Summary:The second full-length release for the Jack Antonoff solo project was influenced by the death of sister from brain cancer and features guest appearances from Sam Dew, Carly Rae Jepsen, Lorde, and Julia Michaels.
Somebody broke me once
Love was a currency
A shimmering balance act
I think that I laughed at that
And I saw your face and hands
Coloured in sun and...
His most accomplished to date. On the proper follow-up to Strange Desire, Antonoff is more sonically self-assured and conceptually mission-driven, weaving together a 12-song cycle--inspired by the heartbreaking death of his sister, Sarah, from brain cancer when he was 18.
These are grand-scaled electro-rock anthems that recall the fist-pumping likes of Arcade Fire and Bruce Springsteen even as they confess to an introvert’s anxieties.
Though it's hard to believe it's possible, Antonoff shares even more of himself on Gone Now than on Bleachers' debut, and it makes for some of his most immersive and satisfying music yet.
By aiming for the textbook definition of a big-picture pop album, Antonoff has ended up with the epitome of a vanity project: an album that revolves entirely around one person, made more enjoyable the less you expect from it.
Gone Now makes it clear that he knows his way around a chorus--he often jumps right into them at the start of songs--but verses are strained and general while impulses are too often freely indulged, rather than examined and pulled apart in the hopes of building something that looks more like innovation than imitation.
Gone Now is the best album from 2017 and I say this as someone who has only listened to Jack's work after falling in love with Carly RaeGone Now is the best album from 2017 and I say this as someone who has only listened to Jack's work after falling in love with Carly Rae Jepsen's Comeback from Dedicated Side B. An absolute no-skip album for sure! I've fallen in love with Mr. Antonoff and for good reason: the man knows how to make a good album. Not to throw shade at other singers, but Taylor Swift could never, even with Jack as her producer, because Taylor just **** sucks and is doomed to flop forever and ever.…Expand
Yes this album is accessible with its strong hooks. But it is also very deep and replayable. I have listened to this album 40 timesYes this album is accessible with its strong hooks. But it is also very deep and replayable. I have listened to this album 40 times according to my Google Play log. It is also one of the most cohesive albums I've ever experienced. All of the tracks have a relationship with another through sound or lyrical reference. This level of depth and cohesion is something I've only ever experienced before from The National's albums.
I love everything about this album and feel it is the most underrated album of this year.…Expand
Acabei escutando o álbum após uns meses por preguiça mesmo, e, sinceramente, me arrependo de não ter feito isso antes, o álbum é incrível,Acabei escutando o álbum após uns meses por preguiça mesmo, e, sinceramente, me arrependo de não ter feito isso antes, o álbum é incrível, Jack Antonoff manda muito bem. Tem uma vibe moderna e ao mesmo tempo dos anos 80, recomendo para todos que quiserem conhecer um trabalho bom e de qualidade, entrou atrasado para minha lista de favoritos de 2017, mas valeu muito a pena.…Expand
I had to change my review after listening to it a few more times. This is one of those albums that I didn't quite love at first, but it grewI had to change my review after listening to it a few more times. This is one of those albums that I didn't quite love at first, but it grew on me. I've probably listened to it all the way through 30 times now. I really loved Strange Desire and I don't think Gone Now is quite as good, but I really loved it - but I could understand if you have some criticisms of the album. It is definitely a concept album.
Q Magazine puts it well: "It can get a bit overly conceptual, but Gone Now is so irresistibly joyful that it can be forgiven. "…Expand
Gone Now is an extremely diverse, varied Alt-pop album that effectively grabs my attention, and keeps it. Many of the tracks sound vastlyGone Now is an extremely diverse, varied Alt-pop album that effectively grabs my attention, and keeps it. Many of the tracks sound vastly different from each other, with extremely varied instrumentation, but they all have something in common: passion. Pure, heartfelt creative passion and energy. Jack Antoff sings his heart out on this album, giving the record an engaging, attractive energy. Just listen to the earnest vocal performance on "Goodmorning" or the epic choruses found on most of this album's tracks to see what I'm saying. This album almost always success, when aiming to be huge and epic - "Money," "Everybody," "I Miss Those Days" - or easygoing and light - "Goodbye." The music and production feels passionate on most of GN's songs, with only a few exceptions. I don't really like the poppy "Hate That You Know Me," and the track "Nothing is U" falls short. The music on this LP really is pretty amazing. It's extremely varied, and, as previously stated, surprisingly effective. Bleachers use every instrument under the sun on this album, as well as modern tools like electronic music and auto-tune. It feels like the music on GN shouldn't work, but is miraculously does, and does extremely well.
Gone Now is an amazing Alt-pop album. It amazes with it's extremely varied, yet highly successful music, soaring choruses, and Jack's endless passion and earnest performance. I would like to point specifically great moments and songs, but can't because nearly every moment is amazing. From beginning to end, Gone Now is a triumph, minus "Hate," and "Nothing." It's an 8.5.…Expand
Much like the last Bleachers album, Gone Now is a mess of a record that goes in different directions of 80s pop worship. However that does'tMuch like the last Bleachers album, Gone Now is a mess of a record that goes in different directions of 80s pop worship. However that does't mean the album is bad. Far from it. The bombastic, addictively catchy, and earnest songs are lively and anthemic, like the lead single Don't Take the Money. It's an album that is essentially about moving on, from regret and from loss, and as messy as the execution is, it sure is one hell of a ride!…Expand
