Review Summary: An instant classic that will likely be one of the most fondly-remembered releases of 2013
Every now and then, an album comes out that arguably shows the definition of the genre. Pop has had such classics as Pet Sounds, Rumors, and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. However, that was all in the past. It's been a while since pop music has had a true masterpiece. What Love Now does is give us a new masterpiece.
The first thing you'll notice when listening to Love Now is that it is ridiculously catchy, as best shown in the tragically ephemeral fifth track, "Why'd'ya Haftabee Sucha?". However, this was made as more than just a pop album. It was designed to be an experimental pop album, and that's where the truly marvelous aspect of the album shines. Not only does it manage to be catchy as hell through the entire album, which is commendable enough, but it does this with the added weight of trying to be something new and unique, at which it is also spectacular. Many experimental albums take it way too far and sacrifice any enjoyable aspects of the music for the sake of being strange. Mean Lady knows that experimentation does not necessarily sacrifice pop sensibilities, and so they have found a way too have the metaphorical cake and eat it, too.
Going beyond rhythmic excellence and a unique vision for the structure of pop and experimental music, it is important to note the lead singer's voice. This singing is a well-oiled machine, pounding smoothly into moving you from beginning to end. Her beauty shines in the opening track in particular, chanting "We all need, we all need one big family" with such simple, raw emotion that it is impossible not to love it. The vocals continue to amaze throughout the album, acting as one of the most necessary parts of the album's success as a pop masterpiece.
Love Now is just a stellar debut album by a clearly talented duo that, in the coming years, will likely make bounds into the memories of music fans everywhere. Booming with energy and talent from both its members, it is certainly not something to be missed.
