Album: Nine Objects of Desire

Introduction
"Nine Objects of Desire" is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega, launched in 1996. Following the success of her previous album, "99.9 F °", Vega continued to check out new areas in her songwriting and production through her collaboration with producer Mitchell Froom. The album presents a mix of folk rock, electronic, and world music influences, with the title referring to the nine tunes that comprise the album, each representing an element of desire.

Album Background and Theme
In "Nine Objects of Desire", Suzanne Vega explores themes of love, desire, and yearning, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources consisting of personal experiences, ancient myths, and literary works. Each of the nine tunes on the album represents a different object of desire, with the lyrics diving into the intricacies of human emotions and requirements.

A few of the tunes on the album discuss unrequited love, while others take on unhealthy relationships. The haunting "Caramel" utilizes images from movie noir to evoke the sweet temptation of prohibited love. "World Before Columbus" stands apart as a tender love tune, with Vega comparing her love for someone to the world's willingness to change prior to the explorer's famous journey.

Musical Style and Production
The musical design of "Nine Objects of Desire" is an extension of the experimental technique initially presented in "99.9 F °". Working with manufacturer Mitchell Froom, who was likewise her partner at the time, Vega included a diverse mix of instruments and electronic noises into her signature acoustic guitar-driven folk style. The resulting sound is a more diverse and layered mix compared to her earlier albums, with a maturity and depth that comes from taking dangers with her music.

The production on the album integrates components from genres such as rock, electronic, and world music, often within the exact same tune. For instance, "No Cheap Thrill" utilizes a funky bassline and percussion groove as a foundation for Vega's rhythmic guitar playing and lyrics about a conflicted relationship. The incorporation of varied sounds presents an abundant and expressive sonic landscape that supports the storytelling in the lyrics.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Nine Objects of Desire" got normally favorable evaluations from music critics. However, the album didn't match the business success of the previous album, "99.9 F °", peaking at # 92 on the United States Billboard 200 chart and # 43 on the UK Albums Chart.

The album's lead single, "Headshots", became a small hit in the UK, and its accompanying video includes Vega carrying out the tune while her image is predicted onto various surface areas. The 2nd single, "No Cheap Thrill", didn't fare also on the charts however still gotten appreciation for its memorable tune and smart lyrics.

"Nine Objects of Desire" is considered a fundamental part of Suzanne Vega's discography, showcasing her ability to progress as an artist and her willingness to explore much deeper, more complicated themes. The experimentation that started with "99.9 F °" and continued with this album would eventually pave the way for a lot more bold sonic expeditions in her later works. The record stays a distinct and ingenious work that shows Vega's distinctive voice as a vocalist, songwriter, and writer.