Swimming in His Own Pool of Emotions
With his latest release, "nur liebe, immer.", Casper maneuvers off the beaten path of his usual sound and style. This unconventional album is a musical finger exercise, and that's exactly what makes it so intriguing.
Release of the Unexpected
Surprisingly, "nur liebe, immer." comes just a few years after its precursor, "Alles war schön und nichts tat weh." Breaking away from his previous four-year release cycle, Casper drops his new single "Emma" in the midst of his summer tours.
Departure from Perfectionism
Perfectionism has always been a constant force driving Casper's music. Before the release of his breakthrough album "XOXO" in 2011, he had already completed over half of another album only to scrap it. The track "230409" later made its appearance. The production of "XOXO" was no different, with strict studio rules in place. For "Hinterland," he focused on the live performances, aiming for big and powerful sounds.
A New Beginning? Not Quite
Although the sound changes from album to album, Casper's own standards remain as a constant companion. His tenth track, "luft holen," somewhat reflects the entire album - a break to enjoy the musical freedom for a moment, with nostalgic tracks like "noch noch nervös" and "verliebt in der Stadt die es nicht gibt."
Capturing the Zeitgeist
The sound on "nur liebe, immer." reflects the current musical trends, with tracks like "wimpernschlag" and "falsche zeit, falscher ort" capturing the zeitgeist. This collaboration with Nilly, a producer known for Ski Aggu and Sampagne's soundscapes, is a significant part of the album's unique sound. Only one feature artist appears on the track "sommer," alongside Cro, with both singers expressing their longing for summer.
Dare you Ask
M83's French dreampop influence is apparent in "sowas von da (hellwach)," which is the most experimental track on the album. The use of synth drones and space-like vocals adds a dark and contrasting flavor to the record, making it stand out from the other tracks.
Straying from the Norm
Casper's love for music transcends genre boundaries. With "nur liebe, immer.," he showcases his appreciation for various musical styles, incorporating elements of entertainment and art. A testament to this versatility is the song "emma," which has an uncertain fit in the otherwise harmonious album.
Like a child in a toy store, Casper jumps from one idea to another in this album, which he describes as a complete accident. The album is a funfair of melodies, where you can revisit the same tunes over and over again. You can enjoy the small gimmicks and the upbeat energy full of surprises, just like in a toy store.
Inspired by his creative freedom, Casper collaborates with Nilly to create an astounding blend of sounds. "Nur Liebe, immer." turns out to be a melting pot of indie rock and hip-hop, wherein Casper's unique blend of storytelling and melody comes to the forefront. The combination of his rapping abilities and the smooth beats of the indie rock genre makes for a truly fascinating listening experience.
Enrichment Data
Casper's album "Nur Liebe,immer" is a significant release in his discography, showcasing a blend of his signature rap style with elements of indie rock and a more introspective, emotional approach. Here’s a breakdown of the inspiration and musical style behind the album, as well as how it differs from his previous works:
Inspiration
- Personal Reflections: The album is described as spanning "Erinnerungsbögen vom Süden" (memory pages from the south), indicating a focus on personal experiences and reflections from Casper's past, particularly from his southern German roots.[3]
- Emotional Depth: The title "Nur Liebe,immer" (Only Love, Always) suggests a deep exploration of love and relationships, which is a recurring theme in Casper's music but perhaps more pronounced in this album.[3]
Musical Style
- Indie Rock Influences: The album incorporates elements of indie rock, which is a departure from his traditional rap style. This blend adds a new layer of complexity and depth to his music.[3]
- Rap and Storytelling: Casper is known for his storytelling ability in rap, and this album continues to showcase his narrative skills. However, the incorporation of indie rock elements brings a more melodic and atmospheric sound to his storytelling.[3]
Differences from Previous Works
- Genre Experimentation: Unlike his previous albums, which were more firmly rooted in traditional rap, "Nur Liebe,immer" ventures into new musical territories with the inclusion of indie rock elements. This experimentation adds a fresh dimension to his sound.[3]
- Emotional Intensity: The album is noted for its emotional intensity, reflecting Casper's personal growth and deeper exploration of themes like love and relationships. This emotional depth is a notable departure from some of his earlier works, which might have been more focused on street rap and party anthems.[3]
Overall, "Nur Liebe,immer" represents a maturation in Casper's musical style, blending his signature rap with new indie rock influences to create a more introspective and emotionally charged album.
