How To Be A Human Being

How To Be A Human Being- Album Overview

How To Be A Human Being, released on August 26, 2016, is the sophomore album by the British band Glass Animals, known for their eclectic blend of indie pop and electronic music. The album was released through Wolf Tone and Universal Music and follows their debut album, Zaba, which was released in 2014. With this album, Glass Animals aimed to capture the essence of modern life and the complexities of the human experience. The recording process took place in various locations, including a house in the Oxfordshire countryside, allowing for a creative and spontaneous environment. The band, comprising Dave Bayley, Drew MacFarlane, Edmund Irwin-Singer, and Joe Seaward, collaborated closely on the production, with Bayley taking the helm as the primary songwriter and producer.

The album features a diverse range of sounds and influences, with tracks inspired by real-life stories and experiences from people the band encountered during their travels. The singles "Life Itself," "Youth," and "Pork Soda" showcase the album's vibrant and experimental production style, blending catchy hooks with introspective lyrics. The instrumentation combines electronic beats with organic sounds, creating a unique sonic landscape that resonates with listeners. The album was well-received critically, praised for its innovative approach and lyrical depth, often exploring themes of identity, connection, and the struggles of contemporary life. Its cultural significance lies in its ability to encapsulate the zeitgeist of the millennial generation, offering a soundtrack to the complexities of navigating adulthood in a digital age.

Review

Glass Animals' How To Be A Human Being is a daring exploration of sound and self. The album's production is lush and immersive, with a rich tapestry of electronic elements and live instrumentation that invites the listener into a world both surreal and relatable. The lyrics are poignant and reflective, often revealing the vulnerabilities and anxieties that accompany modern existence. Tracks like "Life Itself" capture a sense of urgency, while "Youth" offers a nostalgic look at the fleeting nature of adolescence. Bayley's vocal delivery is emotive, effortlessly shifting from smooth melodies to more urgent, percussive phrasing, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the album.

Artistically, the album stands out for its willingness to experiment with genre boundaries. It fuses elements of electronica, R&B, and indie rock, creating a sound that is distinctly Glass Animals yet fresh and unconventional. The use of unconventional song structures and eclectic instrumentation keeps the listener engaged throughout. Overall, the album is a testament to the band’s growth and their ability to articulate the complexities of human experience through music.

Highlights

• Innovative production that blends electronic and organic sounds
• Thought-provoking and relatable lyrics that resonate with listeners
• Diverse range of musical styles, showcasing the band's versatility

Weak points

• The eclectic sound may not appeal to all mainstream audiences
• Some tracks may feel disjointed or experimental for traditional pop listeners
• Lyrical themes may come across as too abstract at times

Overall evaluation

How To Be A Human Being solidifies Glass Animals’ place in the modern music landscape, presenting a thoughtful and innovative take on the human experience. The album's experimental nature and rich storytelling make it a compelling listen, even if its eclecticism may not resonate with everyone.