Album Review: Big Ideas | Remi Wolf
One of our most anticipated releases of the year displays talent in unsuspected ways.
Flashback to December 2021: I was playing the new Forza racing game my dad gave me for my birthday when I noticed something. One of the in-game radio stations was playing Remi Wolf's Volkiano. Intrigued by the strange songwriting and quirky production choices, I added the song to my main playlist and listened to Remi's EP, You're a Dog. Three years later, Remi remains in my heavy rotation and is easily one of our favorite pop artists, and is here with a new album to show why.
Big Ideas is the title of Remi Wolf's second album, and the ideas are BIG. If you haven't heard of her or given her the attention she deserves, this is the project to do so. Fresh off the European leg of the GUTS world tour in support of Olivia Rodrigo, Remi Wolf is ready to capitalize on her new audience.
“Big Ideas in essence is my mid 20s coming of age album. It documents all my wild nights, situationships, and jet lagged high highs, low lows and evolving thoughts on my identity and purpose in this world. ALL THE BIG IDEAS!!! Also it sounds sick af and was very fun to make. Please enjoy my children.” - Remi Wolf
The album kicks off with a bang with lead single Cinderella. The song is a Remi Wolf 101 in more ways than one. Right off the bat, you get some great vocals, weird funky production, and some pretty vivid imagery. Longtime collaborator and producer Solomonphonic can be credited for some of this, but Remi's trademark nonsensical lyrics are the focus for us. These lines sound amazing, but often go over your head.
“Like Cinderella making babies on the company’s dime / We’re making pennies out of paper better find a new slim”
In true Remi fashion, we have no idea what this means. Does the first line have something to do with socialism? Is "pennies out of paper" a Minecraft reference? no idea. Fire, though. Part of Remi's charm is her ability to make a wonderfully crafted pop song with lyrics that make no sense.
Another immediate highlight is the absolute smash that is Toro. The song itself has a simple story with some great quirky lyrics and the production is killer. Remi uses this funk-pop mix perfectly. This features some of the best vocal melodies in pop right now with how effortlessly good she sounds throughout the track.
The overall sound of Big Ideas is scattered but highlights the uniqueness of her creative spirit paired with her refusal to conform just because something might not "fit" into a cohesive album. You can feel the production on this album straddling the line between what is trending in pop music and the quirkiness of what she truly loves to create.
The first five songs on the record also include the jazz-rock ballad Motorcycle, & the later Alone in Miami. The tracks make up the best opening 5 on a pop record in a long time. Maybe since Dua Lipa's Future Nostalgia. The production and melodies on this record are top-notch. After listening to it, you're guaranteed to have at least 1 track stuck in your head.
For us, that immediate standout track is Soup. Remi embraces the 80's synth that we've seen in countless pop hits of today, but she adds her twist to this track. Paired with the almost nonsensical lyrics:
“Doing business on the top of the roof
They told me to leave but I don't wanna leave without you
You're so patient with the animals too
If you give me your keys, I'll go and pick up the soup”
Soup follows Remi’s playful and introspective exploration into her feelings about commitment while building a metaphor of soup to delve into feelings of comfort and nourishment within her relationships, while also touching on the unpredictability of what the day
Overall, Big Ideas cements Remi Wolf's place in the indie pop scene and showcases her ability to produce innovative and incredibly fun music. Remi's attitude and indomitable spirit
Check out our favorite tracks, listen to the album, and see our scores below:
Can’t Miss: Cinderella, Soup & Toro.
You Can Skip if you really want to but we don’t recommend it: Frog Rock & Just the Start
BY THE NUMBERS
Bennett’s Score: 8.00
Carson’s Score: 7.23
Overall Album Score: 15.23
Notes from Bennett:
I’m (l)obsessed.
The three-track story of motorcycle - toro - alone in Miami. CRAZY girl you ate.
I’m sipping the cool-adi on this album Remi is here to be every pop-stars favorite pop star and for excellent reason.
Notes from Carson:
soup is so good. so so good.
i love remi and there are some awesome songs on here. toro is an absolute behemoth. it’s amazing as well.
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