Arlo Parks Soars in “Ambiguous Desire”
When “Bedroom Pop” became popular these past few years, I always thought Arlo Parks would be one of the big IT girls. However, I feel like I don’t see as many people giving her due credit. I was fortunate enough to see her a few years ago at Shaky Knees in Atlanta. She did not disappoint! Her music might be light, soft, but her stage presence was magnetic. If you haven’t gotten to know Arlo Parks yet, Ambiguous Desire is a great place to start!
Ambiguous Desire is Arlo’s third record. You can tell she’s really grown from her last two records. There’s a different sound to this record that I really vibed with. It’s heavier on the electronic side and there’s some heavier instrumentation. You can definitely hear the inspiration from the nightlife scene. Some of the instrumentals feel at home in a chill dance night at a club in London. The story telling element you find in a lot of her work is still very present. She does an incredible job of getting you immersed in the world of her music. It’s still very dreamy and poppy but still very interesting.
Most of the album really leans into the club and electronic elements. Songs like “Blue Disco”, “Jetta”, “Get Go”, and later “Nightswimming”. I loved these tracks! They really show off Arlo’s range. I was a huge fan of the production on these tunes. They’re each distinct with the lyrics and the emotions they invoke. “Blue Disco” is all about a guy who gets to talk to a girl at the end of a party and tells her that he’s been looking for her his whole life. It’s sweet and in Arlo’s signature storytelling manner. In “Get Go”, Arlo gets more personal. She wishes she could be with this girl, but it was a wrong place, wrong time kind of romance. It feels so authentic and personal.
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As the album continues, we get two tracks that are in the signature Arlo Parks style. Just a guitar, piano, and her incredible voice. “Beams” and “South Seconds”. These are beautiful songs, but feel out of place on this record. While I understand the theming makes sense, their style doesn’t quite fit with the rest of the album. “Heavens” is another song I didn’t really vibe with. It definitely fits on the album with electronic heavy instrumentals. There are a few breaks where the music plays. I think it could really grow on me with a few more listens.
The standout tracks for me are “Blue Disco”, “Senses”, “Nightswimming”, “2SIDED”, “Floette” and “What If I Say It?”. These are so strong from the lyrics to the instruments. I absolutely loved the feature of Sampha on “Senses”. He perfectly complimented Arlo’s vocals on the track and was a great addition. “Floette” is an excellent closer to the album. I love the instrumental break at the end. The idea of blooming love and looking forward to a new season is a great way to end the record. If you’re a fan of Men I Trust, Clario, and Dayglow you’ll enjoy this album!
