It is no secret that MGMT loves meshing with other genres. They’re not shying away in their newest release, Loss of Life. MGMT explores a new genre of music in their fifth studio album, incorporating their usual ’80s synth-pop sound with folk and alternative throughout the 45 minute record.
Background
MGMT, is an American rock band based out of Connecticut. Formed in 2002 by singers Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWynGarden. The band is mainly known for their albums Little Dark Age (2018) and Oracular Spectacular (2007). The public also recognizes MGMT for their collaboration with Kid Cudi on “The Pursuit of Happiness.”
Thanks to TikTok and the film “Saltburn”(2023), the band has found themselves trending on different for you pages and the radio. If you’re familiar with plane crash simulation TikToks, then you have heard the song “Little Dark Age.” Their 2008 single, “Time to Pretend” also went viral 15 years later after being featured in the hit film.
Loss of Life
While known for their history of light hearted party songs, Loss of Life takes a sad deep dive. The album begins with a reading of an anonymous poem titled “I Am Taliesin. I Sing Perfect Metre.” The third track on the album “Dancing in Babylon” also includes the bands first ever album feature, with Christine and the Queens on vocals.
The album touches on different themes like heartbreak and feeling lost in life. This is prevalent on track six, “Nothing to Declare.” The song seems to be touching on the constant nature of the changing of life. It is very beautiful, and my favorite on the album. I am grateful to be able to connect with it.
The finale of the album, also titling the same name reflects on mortality and how death is inevitable. The lyrics suggest that no matter what you do, nothing can prepare us for the loss of life. Amidst this scary revelation, there is also a moment of peace and acceptance.
The message of the song is to realize that dying’s a part of human life and to appreciate the now. “When the world is born and life is ending/Then you learn to love your loss of life/When that moment comes and life is over.”
Loss of Life has become one of my favorite albums so far of 2024. It is a refreshing break from the usual upbeat electronic music that MGMT is popular for. I have added a few songs from the album to my current Spotify playlist, On Repeat February 2024.
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