Foster The People Takes Us On A Journey With New Album ‘Paradise State of Mind’
After seven years, Foster The People released their brand new album, Paradise State of Mind, a record that takes us on a dark journey with a groovy beat and will make you want to dance around your room. Produced by the band’s lead singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Mark Foster and bandmate Isom Innis with contributions from Paul Epworth, Jack Penate, Chrome Sparks, and Asa Taccone, the album has funk beats that are fashioned with a dream soundscape. In an interview with Forbes, Foster says, “This record started as a case study on microgeneration of the late Seventies and the early Eighties, of the disco funk crossover, pre and post drum machine. I’ve always enjoyed that music… With this record, it’s all subconscious. But I can say that after reflecting and having some space and time from this record, there are themes that come up throughout it,” the afterlife being one of them.
The first track, “See You In The Afterlife” gives off an oddly nostalgic yet incredibly modern feeling. The song, which veers into disco and funk territory, takes us on a dark journey as it discusses losing friends and meeting them in the “afterlife.” “The headlines got us thinkin’ that we’re all gonna die / Then convince us that we have to buy a ticket for the afterlifе” are lyrics that talk about how the media exaggerates their news, which causes fear and anxiety for some people, how these outlets create alarming stories that only lead to a sense of fear.
Photo by Jimmy Fountaine
“Paradise State of Mind” is a fresh modern title track that can be considered the highlight of this record, with Foster’s processed vocals that align perfectly with the guitar riffs, as well as having lyrics that make you reflect on life. “Just need to stop trying to work out why something feels good and let it all in / Yeah, just need to stop tryin’ to work out why something feels good to let it begin.” These lyrics suggest letting go of overthinking and simply enjoying the moment in the present, with a constant reminder throughout the song that it’s better not to overanalyze situations and allow good things to happen to you.
“Let Go” follows the recurring theme of the album, which is letting go of negative emotions and thoughts that hold one back. With the classic guitar riffs that made the band famous, accompanied by a gorgeous harmony of vocals, the song creates an out-of-this-world soundscape that can transport you to another planet. “Let go / Of all the feelings that are weighing you down / Don’t worry cause in time, you’ll come around / The things that we hold ok to just keep us in our head / So let go.”
This album is a fresh new version of the band, with a message to fans about freeing themselves from mental or emotional baggage, with the album talking about finding peace and clarity with what no longer resonates with you. The band incorporates a lot of auto-tune and technology which makes this album different from the rest of their discography, but still stands out as one of the best.
