Rank: 5/5
Disclosure’s sophomore album “Caracal,” released Sept. 25, proves the duo’s expertise and dominance in the house music genre.
From its perfectly produced beats and its apparent abstinence of sampling to the general hype surrounding the album from mainstream media, “Caracal” kills it.
Gone are the days when electronic musicians received support from a select group of diehard fans. Maybe it’s the trendy music festival scene, or maybe it’s the increasing acceptance of the genre from Top 40 fans and reviewers.
Before the album released, anticipation filled the music-scene when meticulously scheduled teases, like “Magnets” featuring Lorde and singles, like “Omen” featuring Sam Smith, dropped.
It was a given Disclosure and Smith’s collaboration following “Latch” would be a hit, and fans knew they could rely on a collaboration between England-based, pop-infused artists Guy and Howard Lawrence and Lorde with “Magnets.” But it was game over when the tracklist was disclosed, and fans learned there would be a song with The Weeknd.
“Nocturnal” featuring The Weeknd kicks off the album with excellence that satiates the overwhelming anticipation. It’s comprised of just the right amount of repetitiveness in the beats and lyrics that characterizes house music, thus allowing the song to become a popular hit. But this is a sharp contrast to the beautifully sung dark, yet relatable lyrics about that sinking, vulnerable feeling everyone has once felt alone at night.
Disclosure knew that a formula of carefully crafted beats and smooth vocals from pop artists would result in music success, so it’s only natural the group followed this blueprint throughout the album.
Disclosure’s popularity allowed them to do what most electronic musicians wish they could — use real, live vocals from highly regarded artists rather than sampling and struggling with copyright law. This achievement alone proves the Disclosure’s overall success as a name and guarantees great, authentic music.
“Magnets” begins with simple beats, allowing Lorde’s voice to shine. This eases into a beautiful melody begging listeners to dance and sing along. Despite the harmony felt in the collaboration, each Lorde and Disclosure manage to show off their singular styles. Neither artists yield complete stylistic authority to the other, yet they do so in the most balanced way. The complex creativity in the teamwork generates a surefire hit.
But even in the songs lacking collaborations, Disclosure holds it’s own. “Jaded” is the perfect halfway point of the album, ensuring listeners don’t put down their headphones after the hyped-up, aforementioned pop collaborations. The song puts Disclosure in control of the mic, showing off their own vocals. The beat steadily escalates leading up to the chorus, exciting ears for the rest of the album.
“Caracal” closes out with more masterful tracks and ends with “Afterthought,” a song that leaves listeners craving more.
The album’s overall ability to impress not only Disclosure fans, but also luke-warm listeners foreshadows their current tour’s eventual success. After listening to the album, you’ll be convinced to check out their show in New Orleans next week.