Primal Heart
The Kiwi singer/songwriter who achieved worldwide fame on Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” moves confidently into the spotlight on her third studio album. Producer John Congleton (St. Vincent) makes Kimbra’s voice the star, creating a glittering electro-pop playground with tasty chill-out spaces. She flexes over a simple drum kit on “Past Love,” while “Right Direction” and “Like They Do on the TV” are endearing, ear-pleasing homages to ’80s synth-pop. And Skrillex adds tribal rhythms and vocal layers that sound like a didgeridoo on “Top of the World.” Hidden below the surface are tales of vulnerability and strength—“Version of Me” is a showstopping moment of introspection, and “Everybody Knows” bravely addresses domestic violence.
The New Zealand musician’s third album is a collision of hard electronics with a touch of R&B. Though it contains moments of great power, it sounds like a work that’s stuck between two places.
Kimbra is back with her third album 'Primal Heart', and it's a cohesive triumph. Her latest release proves she's a force to be reckoned with.
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Discover Primal Heart by Kimbra released in 2018. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.
'Primal Heart' by Kimbra: Kimbra starts strong but can't keep things consistent in our review of 'Primal Heart'