The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte
by Sparks
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: May 26, 2023
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. StevenX
    May 31, 2023
    10
    Hopes were high for a new Sparks album. Reunited with both the label (Island) and producer (the great Toni Vicsonti), it was hoped that the results would be at least as good as their last meeting, on 1975's "indiscreet", no less. Like that album, "The Girl is Crying in Her Latte" is a mix of styles, all done amazingly well. Sticking with the full-band approach that served them so well onHopes were high for a new Sparks album. Reunited with both the label (Island) and producer (the great Toni Vicsonti), it was hoped that the results would be at least as good as their last meeting, on 1975's "indiscreet", no less. Like that album, "The Girl is Crying in Her Latte" is a mix of styles, all done amazingly well. Sticking with the full-band approach that served them so well on 2020's "A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip", the brothers Mael pull off a set that, even by their standards, is a new high-water mark. Visconti helps them stay in pop mode this time, with references to other songs in their vast body of work; the title track and "You Were Meant For Me" would fit well into their "Exotic Creatures Of The Deep" album, and "Nothing Is As Good As They Say It Is", about a newborn who has seen enough of the world in his first day on Earth to want to go back into the womb, sounds like it was lifted from the sessions for "Indiscreet" itself. The classical repetition and minimalist lyrics that bogged the boys down a bit during their "Little Beethoven" era are gone, and the lyrics are as fun as the music on every track. There is no filler here. Ron and Russell Mael fought hard and long for their critical and popular resurgence, and they have arrived at the pinnacle. If this is where they are now, I hope their next album comes out next week. Of course, it'll be another year before I give it a chance, because this one ain't gonna leave anytime soon. In summary: wow. Just wow.… Expand
  2. Lajaleaa
    Jun 15, 2023
    7
    This enthusiastic mess of a musical is, actually, the same old Sparks. I'm happy they are having their fun, and on this album they put on some blurry (but) organic concepts, adding a lot of digital texture, expanding their sound with heavy acoustics and topping with hyperrealistic lyricism, which sounds more like a messy mixture and not precisely an orchestration. They are good withThis enthusiastic mess of a musical is, actually, the same old Sparks. I'm happy they are having their fun, and on this album they put on some blurry (but) organic concepts, adding a lot of digital texture, expanding their sound with heavy acoustics and topping with hyperrealistic lyricism, which sounds more like a messy mixture and not precisely an orchestration. They are good with saturation, but only when they are focused on each single aspect of their songs, which it doesn't feel like that in several ones in this one.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Best Album of 2023

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. The Observer (UK)
    May 30, 2023
    100
    There’s not a weak song here. A genuine pleasure to listen to.
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  2. Pitchfork
    May 30, 2023
    79
    If The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte reaffirms Sparks’ status as rock’s most reliable fabulists, the album’s grand finale brings forth an uncharacteristic introspection.
    Read full review
  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    May 26, 2023
    80
    As determinedly quirky as its title, The Girl is Crying In Her Latte is a very strong collection of vintage Sparks moods, plus a few new left-field twists. [Jul 2023, p.84]
    Read full review
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