TRUSTFALL

 

P!nk is back with her ninth studio album, TRUSTFALL.  While some reviews have argued that the album is a hodgepodge of influences and collaborations that prevent it from being cohesive, I think that the different sounds and collaborations provide energetic highs and introspective lows that are precisely what make listening to P!nk album such an enjoyable and emotional journey.  I also think the themes that she addresses on this album tie the tracks together, the overarching one being the need to love and hope and dance despite the pain and hardships of the world.  Indeed, All Music maintains that P!nk "recaptures her spirit and voice on the cathartic TRUSTFALL...a motivational therapy session that hinges on themes of change, self-acceptance, loss, and love, reminding listeners (and herself) that everything will be OK if there's faith in the face of fear and the unknown".  

Here are my first impressions of each track:

1.  When I Get There

This moving and intimate musing about her late father in the afterlife is a beautiful albeit surprising way to open the album.  

2.  Trustfall

A contrast to the emotionally hefty opening track, this song really gets the party started (see what I did there) and encourages us to keep it going, even through tough times.  It gave me Robyn Dancing On My Own vibes from the minute I first heard it and to be honest, I wish the album had more dancefloor bangers like this.  

3.  Turbulence

A positive and uptempo ballad about weathering storms that uses an extended turbulence metaphor: "The panic is temporary but I'll be permanent / So when it hits, don't forget / As scary as it gets / It's just turbulence".  One of my favorites on the album.

4.  Long Way To Go Featuring The Lumineers

The harmonies and vocal distortions piqued my interest but the song really comes alive with the introduction of the bass drums.

5. Kids In Love Featuring First Aid Kit

As a big First Aid Kit fan, I know I was going to love this collaboration. It's an understated folk-tinged track with goosebump-inducing harmonies.

6.  Never Not Gonna Dance Again

A catchy, optimistic pop (and lock) track: P!nk is clearly having fun with zero fucks to give.  The Independent describes the song  as "lush and bold, melding a charisma-filled brass section with jubilant percussion, layered harmonies and a short but sweet sax solo", calling it one of her best songs to date.  

7.  Runaway

An energetic 80s throwback with plenty of synths; it feels like it should be in a training montage in some 80s movie - in the best possible way.  

8.  Last Call

In this mid-tempo anthem P!nk calls for a "last call before the world ends", suggesting we should make the most of the time we have and keep a positive attitude despite what the world might throw at us: "Last call before the world ends / Right before the avalanche / Last shot for us to make amends / Do you think I could have this dance? / It's all just a game, a game of chance".

9.  Hate Me

This track is a nod to punk rock P!nk (Missundaztood, Try This), complete with guitar riffs, hardcore vocals and middle finger in the air, aimed at all her haters who have branded her a villain or a witch or a monster.

10.  Lost Cause

After the heaviness of the previous track, this slow but powerful piano ballad is the perfect palate cleanser.  This is where her vocals really shine.

11.  Feel Something

Another beautiful ballad which Riff describes as a "breezy heartbreak anthem".

12.  OuR Song

The emotional intensity of the previous song continues into this piano ballad.  All Music states that the song "packs a powerful gut-punch with a show-stopping vocal performance destined to bring the house down".

13.  Just Say I'm Sorry Featuring Chris Stapleton

I'm not a Christ Stapleton fan and did not really enjoy this pretty average duet; definitely my least favorite track on the album.