True (EP)

True
EP by Solange
Released November 27, 2012
Recorded 2009–12
Genre R&B, Funk, Indie pop
Length 27:54
Label Terrible
Producer Dev Hynes and Solange Knowles
Solange chronology

Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams
(2008)		 True
(2012)
Singles from True
  1. "Losing You"
    Released: October 1, 2012
  2. "Looks Good with Trouble"
    Released: May 14, 2013
  3. "Lovers in The Parking Lot"
    Released: September 18, 2013

True is the first extended play (EP) by American recording artist Solange Knowles. It was released on November 27, 2012 digitally through Terrible Records. It is Knowles' first release under the label after leaving her contract with Interscope in 2009. The entire EP is co-produced by longtime collaborator Dev Hynes. The EP is releasing in preparation of her upcoming third studio album.

Regarding the musical direction of the album, she said the inspiration came from new wave music and stated, "This is a dance record, but the lyrics can get pretty dark at times."[1] Knowles described the EP as "eclectic with '80s references and African percussion influences."[2] Sonically the extended play is influenced by the keyboard sounds and beats of early 80s pop-RnB music.[3] The extended play was recorded in five cities including, Santa Barbara, L.A., Houston, NYC, and on the German autobahn.[4]

The first single, "Losing You" was confirmed to be the album's first single on September 2, 2012 during an interview with South African The Sunday Times.[2] The full track premiered along with the video on October 1, 2012. The single was released to iTunes a day later.[5] To further promote the EP Knowles went on a tour in the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, France and Germany.

True received generally positive reviews from music critics, who complimented its musical direction, with some critics calling it "sounds different to everything on the radio, but could still be on the radio" and praised "the strong '80s nostalgia," However, some critics compared the album to that of Madonna's work saying "bold synths—sounds like ‘80s-era Madonna". The album debuted at one hundred and fifty seven on the US Billboard 200[6] as well as charting within the sixty Denmark and Sweden.

Background

All the songs from the EP were produced by Dev Hynes.

In 2008, Knowles signed a record deal with Geffen and a publishing contract with EMI.[7][8] The same year she finished working on her second studio album in 2008 and titled the project Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams. A collection of 1960s- and 1970s-influenced songs,[9] it was considered as a departure from her R&B-oriented debut upon its release in August 2008.[10] By December 2008, the album had sold over 114,000 copies according to Nielsen Soundscan.[11] The album was positively received by critics,[12] some of whom considered it far better than her debut.[13] In support of the album, Knowles began the Solange Presents Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams Tour in Britain in November 2008.[14] The song "T.O.N.Y." was the third and final single to get lifted from the album in April 2009.[15]

In October of the same year, Knowles announced on her Twitter account, that she had parted ways with Interscope Geffen A&M after releasing just one album on the label, and further revealed that she had chosen to go an independent route with her next album, stating that “although it’s been a wonderful journey and experience at Interscope Records, after truly recognizing what’s important to ME as an artist, I decided it was time for me to continue my path on a more independent platform [...] I’m excited about continuing to dive in, experiment and creating music and art with no boundaries, fears or expectations. Gonna be fun folks.”[16] Knowles also confirmed that she had been experimenting with a moody, electronic sound for her next project.[16]

Composition

“The inspiration came from new wave music and stated, "This is a dance record, but the lyrics can get pretty dark at times."[1]

—Solange, regarding the musical direction of the album

The opening track and lead single “Losing You” is a R&B song with pop and electronic music, described as having a "pleasantly upbeat" sound the lyrically speaks about love gone complicated.[17] The second track “Some Things Never Seem to Fucking Work” lyrically is about "ultimatums and questions, Solange ponders the illusion of a relationship". “Locked in Closets” was described as having a beat "reminiscent of Michael Jackson in his “Smooth Criminal” prime", and continues the theme of "addictive love".[17] The fourth song “Lovers in the Parking Lot” has a slow tempo with a piano riff, in which Knowles "regretfully admits, she played around with somebodies heart”. “Don’t Let Me Down” was described as "playful, with an aggressive beat" and described as setting the "foundation for a hip-hop track". “Look Good With Trouble” contains heavy synths and is "full of echo". The EP's final track “Bad Girls (Verdine Version)” which contains a falsetto and described as a "unapologetic tune".[17]

Cover art

New York-based artist Mickalene Thomas is responsible for the EP's visual presentation. Thomas described the artwork as a collage which was shot at the Lehmann Maupin gallery located in the SoHo section of New York City. When asked about the creative process she detailed recomposing the photographs with materials such as Color-aid, vintage wallpaper, and some old drawings from her days as a student at Yale University. She also noted her attention to detail for texture and color.

