My initial response to Perfect Illusion was one of confusion. I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it. I opted to not post my reaction here bc I wanted to see if my thoughts would change. I've been listening to it in my office and while I still don't hate it, or necessarily "like" it, I developed a respect for it because the song structure, melody and production reminded me of another favorite of mine.
Her raw vocal delivery, attitude and kind of alt-rock production gave me flashbacks to material from Kelly Clarkson's 'My December'. It was a departure from the big power pop she became known for, focusing more on capturing the emotion of the song rather than trying to make a big pop anthem. Unlike MD as a body of work, PI has enough masterful production that still gives it that slick pop feel, but it really got me thinking.
I'm on mobile so I won't be linking any YT songs, but PI reminds me a lot (feel wise) of like Kelly Clarkson's Hole, Never Again, One Minute but with better production.
What are your thoughts? Is she more focused on making the music she wants (i.e. Music not the Bling/Hits) and thus may depart from her signature dance-pop sound?
