generations.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Remember Us to Life" got positive evaluations from critics and fans alike. The album debuted at number 23 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 2 on the Billboard Vinyl Albums chart. In a four-star evaluation, AllMusic praised Spektor's "fondness for pulling engaging psychological arise from idiosyncratic, mystical tunes and theatrical plans".
The album enhanced Spektor's status as a popular figure in the indie music scene, and it continues to be commemorated for its storytelling, rich musical tapestry, and emotive performances. "Remember Us to Life" showcases Regina Spektor's ability to produce a deeply personal and resonant collection of songs that resonate across generations and cultural limits.
Artist: Regina Spektor
Regina Spektor's unique journey from Moscow to NYC. Explore her musical influences, career highlights, and memorable quotes on our biographical site.
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