i think the record is brilliant. it feels confident and mature. i still need more time to sit with it but it just feels like someone who's been *in it.* in the game for a long time, seen it all, heard it all, internalized ideas that don't match up to her sense of self, but prevails by sheer talent and lyricism. stand out songs for me are A&W (still my favorite song she's put out in the last 4 years along with Mariners), Candy Necklace, Peppers, and Grandfather. also.... Candy Necklace met my expectations. my god. her vocals on that song, some of the best she's ever performed. the breathiness in the chorus... takes me to another world.
and I love Peppers so much. Tommy Genesis's performance is so great and it's so carefree and silly to ride it into a Dick Dale song. I actually thought a lot of parts of the record were funny, especially Taco Truck x VB. ...but was VB necessary to end on? to me, it sort of felt forced, like a "hey, in case you don't like this album, remember venice bitch?" and I was hoping for a new vocal rendition of VB, not the same vocals with different beats. and it felt a little disconnected from the other parts of the album. it's not what i was expecting for a closer.
my biggest issue with the album is wordiness. she seems to get lost in much of what she's saying and almost loses control of the melodies in songs like kintsugi and fingertips. also margaret was a total wash to me. i just really don't need to hear a mediocre jack antonoff performance right after an incredible father john misty one.
overall, the reason NFR still stands up as a better record in my opinion is because it just felt more refined. there are elements of this album that feel lost, but the direction she takes us towards the end seems like she's in a pretty happy place, and i think we can tell by the interviews she's giving lately etc. that she just seems so carefree.
anyways i give it a 7.8/10