Iggy Pop
stimulant
Rock
★★★★
This summer offered a chance to reflect on Iggy Pop’s enduring voice. He remains the irrepressible father of punk, capable of delivering lush, French-tinged albums like Préliminaires and Après, while also staying true to a raw, fearless energy. At 75, he still shouts with purpose, driving forward in a venue that feels both reverent and ferocious, continuing to bear the banner of anger and philosophy that marks his career as a living legend of the genre.
During his latest tour, the blend of retro seventies rock with modern sensibilities resonated in a way that underscored Pop’s evolution from the post-punk provocateur to a seasoned guitarist capable of maturity without surrendering edge. The album features a circle of renowned American fans who contributed to its creation, including Duff McKagan, Chad Smith, and David Navarro, plus collaboration with producer Andrew Watts. This project demonstrates Pop’s long-standing rapport with rock ’n’ roll energy, shared with artists ranging from Ozzy Osbourne to Miley Cyrus.
First, ahead
What emerges is an Iggy Pop who has found a balance between ferocity and reflection. In tracks like Neopunk, a playful critique of manufactured cool, the record embraces a bold swagger while hinting at a streak of misfortune that keeps it grounded. Pop opens the door to a new chapter, accompanied by a fierce, almost feral urgency in songs that set the tone for the rest of the album. The opener’s defiant stance sets a high bar for what follows, signaling a fearless approach to both sound and subject matter.
Other standout moments are found in Sstrung Out Johnny, a narrative painted with post-punk textures and durable keyboards, and Comments, where Pop’s baritone delivers a commanding presence. These tracks lean into social commentary, noting the chorus of online voices and the loneliness that often accompanies the digital age, while the album’s title itself hints at a broader message: even those labeled as losers deserve recognition and applause. Between these moments, Morning Show rises as a centerpiece, a beautiful ballad that crystallizes the question of Pop’s ongoing relevance and identity as an artist who refuses to fade away. The lyric, “I’m going to fix my face / to the morning show / like a pro,” suggests a performer who treats spectacle as craft rather than performance—an idea that anchors the album’s emotional arc.
Free and no commitment
In its closing stretch, the record channels a regency of defiance, maturing into a raw, confrontational stance against the music industry. The track exudes a sense of freedom and responsibility, even as it pauses to acknowledge the posthumous recordings that enrich its texture. The set’s cover art by Raymond Pettibon reinforces the work’s timeless edge, echoing the stark, iconic visuals familiar to fans of Sonic Youth and Black Flag. Across the album, Iggy Pop asserts a sincere, unvarnished voice, distancing himself from the cartoonish persona often associated with rock stardom and anchoring his role as a pillar for post-punk endurance. The result is an album that feels both intimate and monumental, a testament to Pop’s continued influence on a generation of listeners.
Beyond Pop, other records of the week present a broader landscape. The cover image and liner notes underscore a commitment to artistic experimentation, positioning the artist as a fulcrum between tradition and innovation. The exploration of mood, texture, and narrative threads reinforces why Iggy Pop remains indispensable within the wider rock ecosystem. The collaboration and synthesis on this record illustrate a mature artist who still finds room for surprise and discovery, inviting listeners to revisit his catalog with fresh ears and renewed curiosity.
Other albums of the week:
‘Unity’
Nina Hagen
Greenland Records
rock-electronic
★★★★
The Berlin icon returns after an eleven-year hiatus with a bold blend of electronic postpunk, dub influences, and crystalline guitars. From 16 Tones to Blowing in the Wind, the arrangements are bold and slightly chaotic, sung in a cabaret-infused vocal style that channels gospel-inspired intensity. The album pushes a fearless, positive stance with a track that plays with identity and resilience, featuring a compelling collaboration that adds color to Hagen’s unmistakable voice. The overall effect is a wild, compelling journey that rewards attentive listening and rewards the adventurous listener with moments that feel almost prophetic in their energy.
“new punk”
Elite
montgra
synth-punk
★★★★
Nil Roig and David Burgues Billing from Tàrrega push synth-driven punk into bold, exuberant territory. Their tracks recall the ferocity of 80s bands like Eskorbuto and Decibelios, but with a modern twist that makes the sound feel fresh and dangerous. The aggressive, infectious energy culminates in a pop-driven surge that could carry the band far beyond regional fame, riding a tide of rebellious humor and catchy hooks that make it hard to forget. Critics note that the music’s uncompromising attitude is paired with a smart commercial instinct, laying the groundwork for wider recognition in 2023 and beyond.
Cory Smythe
Pyroclastic Records
Experimental
★★★★
What emerges with Cory Smythe is a piano-driven exploration that sits somewhere between intimate, whispered conversations and expansive, orchestral textures. The pianist crafts a soundscape where melodies — drawing on Jerome Kern and classic vocal inspirations — float through layers of electronic whirs and delicate wind-like textures. The result feels half improvised, half meticulously arranged, creating a world where the echo of vintage cinema collides with a futuristic sensibility. It is a somber, luminous listening experience that invites contemplation on the human voice, memory, and the evolving role of piano in contemporary music. The project speaks to listeners who appreciate subtlety and precision, where every note seems carefully weighed against the vast, atmospheric space it inhabits.