Beth Ditto’s haunting voice and lyrics are a combination that can no longer be ignored.
Ditto and her band, Gossip, released their first studio recorded album, Music for Men, on October 6.
Ever since 1999, Gossip has been slowly crawling their way up from underground music success. Heavy Cross, their early 2009 single, gained them notice among the techno universe.
Music for Men should be the final push they need to break into the mainstream.
After its June release in Europe, Music for Men became an overseas sensation, especially in the UK. And now that the official US release has arrived, fans of all genres of music should be excited.
With an extremely unique mix of techno, alternative, and pop, Gossip is here to stay. If the music doesn’t convince you, then the lyrics undoubtedly will.
Heartbreaking choruses and upsetting verses flow together to create a sinister, but relatable, view on happiness.
Loving and losing love is the predominant theme on the record. Love Long Distance is a song about being away from a loved one, and not being able to cope with the distance.
“Breaking up or breaking down, when I need you, you can't be found,” Ditto sings on Love Long Distance. “I want someone who's around for me. Does it have to be so complicated? Either way I'm devastated, I could use a little comforting.”
Heavy Cross is clearly the best track on the record, mixing a dance-worthy beat with unexpectedly bitter lyrics.
“It's a cruel, cruel world, to face on your own,” Ditto sings. “A heavy cross, to carry along. The lights are on, but everyone's gone. And it's cruel. It's a funny way, to make ends meet. When the lights are out on every street. It feels alright, but never complete. Without joy.”
Stand out tracks include Heavy Cross, Dimestore Diamond, Love Long Distance, and Men in Love.