Thomas also designed the set for the EP's lead single, "Losing You" music video; a set which Solange referred to as "brilliant". When asked about it she described the project as a "very cool experience!" and noted researching images of Solange to identify what particular style she would create. To assure how hands-on she was with the design she stated, "I design every last inch—down to the outlets, faux flowers, books, and records—as they create a cohesive setting and context. No detail is overlooked."[18]

Promotion

Knowles previewed the seven-track EP in New York City on October 24, 2012 to good reviews.[19] Solange and Dev Hynes hosted a second listening party at Sonos Studio in Los Angeles on November 27, the date of the EP's digital release.[20] "Losing You" was released in preparation of the album, it was written by Dev Hynes and Knowles, with production helmed by the former under his pseudonym Blood Orange along with Kevin Barnes. Serving at the lead single from the album, the song was released for digital download on October 2, 2012 and November 6, 2012 in Vinyl[21] via Terrible Records, a label co-run by Grizzly Bear's Chris Taylor. In May 2013 Knowles premiered the remix of her song "Look Good With Trouble" featuring Kendrick Lamar, she then revealed it would be the second single from the ep, saying "the original was only an opener for Bad Girls.

Tour

Solange announced a small tour in promotion of True and to celebrate her return to music. It is her first tour since 2009.[22][23][24][25][26]

Date City Country Venue
True Promo Tour
December 11, 2012 New York City United States Bowery Ballroom
January 16 & 17, 2013 London United Kingdom XOYO
January 19, 2013 Amsterdam Netherlands Bitterzoet
January 18, 2013 Paris France Nouveau Casino
January 20, 2013 Berlin Germany Prince Charles Nightclub

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
Source Rating
Metacritic 79/100[27]
Review scores
Source Rating
Consequence of Sound [28]
NME 8/10[29]
Paste Magazine 7.9/10[30]
Pitchfork Media 7.8/10[31]
Rolling Stone [32]
Slant Magazine [33]

NME awarded the True a rating of 8/10 and wrote "The 26-year-old is not a hit-making pop star, but an antidote to pop homogenisation; something that sounds different to everything on the radio, but could still be on the radio. On that front, ‘True’ delivers."[34] Paste Magazine praised the EP calling it "funky" and having "bold synths—sounds like ‘80s-era Madonna"[35] Entertainment Weekly praised the album saying "The strong '80s nostalgia here could wear thin for some, but Solange's singular charms stretch far".[36]

Pitchfork gave the album high praise saying "it's the sound of a complicated slow dance during a night's dwindling last minutes, fueled by pounding hearts and racing minds. The record never builds to a huge chorus; instead, its hooks bubble up quietly and quickly, then dissipate as the songs return to their downbeat simmer. Hynes tinkers with non-traditional structures, letting the tunes meander in and out of grooves, but while this occasionally causes True to fall slack ("Look Good With Trouble"), it’s a largely effective approach. True also benefits from its unorthodox length: At seven songs, it's fuller than most EPs, yet too short to be considered an album-album. Somehow, it works. Why add filler just to call it an album? It's another example of Knowles and Hynes forgoing conventional wisdom and doing things their own way. Seven songs can be the perfect length; a collection of accessible and authentic pop can come out on an indie label; you can reshape the typical producer/songwriter/pop star model; you can create unassuming music that still sounds like a big deal. And ultimately, for Solange, you can retrace your steps and find yourself somewhere entirely new".[37]

Commercial Performance

"True" first charted in Denmark on the Tracklisten chart, peaking at number forty.[38] The Extended play also charted on the Swedish Albums Chart (Sverigetopplistan)[39] at number fifty-seven, the extended play also charted on the French album chart at a position of 164[40] In the United States the EP debuted at 157 on Billboard 200 becoming Knowles third release to chart but her first to not chart with in the top fifty [6]

Track listing

The track-listing was announced by Rap-Up magazine on October 25, 2012.

All songs written and composed by Solange Knowles and Dev Hynes[19]. 

