Gemini Rights

Last updated

Gemini Rights
Steve Lacy - Gemini Rights.png
Studio album by
ReleasedJuly 15, 2022 (2022-07-15)
Studio The Village
Genre
Length34:57
Label RCA
Producer
Steve Lacy chronology
The Lo-Fis
(2020)
Gemini Rights
(2022)
Singles from Gemini Rights
  1. "Mercury"
    Released: June 16, 2022
  2. "Bad Habit"
    Released: June 29, 2022
  3. "Static"
    Released: July 8, 2022 [4]
  4. "Sunshine"
    Released: July 13, 2022
  5. "Helmet"
    Released: February 13, 2023 [5]

Gemini Rights is the second studio album and major-label debut by American musician Steve Lacy. It was released on July 15, 2022, by RCA Records. It follows Lacy's debut album Apollo XXI (2019), and was preceded by the singles "Mercury", [6] "Bad Habit" [7] and "Sunshine". [8] "Bad Habit" became Lacy's debut entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and later became his first number one single.

Contents

The album includes guest appearances from Fousheé, and Lacy's Internet bandmate, keyboardist Matt Martians. Incorporating a variety of genres, the album has been described as an amalgamation of indie rock and alternative R&B, with elements of funk, jazz, and psychedelia.

Gemini Rights received positive reception from music critics upon its release. The album reached the top ten of the Billboard 200 chart, and topped the Top Rock Albums chart. The album won Best Progressive R&B Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. [9]

Background

Lacy produced "about 90% of the record" and came up with the title while "tipsy" at a bar, also telling Zane Lowe that he wanted Gemini Rights to be concise so listeners could "make a decision to want to keep playing it again". [10] Lacy shared that the album is a collective story of him "coming into [himself] after a breakup." He hoped the album is left to be interpreted by people "[however] they want to." Gemini Rights is an album that amplifies the artist's "majestic mystique" discography, leading Lacy to hit #1 on Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks straight, months following the summer release date in 2022. [11] Gemini Rights is an album that Lacy hopes "will make people feel more unconditional love for one another." [12]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 80/100 [13]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [14]
Clash 7/10 [15]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [2]
Hot Press 8/10 [16]
Loud and Quiet 6/10 [17]
The Music Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [18]
NME Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [19]
Pitchfork 7.1/10 [1]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [3]

Gemini Rights received a score of 80 out of 100, based on eight critics' reviews, at review aggregator Metacritic, indicating "generally positive reviews". [13] Mankaprr Conteh of Rolling Stone wrote that the album "feels like the product of a grand jam session" and a "tight collection of rock and R&B, funk and jazz, psych and hip-hop that's as warm and airy as the cusp of summer, when Geminis are born". [3] Reviewing the album for NME , Thomas Smith found Lacy's "musical palette is more refined and vibrant than ever", describing the album as a "fearlessly funky" and "seriously steamy" follow-up with "bold leaps forward and artistic flourishes" that is a "more polished and assured work than his debut". [19]

Shahzaib Hussain stated that Lacy "taps into the legacy of The Love Below -era André 3000" as he "channels the musical touchstones of yesteryear into something reachable for a generation exploring more than ever before concepts of personal autonomy and identity", although "the heady high of hedonism" offered by the album "is only ever fleeting and it never really fills the void". [15] Luke Cartledge of Loud and Quiet acknowledged that the album is "not without flaws: occasionally, the lozenge-smooth nature of the production allows some tracks to drift into coffee-table politeness" and "easygoing groove or pseudo-improv [...] But such shortcomings are easily forgiven; the self-assurance of Steve Lacy is far from unearned". [17]

Track listing

Gemini Rights track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Static"2:36
2."Helmet"3:21
3."Mercury"4:55
4."Buttons"
  • Lacy
  • Natche
  • Rise
3:04
5."Bad Habit"
  • Lacy
  • Fousheé
  • Gordon
  • Kirby
  • Matthew Castellanos
3:52
6."2Gether (Enterlude)" (with Matt Martians)
0:50
7."Cody Freestyle"
  • Lacy
  • Fousheé
4:00
8."Amber"Lacy2:53
9."Sunshine" (featuring Fousheé)
4:53
10."Give You the World"
  • Lacy
  • Natche
  • Rise
4:33
Total length:34:57

Personnel

Musicians

Technical

Charts

Related Research Articles

<i>Meteora</i> (album) 2003 studio album by Linkin Park

Meteora is the second studio album by American rock band Linkin Park. It was released on March 25, 2003, through Warner Bros. Records, following Reanimation, a collaboration album which featured remixes of songs included on their 2000 debut studio album Hybrid Theory. The album was produced by the band alongside Don Gilmore. The title Meteora is taken from the Greek Orthodox monasteries originally bearing the name. Meteora has a similar sound to Hybrid Theory, as described by critics, and the album took almost a year to be recorded. It is the first Linkin Park studio album to feature bassist Dave "Phoenix" Farrell after he rejoined the band in 2000 following his temporary touring with other bands.

