‘TEN DAYS’ by FRED AGAIN..
— ALBUM REVIEW —
Album Cover: ten days by Fred Again..
ALBUM: ten days
ARTIST: Fred Again..
RELEASE DATE: September 6, 2024
LABEL: Atlantic Records UK
TRACKS: 20
LENGTH: 47 min 20 sec
GENRE: Electronic, House, Downtempo, Pop, Hip-Hop, Garage
REC-RATING: 9/10
September was an exhilarating month for EDM lovers as Fred Again.. unveiled his fourth studio album, ten days, on September 6, 2024. This release feels especially personal to him. In an Instagram post on September 8, he expressed how grateful he is “for all the love on the album it means the world. Because it sorta literally is my whole world and life.” You can really sense that heartfelt sentiment throughout the entire album.
The album features 20 tracks, but really, it’s 10 full songs, each separated by breaks that create a unique listening experience. These intermissions allow for smoother transitions; it’s like they give you a moment to breathe before diving into the next track. Some of these breaks even feel like they’re tapping into an impending panic attack, adding depth to the emotional journey. They’re numbered with a period, making them feel like post-song reflection moments.
Listening to ten days feels like riding an elevator, with each floor revealing a new song and the breaks acting as your intermission or “elevator music.” The emotional depth of this electronic album is truly striking; I can picture vibrant graphics cutting quickly, almost like life flashing before your eyes.
The collaboration with Skrillex and Four Tet on the song “glow” is a standout moment, showcasing the iconic trio coming together once again to create something truly special. Their electrifying performance at Coachella in 2023 exemplified this chemistry, leaving an indelible mark on the EDM community. “glow” perfectly captures the magic that Fred Again.., Skrillex, and Four Tet conjure when they’re in their groove, with contributions from Duskus and Joy Anonymous rounding out this masterpiece.
That said, not everyone might immediately vibe with Fred Again..’s sound or this album; it took me a couple of listens to truly appreciate his unique style and get hooked. This album leans more toward his melancholic work compared to the danceable vibes found in his previous album, USB, which may also not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, it showcases the emotional breadth of his discography, which is incredibly unique—you can both cry and dance to his music. His sound might not resonate with everyone at first, but I genuinely believe that if you give it a few solid listens, it will click. Watching some of his live performances, like his Boiler Room set, and witnessing his passion for his craft really draws you in.
ten days captures a rich tapestry of emotions, blending jubilant and melancholic tones that resonate deeply with listeners. The authenticity shines through, especially in the album cover, which looks like a candid shot from an iPhone. This raw, unpolished charm beautifully encapsulates Fred with friends, embracing life’s joys and spontaneity, inviting you into his world.
Among the standout tracks, “ten” and “adore u” are his biggest hits, but it’s really “peace u need” and “just stand there” that resonate with me. “just stand there,” in particular, has this amazing piano riff that makes it incredibly melodic; I think it might be my favorite on the album. Overall, ten days is a beautiful journey that makes you feel something profound, and it’s definitely a memorable addition to Fred again..’s discography.
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