Artist: Electronic Album: Twisted Tenderness

Year: 1999
Duration: 44:52

A Critical Review of the Album ‘Twisted Tenderness’ by Electronic

Electronic, the supergroup consisting of Johnny Marr (former guitarist of The Smiths) and Bernard Sumner (lead singer of Joy Division and New Order), released ‘Twisted Tenderness’ in 1999. The album was their third and final one together and was considered quite innovative at the time. In this blog, we will take a closer look at ‘Twisted Tenderness’, the artist, the genre of the album, the best songs, most innovative parts, and critique of the album.

Let’s begin by looking at Electronic as a whole. The band’s self-titled debut album came out in 1991, which was closely followed by their second album, ‘Raise the Pressure’, in 1996. The band is known for fusing guitar-based music with electronic sounds and beats. Their music has elements of post-punk, alternative rock, and electronic dance music (EDM).

The album ‘Twisted Tenderness’ marks a departure from the guitar-heavy sounds of their earlier albums. It’s a much more electronic and synth-based album. The album has a futuristic and dystopian feel to it. It’s as if Electronic was looking ahead to a time where everything is automated, and human emotions are scarce. The album speaks to the anxieties of a world dominated by technology.

Some of the best songs on the album are ‘Vivid’, ‘Prodigal Son’, and ‘Late at Night’. ‘Vivid’ is a catchy tune that stays with you long after you’ve listened to the album. ‘Prodigal Son’ has a dreamy quality to it and is a perfect example of how Electronic blends guitars with electronic beats. ‘Late at Night’ is a slow ballad that showcases the more melancholic side of the album.

The most innovative part of the album is the way Electronic used samples of spoken word pieces throughout the album. The track ‘All That I Need’ samples a poem by Sylvia Plath, the track ‘Like No Other’ has a sample of a Charles Bukowski poem, and the track ‘Gangster’ uses a sample from the movie ‘The Conversation’. These samples add an intellectual and literary dimension to the album.

While ‘Twisted Tenderness’ was reviewed positively by most critics at the time, some criticized it for being too dystopian and bleak. Some also felt that the lack of guitar riffs was a weakness. However, it’s fair to say that ‘Twisted Tenderness’ was ahead of its time and continues to inspire musicians today.

In conclusion, Electronic’s ‘Twisted Tenderness’ is a bold and innovative album that is as relevant today as it was when it was first released. The album showcases the intersection of rock and electronic music and is a testament to the visionary talents of Johnny Marr and Bernard Sumner. The album speaks to our anxieties about the future and the impact of technology on our lives. The use of spoken-word samples adds an intellectual dimension to the album. While there may be some criticisms of the album, it’s still a cult classic and a must-listen for any music lover.

In conclusion, Electronic’s ‘Twisted Tenderness’ is a bold and innovative album that is as relevant today as it was when it was first released. The album showcases the intersection of rock and electronic music and is a testament to the visionary talents of Johnny Marr and Bernard Sumner. The album speaks to our anxieties about the future and the impact of technology on our lives. The use of spoken-word samples adds an intellectual dimension to the album. While there may be some criticisms of the album, it’s still a cult classic and a must-listen for any music lover.