<i>Unplugged</i> (Eric Clapton album) 1992 live album by Eric Clapton

Unplugged is a 1992 live album by Eric Clapton, recorded at Bray Studios, England in front of an audience for the MTV Unplugged television series. It includes a version of the successful 1992 single "Tears in Heaven" and an acoustic version of "Layla". The album itself won three Grammy awards at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards in 1993 and became the bestselling live album of all time, and Clapton's bestselling album, selling 26 million copies worldwide.

<i>Satellite</i> (P.O.D. album) 2001 studio album by P.O.D.

Satellite is the fourth studio album by American Christian nu metal band P.O.D. The album was released on September 11, 2001 debuting at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart with over 133,000 copies sold. It spent five consecutive weeks in the top 10 of that chart. It was the band's last album to feature guitarist Marcos Curiel until 2008's When Angels and Serpents Dance.

<i>Cmon, Cmon</i> (album) 2002 studio album by Sheryl Crow

C'mon, C'mon is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, released on April 8, 2002, in the United Kingdom and April 16, 2002 in the United States. Lead single "Soak Up the Sun" peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of her biggest hits since "All I Wanna Do". The album was arguably her most pop-influenced to date, a big departure from the folk and rock sound on her previous release, The Globe Sessions.

<i>Supernatural</i> (Santana album) 1999 studio album by Santana

Supernatural is the eighteenth studio album by American rock band Santana, released on June 15, 1999, on Arista Records. After Santana found themselves without a label in the mid-1990s, founding member and guitarist Carlos Santana began talks with Arista president Clive Davis, who had originally signed the group to Columbia Records in 1969. Santana and Davis worked with A&R man Pete Ganbarg, as Santana wanted to focus on pop and radio-friendly material. The album features collaborations with several contemporary guest artists, including Rob Thomas, Eric Clapton, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Lauryn Hill, Dave Matthews, Maná, and CeeLo Green.

<i>New Beginning</i> (Tracy Chapman album) 1995 studio album by Tracy Chapman

New Beginning is the fourth album by singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman, released in 1995. According to Nielsen Soundscan, it is her biggest-selling recording since 1991, with 3.8 million copies sold, and according to the RIAA, it has shipped five million copies in the United States.

<i>Bad Girls</i> (Donna Summer album) 1979 studio album by Donna Summer

Bad Girls is the seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Donna Summer, released on April 25, 1979, by Casablanca Records. Originally issued as a double album, Bad Girls became the best-selling and most critically acclaimed album of Summer's career. It was also her final studio album for Casablanca Records. In 2003, Universal Music re-issued Bad Girls as a digitally remastered and expanded deluxe edition.

<i>Turning Point</i> (Mario album) 2004 studio album by Mario

Turning Point is the second studio album by American recording artist Mario, released by J Records on December 7, 2004 in the United States. A R&B record with heavy elements of soul and hip hop music, it involves a diverse roster of collaborators including Scott Storch, Lil Jon, The Underdogs, Carvin & Ivan, and Sean Garrett. The album guests include Cassidy, Juvenile, Jadakiss, T.I. and Baby Cham.

<i>Falling into You</i> 1996 studio album by singer Celine Dion

Falling into You is the fourteenth studio album and fourth English-language album by Canadian singer Celine Dion, released on 11 March 1996 by Sony Music. The follow-up to her blockbuster album The Colour of My Love (1993) and French-language D'eux (1995), Falling into You showed a further progression of Dion's music. Throughout the project she collaborated with Jim Steinman, who wrote and produced "It's All Coming Back to Me Now", among others. Several songs were produced by David Foster, including Diane Warren's "Because You Loved Me". In total, Dion worked on the album with fourteen producers and a variety of songwriters and musicians.

<i>The Lion King</i> (1994 soundtrack) 1994 soundtrack album by Elton John and Hans Zimmer

The Lion King: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is the soundtrack album for the eponymous Disney film. It contains songs from the film written by Elton John and Tim Rice, and a score composed by Hans Zimmer. Elton John has a dual role of performer for several tracks. Additional performers include Lebo M, Carmen Twillie, Jason Weaver, Rowan Atkinson, Joseph Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Jeremy Irons, Cheech Marin, Jim Cummings, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, and Sally Dworsky. The album was released on May 31, 1994, on CD and audio cassette. The soundtrack was recorded in three different countries: the U.S., the U.K. and South Africa. It is the best-selling soundtrack album to an animated film in the United States with over 7 million copies sold, with 4,934,000 copies sold in 1994. Hans Zimmer was awarded an Academy Award for his Original Motion Picture Score in 1995. An expanded version of The Lion King soundtrack, featuring 30 minutes of previously unreleased material, was released as part of the Walt Disney Records: The Legacy Collection series on June 24, 2014. In 2014, Hot Topic released a vinyl picture disc of the soundtrack.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Internet (band)</span> American R&B and soul band