No. Title Length
1. "Losing You"   4:20
2. "Some Things Never Seem to Fucking Work"   4:57
3. "Locked in Closets"   3:22
4. "Lovers in the Parking Lot"   4:22
5. "Don't Let Me Down"   4:13
6. "Look Good with Trouble"   1:30
7. "Bad Girls (Verdine Version)"   5:10

Credits and personnel

Credits for TRUE from Allmusic.[41]

Charts

Chart (2013) Peak
position
Danish Albums (Tracklisten)[38] 40
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[39] 57
French Albums (SNEP)[40] 164
US Billboard 200[6] 157

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Murphy, Keith (7 July 2010). "A Long Convo With... Solange". Vibe. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Huismann, Biéne (2012-09-02). "Colour Me Excited". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 2012-10-03.
  3. ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/w3d3
  4. ↑ http://www.elle.com/news/culture/solange-knowles-album-true
  5. ↑ "iTunes — Solange — Losing You". US iTunes. 2012-10-02. Retrieved 2012-10-03.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 http://www.billboard.com/artist/279731/solange/chart
  7. ↑ Crosley, Hillary (2007-12-11). "Solange Knowles Inks With Geffen". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media). Retrieved 2008-11-06.
  8. ↑ Edwards, Jeanine. "Solange Knowles Flying Solo". Essence. Retrieved 2008-11-03.
  9. ↑ Arthur, Sylvia (2008-07-01). "Destiny’s Child: Solange Comes of Age". Clutch. Retrieved 2008-11-06.
  10. ↑ Kennedy, Mark (2008-09-03). "Solange Knowles, little sister to Beyonce, channels her inner soul with her sophomore CD". WXIN-TV. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
  11. ↑ Caulfield, Kieth. "Ask Billboard: Sol-Angel doesn't get wings". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2009-01-31.
  12. ↑ "Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams by Solange". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-08-16.
  13. ↑ Gittins, Ian (2008-11-10). "Solange". The Guardian (London). Retrieved 2009-01-31.
  14. ↑ "Solange Announces UK Dates". Polydor Records. 2008-10-03. Retrieved 2008-11-09.
  15. ↑ "On the Breaking Blog: Solange". Rolling Stone. 2008-09-24. Retrieved 2009-01-31.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Solange Exits Interscope Records". Rap-Up.com. 2009-10-31. Retrieved 2012-10-03.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 http://www.rap-up.com/2012/10/25/solange-previews-true-ep-at-new-york-listening-party/
  18. ↑ Solange Knowles, "Solange Interviews Mickalene Thomas". Opening Ceremony. March 20, 2013. Archived from the original on Mar 25, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Punjabi, Rajul (2012-10-25). "Solange Previews ‘TRUE’ EP at New York Listening Party". Rap-Up. Retrieved 2012-10-05.
  20. ↑ Staff, Sonos (2012-11-15). "The xx Transforms the Sonos Studio with an Interactive Installation". Sonos. Retrieved 2012-11-25.
  21. ↑ "Watch: Solange Knowles Gets Down in Cape Town in Video for New Single "Losing You"". Pitchfork Media. 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2012-10-14.
  22. ↑ "Solange playing Bowery Ballroom in December". Brooklyn Vegan. 2012-11-12. Retrieved 2012-11-26.
  23. ↑ "SOLANGE’S WORLDWIDE "TRUE" EP PROMOTIONAL TOUR REVEALED". solange-k.net. 2012-11-21. Retrieved 2012-11-26.
  24. ↑ Armitage, Hugh (2012-11-23). "Solange Knowles announces one-off London gig". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2012-11-26.
  25. ↑ Charts, Pure (2012-11-22). "Solange Knowles en concert au Nouveau Casino le 18 janvier 2013". Yahoo!. Retrieved 2012-11-26.
  26. ↑ "Solange Knowles in Berlin - 20.1.2013 im Prince Charles". Berlin At Night. 2012-11-22. Retrieved 2012-11-26.
  27. ↑ "True review". Metacritic. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
  28. ↑ Coplan, Chris (2012-11-27). "Album Review: Solange". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
  29. ↑ Wolfson, Sam (2012-11-22). "Album review". NME. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
  30. ↑ Reed, Ryan (2012-11-27). "Solange: True". Paste (magazine). Retrieved 2012-11-29.
  31. ↑ Battan, Carrie (2012-11-27). "Solange: True". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
  32. ↑ Catucci, Nick (December 3, 2012). "True". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. Retrieved March 1, 2013.
  33. ↑ "Slant review".
  34. ↑ Wolfson, Sam (2012-11-22). "Solange - 'True EP'". NME. Retrieved 2012-11-26.
  35. ↑ Ryan Reed, "Solange: True", Paste Magazine., November 27, 2012. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  36. ↑ "True EP - Solange", Metacritic, Jan 8, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  37. ↑ Carrie Battan, "Solange True Review", Pitchfork, November 27, 2012. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 http://danishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Solange
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 True on the Swedish Albums Chart
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 http://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Solange&titel=True&cat=a
  41. ↑ http://www.allmusic.com/album/true-mw0002446825/credits

External links