REVIEW: Random Access Memory by Daft Punk

     Daft Punk's new album, Random Access Memories, has been one of the most long-awaited and hyped album in recent memory. Not having a formal LP in eight years, people have been waiting the new album from the duo who created the modern EDM scene. Most people accredit the album Homework for creating electronic music as we know it today, for better or for worse. The dance music scene today has become who can create the biggest bass drop and Daft Punk aren't happy about that. Daft Punk's new album is trying to fix the problems they made with Homework by creating a more organic album, to confront the Skrillexes of the world. In RAM Daft Punk have created a mostly organic album, that only uses computers and synthesizers to fulfill to get the music to its fullest potential. Daft Punk have made the best electronic album in recent memory by creating an album that isn't really electronic.

     The album stars out with the track "Give Life Back To Music." The title of this song is purpose to this album in a lot of ways. The next track 'The Game of Love' is a slow jam like 'Within' later in the album. These slow jams really help pace the album nicely and give the album a different feel from the rest of the songs. The all important third track starts with an interview with famous producer, songwriter, and performer, Giorgio Moroder. The interview feels a bit out of place, but the background music keeps it mostly grounded. What really shines about this tracks the music after the interviews. These instrumentals are some of my favorites on the album, perfectly blending synth and live instruments (in this case, drums). The payoff at the end is fantastic. With 'Instant Crush', the album starts to carve out a sound for the rest of the album, which in this case is a nostalgic disco and slow jams. All the vocals on these disco tracks from Julian Casablancas to Panda Bear are well done and fit in at least relatively well with the rest of the album. These disco songs and slow jams can feel a bit cheesy at times, but your too busy enjoying it to notice. The only exception to the disco and jam mold is 'Motherboard', which nicely breaks up this mold that is starting to take hold. All of this changes though when the album gets to 'Contact'. This song reminds me of the music in 'Giorgio by Moroder', but it still feels different in a way. The album definitely ends on a bang.

     So the question many people probably have on their minds is the album worth the hype. My answer to that depends on what you expected. If you expected another Homework or Discovery, you'll be horribly disappointed, but if your willing to listen to something different and new, this album is amazing. The album that is meant to be listened to in whole, as the flow from song to song is perfect. If you listen to in that way, the complaints you might have with the slow jams or disco go away. It all makes sense in the big picture. The duo have put out music that is serious, while still being fun to listen to. Masterful production overshadows  sometimes weak lyrics. Daft Punk have come back from the dead to destroy their creation that has mutated beyond what they wanted and they have succeeded. I can find very little wrong with this album, it's just a great listen. I'm going to give this album 9/10 stars for being fantastic and one of the best electronic albums in awhile, even if  it's a bit cheesy sometimes.

BEST TRACKS: Give Life Back To Music, Giogrio by Moroder, Instant Crush, Get Lucky, Doin' It Right, Contact

★★★★★★★★★☆