Album: Love Is an Art

Album Background
"Love Is an Art" is the 6th studio album released by American singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton on March 27, 2020. The album was produced by Grammy-winning music producer and mixer, Dave Fridmann, known for his work with artists like MGMT, Tame Impala, and The Flaming Lips. Carlton's previous album "Liberman" had gotten important praise, setting the phase for this follow-up release.

The title of the album "Love Is an Art" hints at the central style running through the twelve tunes that comprise the tracklist - checking out various elements of love and its typically unstable nature. Carlton drew motivation from numerous sources, consisting of the works of prominent psychoanalyst Erich Fromm and an MIT research study about falling in love.

Style and Sound
"Love Is an Art" diverges substantially from Carlton's earliest work, which garnered her extensive popularity with her single "A Thousand Miles". Rather, this latest release has a more speculative and atmospheric sound, reflecting Vanessa's evolution as an artist. The album sees her diving deeper into the realm of indie-pop, combining synth-driven melodies with Fridmann's signature production methods to develop an ethereal and dreamlike quality that permeates throughout the album.

The tunes vary in instrumentation and structure, showcasing Carlton's expedition and artistry. From the driving beat of the opening track, "I Can't Stay the Same", to the gentler piano and string plan of "Back to Life", each song uses its unique flavor and style.

Lyrics and Themes
The styles of the album revolve around the nuanced emotions and experiences that feature love and human relationships. Each track delves into one element of love - be it romantic, platonic, or familial - painting a general picture of the complexity of this human feeling.

The title track, "Love is an Art", explores the concept of love as an ability that requires consistent work and growth, "die me blacker than art of caring" referencing the darker elements that can accompany love. "Companion Star" speaks of the duality in relationships, where 2 individuals orbit each other's lives like heavenly bodies, producing balance and cohesion.

Another standout track, "The Only Way to Love", brings the main message of being willing to be susceptible and open oneself approximately experience love totally. Similarly, "Patience" stresses the value of comprehending timing and learning to be client in love.

Important Reception
"Love Is an Art" received combined reviews from music critics, who praised Vanessa Carlton's growth and experimentation as an artist while noting some disparities in the album. Critics appreciated her desire to explore brand-new sonic territories and her continued effort to shed the early expectations set by her huge launching single.

Listeners and fans of Vanessa Carlton delighted in the album for its sincere exploration of love and its complicated emotional landscapes. The blend of thoughtful and reflective lyrics with atmospheric and ethereal soundscapes made it a compelling listening experience.

Conclusion
"Love Is an Art" marks a substantial chapter in Vanessa Carlton's career, showcasing her development as an artist and a willingness to explore uncharted sonic territories. Through this work, she offers a deeply intimate and intricate expedition of the many aspects of love, welcoming listeners to engage with the psychological complexities fundamental in human relationships. Ultimately, it is an album that welcomes self-questioning and reflection on the subtleties of love, making it a special and expressive addition to Carlton's discography.