It has been more than 50 years since Iggy Pop burst on the music scene with The Stooges. With tracks such as 1969’s “I Wanna Be Your Dog” and Ann,” it comes as no surprise that Pop has been an instrumental figure in the Punk culture we have all come to admire and respect. With his unique voice and unrestrained style has made him an icon in the music industry. However, his debut solo album, 1977’s The Idiot, is what would make him become a household name.
Looking back, The Idiot was a collaboration with his friend and famed musician David Bowie. Featuring tracks such as “Sister Midnight” and “Baby,” Pop amazingly would go onto release yet another exciting album later that year called Lust for Life. Something that became a cult sensation seemingly overnight, it is no wonder Pop is considered The Godfather of Punk himself. Sustaining his legacy in the music world, he now returns in 2023 with his brand-new studio album Every Loser.
Released on January 6, 2023, Every Loser marks Pop’s 19th solo album and his first to be released under the partnership of Atlantic Records and Gold Tooth Records. For those who do not know, Gold Tooth Records is an up-and-coming record label created by the Grammy winning multi-platinum executive producer Andrew Watt. This in mind, the core band behind Pop on Every Loser features a core backing band including Red Hot Chili Peppers’ members Chad Smith on drums and Multi-instrumentalists Josh Klinghoffer. A nice structure, the album also features guest contributions from Jane’s Addiction members Dave Navarro, Eric Avery and Chris Chaney, alongside guest appearances from Guns N’ Roses Bassist Duff McKagan, Pearl Jam Guitarist Stone Gossard, plus Blink-182’s Travis Barker and the late Taylor Hawkins on drum tracks.
Something that should interest many, the album features 11 songs that really impress. In fact, with songs like “All the Way Down,” it is safe to say Pop has no intentions of slowing down. Now 76 years old, he belts out musical frenzies, and this includes “Modern Day Ripoff” where he makes this album seem so effortless. Furthermore, the way Pop is both creative and poetic has definitely matured over time, and this is extremely obvious with the rhythmical “Strung Out Johnny.”
In this newest album Every Loser Iggy proves that he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Simply put, Pop suspends poetic imagination with lyrical genius, and because of this each track goes from hard hitting riffs to melodic hypnotizing chords. Further examples of this include “Frenzy” which is just that; a frenzy of explicit lyrics and pounding heart hitting riffs that satisfies all the senses and yet makes you nostalgic for the Punk movement of the past. Although, others like “Neo Punk” are right up there along with it. This is while “The Regency” is full of hard-hitting bass notes plus lyrical brilliance, and “Morning Show” offers lovely symphonics.
Overall, Every Loser is set up to be one of the best albums of not only 2023, but of Iggy Pop’s career. It is definitely a great follow up to albums such as 2012’s Après among others that leaves you craving for more of his operatic imagination. Not only does Every Loser mark a huge milestone for Iggy Pop as another successful solo album, but just like those that were a collaborative genius during the Bowie years, it is no different.
Truly one of a kind and symphonious, there is no denying that Iggy Pop’s approach to music is fascinating to those that want to enjoy good tunes and a transfixed music experience. A poetic punk symphony that is definitely a must list for any lyrical connoisseur, Cryptic Rock gives Every Loser 5 out 5 stars.
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