Album Review: 1000 Forms of Fear by Sia

1000 Forms of Fear by Sia

July 8th, 2014

(RCA/Monkey Puzzle)

After being being exclusively behind the scenes for over 4 years, Sia Fuler is finally back with another new album titled 1000 Forms of Fear. The new release comes after Furler's writing stints on recent albums by Rihanna, Angel Haze, Eminem, Beyoncé and Christina Aguilera throughout the past 2 years. While her songwriting skills have churned out major hits for nearly all the artist's she's worked with thus far, Sia proves that she still has some powerful lyrics (and of course pipes) in her... saving some of the best chops for herself. Sia makes the business look so easy, ditching the slow jam inspired sounds that consumed her prior discography for fresh new powerful and slick pop jams all filled to the brim with simplistic (yet moving) lyrics.

1. "Chandelier"

It was hailed by TIME Magazine as the best Rihanna track released or meant to be released in 2014. Not only is that a hilarious joke (since Sia has written several hit singles for Rihanna, most notably her #1 hit single "Diamonds"), they're exactly right. "Chandelier" is a beautifully produce pop power ballad that mixes danceable beats, a cleverly crafted chorus, smooth verses and a feel good hook. Most importantly: the track contains a strong set of overlaying vocals. It was instantly one of my favorites of Summer 2014, quickly debuting at #11 on the CDS Music Chart Hot 50. It currently sits at #20 on the most recent current chart

2. "Big Girls Cry"
No it's not a jab at Fergie's massive hit single "Big Girls Don't Cry". Instead. its more of a different perspective of the same story. Interestingly enough, Sia's "Big Girls Cry" is undeniably simple, yet gets its message out there really quickly. Fergie's similarly titled release felt (and still feels) fuzzy and at times unorganized. Overall, with "Big Girls Cry", Sia proves that she can turn a fairly simple topic into a major track and most importantly... nearly everyone will love it. Here's what I first said in my review of the track taken from my most recent CDS Picks:

"While "Chandelier" was a major game changer, follow up promotional single "Eye of the Needle" fell a little flat when it came to overall quality. Thankfully, Sia's next release, titled "Big Girls Cry", is a much more interesting track." 

3. "Burn the Pages"
Rounds of bubbling and fizzing vocals pop up all over "Burn the Pages", with classical influences being clearly heard solid throughout. Filled with ghost like noises, a pop radio friendly beat and plain simple lyrics, this track dances across sub genres and styles, leaving you guessing at what's coming next. Best of all, it does it all without sounding like an awkward mess.

4. "Eye of the Needle"
Sia started off 2014 with a large bang. "Chandelier" opened at #11 on the CDS Music Chart Hot 50 in its debut frame (though it subsequently dropped the most positions in history in its sophomore frame) and currently still ranks in the top 20 as of this week (it climbs 21-17). Now, Sia has continued to tease her fans by releasing a new promotional/official single from her forthcoming 1000 Forms of Fear record (due out July 8th).

"Eye of the Needle" isn't anywhere near the level of amazingness that "Chandelier" clocked in at, but it really shows off her vocals and songwriting chops which have taken a break from mainstream releases (the end of 2012 was the last time period that was dominated by releases penned by Sia).

5. "Hostage"
This track really kept me on my feet the entire time. With its strong verses and hook, "Hostage" relies chiefly on these outstanding components to pull it together, as it lacks a complex structure. In fact, the chorus doesn't even exist (though that's not necessarily a bad thing in this case. It feels radio friendly, simple, easy to listen to and is easily one of 1000 Forms of Fear's greatest successes. It's among one of my all time favorites from Sia.

6. "Straight For the Knife"
After a piano dominated 30 second introduction, listeners were left pondering the possible outcome of the track: will it be fast or slow? Sadly, the iffy quality of "Straight For the Knife" throws that question directly in the trash. Who cares?I know I don't. The whole concept of "Straight For the Knife" is a strong one, so it's extremely unfortunate that Sia wasn't able to deliver something special and memorable this time around. It's the only song I dislike from 1000 Forms of Fear, but that's not even that bad.

7. "Fair Game"
This track is another disappointment. It's just downright creepy and odd. With lyrics like: "So go and challenge me, take the reigns and seat/Watch me squirm baby, you are just what I need/And I've never played a fair game, I’ve always had the upper hand/But what good is intellect and nerve if I can’t respect any man/Yeah, I want to play the fair game", it's hard to even call "Fair Game" a song. It's more of an overly detailed sex scene. It's a disturbingly explained picture that I (like most people) would not want to hear ever again.

