Written by: David Williams
Score: 8.1/10
MUNA creates a gem with their new, self-titled album. Consisting of three friends that have known each for almost 10 years—Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson—the trio has battled all sorts of adversity on the road toward their third studio album. After being dropped by their label RCA following their record Saves The World, the group struggled with doubt and uncertainty about their future. But, through the tumultuous times, the one thing remained between the three—the trust they had in eachother, and the belief they held in their music.
A life raft was thrown out to the band in the form of indie-queen Phoebe Bridgers—signing them to her newly established label Saddest Factory Records and giving MUNA a new lease on their musical careers. The group was handed the ball at the goal line like Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry bulldozing over the competition, scoring a bevy of pop anthems on Muna.
The record starts with their most significant radio hit to date “Silk Chiffon,” featuring their boss Phoebe Bridgers, who has a quick convivial cameo singing about being high in a CVS while another girl ogles her down the aisle. The vibe feels like a bright summer day with the infectiously fun chorus paired with the upbeat sunny nature of the lyrics. “This is a song for kids to have their first gay kiss too,” McPherson says in a press release. The goal of crafting a queer track that resonates with people was a ripping success for MUNA who are all part of the LGBTQ community.
From there the band keeps the momentum going with the synth-laden nightclub banger “What I Want.” Katie sings vibrantly about wanting to go out dancing at a gay bar, letting loose, and enjoying whatever the night has to offer—on her terms. The song has an early 2000s pop sonic aesthetic that can have you imagining Carson Daly introducing the music video debut on TRL.
Photo Credit: Isaac Schneider
“Runner’s High” is an adrenaline-filled, up-tempo dance-pop song that will pump you with all kinds of energy, giving off the feeling like you can run a marathon on the treadmill at the gym. The narration is equipped with a message about having this deep relaxing state of euphoria after breaking up with someone: Are these thoughts temporary? Or, is this person truly over the relationship?
The midpoint of the record “Kind of Girl” is an acoustic country ballad that you could see MUNA performing at the CMT Awards. After the fast-paced nature of the first four tracks, the group takes a moment to slow the pace down and lend us the heart of the album, giving the listeners a lesson in moving on from someone and learning how to overcome bad habits.
“No Idea” uses computerized vocals by Gavin that sounds like a 90s digitized dance-pop song. Indie rock star Mitski has a co-writing credit and adds a little extra punch to the track.
The mid-80s synth pop-inspired “Solid” is one of the high points on the record, with an anthemic chorus combined with braggadocios lyrics about one’s partner: “She is like a bullet in between your eyes / She is fully loaded and unpressurized.” The track paves the way for the joyous occasion for people to shake their tail feather’s on the dancefloor.
Photo Credit: Isaac Schneider
“Anything But Me” is a happy breakup message about wanting what’s best for your ex-partner after the relationship is over, as long as they still don’t want to be together. Amusing and cheeky lyrics by Gavin reference being on high horses, ponies, and carousel rides, adding an extra layer of entertainment. HAIM fans will recognize this sound from their 2017 album Something to Tell You.
The last two songs to close the record, “Loose Garment” and “Shooting Star,” are melancholy at their core. The former deals with not “wearing your sadness around your neck like a choker,” while the latter’s theme of staying away from someone that is self-destructive makes for an interesting, soft contrast with the fast-paced rhythm of the record.
After label drama, fear of the unknown, and self-doubt, the trio turned that pressure into diamonds with their third album. MUNA has risen from the ashes like a Phoenix, delivering quality pop hits throughout the entire tracklist of Muna in a triumphant reclamation of their sound.