Boo Boo Review
An Album by Toro y Moi
Toro y Moi makes amazing alternative, electronic, and pop music, and he continues to make great chillwave music on the album Boo Boo. Even though the album has a strange name and weird cover art, it’s definitely a great summer record. Not only is it dynamic, but it sounds different than his past discography.
I listened to some of his other albums before I listened to this one, and he’s definitely improved his artistry. He sings better here, he has decent lyrics and songwriting, and the production is phenomenal.
There are different kinds of songs on this album, or at least there are different moods of the songs. Some songs are relaxing and a little spacey like the songs No Show, Pavement, and Embarcadero. Then there are songs that are a bit more flavorful and upbeat like the songs Mirage, Mona Lisa, Girl Like You, and Inside My Head. But, there are also songs that are a little bit in the middle of being relaxing or upbeat. This happens on songs like Don’t Try, Windows, You and I, Labyrinth, and W.I.W.W.T.W.
This album can get bland or boring at some points, even with some of the tracks sounding catchy or melodic. On songs like Windows, You and I, Inside My Head, and W.I.W.W.T.W, Toro y Moi really seems to stretch them out or make them a little too vibey and laid back. This album is directed at chillwave fans, so I can see why Toro did this.
The production on this album made it sound very 80’s oriented, and I felt like I was in Los Angeles going on a drive with friends or something. It’s definitely an album I’d listen to while driving, because it’s relaxing, but it also has points on it that are happy and funky. Toro y Moi puts a lot of synths, basslines, and drum machines on this album. The electronic instrumentals complements his vocals on most of these songs, which explains why he has minimal vocal dynamics on here.
My favorite instrumentals on this record are on the songs Mirage, Don’t Try, Embarcadero, and Labyrinth. These are also my favorite songs on the album, Mirage is very funky and has very catchy vocals. Don’t Try has a super dark tone to it, which reminds me of a song called Nightcall by Kavinsky. The synths are super spacey, and the kicks are hard-hitting that makes you feel very spaced out. Labyrinth has super nice keys and the beat goes along with the vocals and bassline very nicely.
Toro y Moi doesn’t do too many new things with his music on this album when it comes to his songwriting and vocals, but the production and the instrumentals sound experimental and refreshing. I like the 80’s vibe to this album and I think that anyone that likes modern throwback music should listen to this. But, expect some very relaxed songs along with the funky and pop-styled ones.
Album Grade: 7/10