8. "Elastic Heart (feat. The Weeknd & Diplo)"
It's a little disappointing that Sia took up a slot on her 12 song 1000 Forms of Fear album for a track that's been widely available from a variety of sources for over 9 months, but that doesn't mean that "Elastic Heart (feat. The Weeknd & Diplo)" isn't the perfect song. Built around an intricate trance inspired beat, "Elastic Heart" feels very Sia-like, as well as perfect for The Hunger Games, perfectly simulating the main character's emotions throughout the entire movie:

"I've got thick skin and an elastic heart/But your blade it might be too sharp/I'm like a rubberband until you pull too hard/I may snap and I move fast/But you won't see me fall apart/Cause I've got an elastic heart"

9. "Free the Animal"
Starting with a thumping, heart pounding introductory beat, "Free the Animal" quickly reaches its climax, with thin verses and much broader and extended chorus sequences. It's easily one of the album's more interesting inclusions, containing stuttered lines, a slick beat and a memorable chorus. It's a beautifully produced inclusion that feels like it could potentially end up conquering British radio if it's ever released as a single.

10. "Fire Meet Gasoline"
An explosion of piano beats and a strong set of vocals combine for a massive heated track that screams "play me!". "Fire Meet Gasoline" experiments with different singing styles that mix well with Sia's thick, accented vocals. It's not super original, but it's still a great effort that is incredibly catchy.

11. "Cellophane"
While "Cellophane" isn't nearly as strong as some of the other tracks on 1000 Forms of Fear, it's home to some of the most dazzling beats and lyrics. It's set apart from the pack as somewhat of a standout because it feels original, its unlike anything else on the album, and it feels like a ballad with a passionate twist. Unfortunately, it's not an instant favorite because it feels like the components of the track (while being stunning on their own) don't mesh in the same way that the structures of other tracks on the album do.

Still, "Cellophane" has Sia soaring sky high with her impressive vocal chords. It's definitely a grower. It will surely captivate your heart -- literally (you'll see what I mean when you listen to it) -- it just may take a few listens.

12. "Dressed In Black"
Wow! 1000 Forms of Fear closes with a stunning masterpiece. "Dressed In Black" starts off with a gentle twinkling beat, that quickly progresses into a monster, uptempo piece of pop perfection. The vocals and lyrics mesh together perfectly, with layered croons dominating the second half of the track in a brilliant way. Simply amazing. One of the album's best tracks, and while its unlikely to become a hit, it's likely to be remembered as one of Sia's finer moments for years to come. A great closer to an extremely strong album (thankfully, it's the longest song on the album).

Rating:

Overview: 1000 Forms of Fear proves that Sia has still got it. The Aussie performer -- who has penned many hits for shining stars -- did an excellent job writing this album... as well as performing it (there are very few who can accomplish such a feat). But what Sia does the best, is transform (and surprise). If anyone else recorded this album, it would be critically panned because first off, nobody (and I mean it) can sing or perform like Sia. She makes things most would find dull into beautifully executed cuts that are both pleasant to listen to and creative.

The entire album encompasses the central theme, and the low points are kept to a minimum. There's stories of pain, emotion, power, love and death -- something for everyone when you think about it. Additionally, the best two tracks lead off and close the album, which will help listeners through the whole effort.

While Sia may have scored her most mainstream hit to date in the US (#20 with "Chandelier"; #11 on CDS Music), she's not about to go mainstream. She's keeping true to her style, and trying to keep as low of a profile as possible (see album cover, May 19th Ellen performance where she literally kept her face in a wall during the entire performance).

Sia has created the perfect record. In fact, it has inspired me to attempt to do something new this summer: attempt to be as iconic and famous as Sia's hair.

Top Tracks + Quick Thoughts
1. "Chandelier"
2. "Dressed In Black"
3. "Big Girls Cry"
4. "Hostage"
5. "Eye of the Needle"
6. "Cellophane" (On first listen #9)
7. "Free the Animal" (On first listen #6)
8. "Burn the Pages" (On first listen #7)
9. "Elastic Heart" (On first listen #8)
10. "Fire Meet Gasoline"
11. "Straight For the Knife"
12. "Fair Game"