Despite being one of the biggest artists in dance music, Fred again.. feels like he’s one of your pals. The way he speaks to his fans on social media makes us feel like we’re catching up with a friend. And the way he expresses himself through music is so personal and vulnerable that it makes us feel like we’re not going through it alone. Today, Fred again.. extends another helping hand as he has released his latest album ten days. 10 tracks about 10 specific days he had this past year featuring the likes of Sampha, Emmylou Harris, The Japanese House, Joy Anonymous, Four Tet, Skrillex and more.
ten days is the first solo album post the Actual Life era, and it is spectacular. The album touches a full range of emotions, from falling in love to feeling numb, from feelings of joy to feelings of regret, Fred again..’s wildly advanced ability to feel things and then contextualize them through music and draw you in to make you feel the same thing is what makes this album (and all of his music) remarkable.
“adore u” with Obongjayar, “ten” with Jozzy and Jim Legxacy, and the outstanding “places to be” with Anderson .Paak and CHIKA mark the only tracks released prior to today. For as good as those previously released songs are though, the newcomers are overwhelmingly impressive too. “peace u need” with Joy Anonymous is a piano backed farewell to a lover that you simply cannot resist to move to. “where will i be” sees Emmylou Harris bring a folky vocal over production that is mellow, flowy and feels like you’re floating in water. “fear less” is an uplifting and enchanting number that sees Sampha’s vocals take your breath away. And perhaps the albums most inspiring and evoking songs is one that doesn’t even have any words in “glow.” Where Fred again..’s production skills are on full display but not without the help of Duskus, Skrillex, Four Tet and Joy Anonymous.
ten days is spaced out and tracklisted to perfection. Top to bottom the album is just an incredible journey of a listen. Each track is preceded by an intro or interlude track with a number signifying the day that the track is about. The intention and care for each piece of work and the rate at which Fred again.. is making these projects is another testament to his artistry and how lucky we are to be alive at the same time as him.
Stream the album below and enjoy!
Fred again.. – ten days
-Written By: JD Scribner