Nine Types of Light distinguishes itself from previous TV On The Radio offerings just 43 seconds in.
That’s when the downtrodden opening confessional suddenly U-turns into a playful, funky, sax-infused salutation to a night on the town. It’s a thousand miles away from the weighty, confrontational rock the band is known for, and the vibe permeates the entire record.
“New Cannonball Run” is swirling ramshackle funk that is so giddy it practically comes unglued. “Caffeinated Consciousness” blasts away with massive guitar jabs and an exuberant utopian vision. Most surprisingly, the record is chocked with actual, straight-up love songs. “Will Do,” “Keep Your Heart,” and “You” are multi-layered slow jams that are more brazenly romantic than anything in the band’s catalog. The prevailing optimism and overt sentimentality are a definite left turn, but only prove that this endlessly creative band is capable of being just about anything they want to be.
DOWNLOAD: “Second Song”
