SOPHIE’s first and final posthumous album serves as both a tribute and a bittersweet reminder of the innovative producer’s impact on modern music. The Scottish artist’s unexpected departure left a void in the industry, her avant-garde approach to pop having carved out entirely new sonic territories.
This self-titled collection traverses SOPHIE’s diverse musical landscape, encompassing gritty hip-hop, cutting-edge club tracks, saccharine pop, and ethereal ambient pieces. Helmed by her sibling and frequent collaborator Benny Long, with contributions from her inner circle, the album feels like a work in progress – intriguing, yet unfinished.
SOPHIE’s trademark textures permeate the tracklist, but her presence feels more ephemeral than in previous works. This creates a sense of absence that’s hard to ignore, particularly in the album’s opening segment. Tracks like Reason Why and Do You Want To Be Alive, while promising, lack the forceful impact characteristic of SOPHIE’s earlier productions.
Collaborations with SOPHIE’s partner Evita Manji, including the retooled Berlin Nightmare, feel particularly authentic to SOPHIE’s artistic vision. Elegance, featuring Popstar, offers an innovative take on techno, while Exhilarate, with Bibi Bourelly, stands out as a pop triumph.
Despite the unfinished quality of many tracks, the album succeeds in showcasing SOPHIE’s innovative spirit. It’s a vibrant, if chaotic, homage to an artist who consistently pushed the envelope of electronic music. While it may not capture the polished brilliance SOPHIE was renowned for, this final release offers listeners an expansive, intimate look into her creative process, providing a fitting, if poignant, epilogue to her transformative musical journey.