The Internet is an American alternative R&B and soul band from Los Angeles, California. It consists of vocalist Syd, keyboardist Matt Martians, bassist Patrick Paige II, drummer Christopher Smith, and guitarist Steve Lacy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Lacy</span> American musician (born 1998)

Steve Thomas Lacy-Moya is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He gained recognition as the guitarist of the alternative R&B band the Internet, which he joined in 2015. His self-produced debut EP, Steve Lacy's Demo (2017), was met with critical praise and became a sleeper hit. Lacy then guest performed alongside Frank Ocean on Tyler, the Creator's 2017 single "911 / Mr. Lonely", which received double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). That year, he also co-wrote songs for artists including Solange Knowles, and Kendrick Lamar on his song "Pride".

<i>Gemini</i> (Macklemore album) 2017 studio album by Macklemore

Gemini is the second solo studio album by American rapper Macklemore. It was released on September 22, 2017, via Bendo & distributed by Warner Music. The first album he released without producer Ryan Lewis since his 2005 solo effort The Language of My World, Gemini is devoid of any political subject matter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Lacy discography</span>

This article catalogs the songwriting, musician, and production credits for Steve Lacy-Moya, better known as Steve Lacy. Lacy began his career as a guitarist and producer for the Los Angeles-based R&B/soul band, the Internet, and as a solo artist in the mid-to-late 2010s. His debut project, a song series titled Steve Lacy's Demo, was released in February 2017 and his debut album, Apollo XXI, was released in May 2019.

<i>The Boy Named If</i> 2022 studio album by Elvis Costello and The Imposters

The Boy Named If is the 32nd studio album by English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello and The Imposters. The album was released on 14 January 2022 by EMI Records and Capitol Records.

<i>Dropout Boogie</i> 2022 studio album by the Black Keys

Dropout Boogie is the eleventh studio album by American rock duo the Black Keys. It was released on May 13, 2022, by Easy Eye Sound and Nonesuch Records. The album was preceded by the release of two singles: the lead single "Wild Child", which was released on March 10, 2022, in conjunction with the album announcement, and "It Ain't Over", which was released on April 27, 2022.

<i>Growin Up</i> (Luke Combs album) 2022 studio album by Luke Combs

Growin' Up is the third studio album by American country music artist Luke Combs. It was released on June 24, 2022, through Columbia Records Nashville and River House Records. The album includes the singles "Doin' This", "The Kind of Love We Make" and "Going, Going, Gone" which impacted country radio on October 24. Growin' Up was nominated for Best Country Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bad Habit (Steve Lacy song)</span> 2022 single by Steve Lacy

"Bad Habit" is a song recorded by the American musician Steve Lacy. It was the second released single from his second studio album, Gemini Rights, on June 29, 2022. The psychedelic and lo-fi R&B and bedroom pop ballad was produced by Lacy and is built around a slightly warped guitar riff, which is accompanied by a funky bassline, drums and synthesisers. Lyrically, it concerns Lacy's regret over a missed opportunity with a crush. His lack of confidence later shifts to a more confident perspective during the song's final breakdown.

<i>Only the Strong Survive</i> (Bruce Springsteen album) 2022 studio album by Bruce Springsteen

Only the Strong Survive is the twenty-first studio album by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on November 11, 2022, through Columbia Records. The album is a cover album of R&B and soul songs, and his second cover album following We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions (2006). It was announced on September 29, 2022, along with the release of "Do I Love You ", a cover of the song by Frank Wilson. The singles "Nightshift", "Don't Play That Song" and "Turn Back the Hands of Time" followed throughout October and November 2022. The album title is an eponymous reference to its first track, a cover of the original "Only the Strong Survive" by Jerry Butler. The album was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.

Britanny Fousheé, known simply as Fousheé, is an American singer-songwriter from New Jersey. She came to wide notice when the vocals for her song "Deep End" were used on a hit song by rapper Sleepy Hallow in 2020. She released her RCA Records second extended play Time Machine in June 4, 2021, and has collaborated with multiple artists including Vince Staples, Lil Wayne, James Blake, Steve Lacy, Lil Yachty and Lil Uzi Vert. She released her debut album, Softcore, on November 17, 2022.

References

  1. 1 2 Kearse, Stephen (July 20, 2022). "Steve Lacy: Gemini Rights Album Review". Pitchfork . Retrieved July 21, 2022.
  2. 1 2 Joshi, Tara (July 17, 2022). "Steve Lacy: Gemini Rights review – a sumptuous listen". The Guardian . Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 Conteh, Mankaprr (July 15, 2022). "Steve Lacy's 'Gemini Rights' Is Brilliantly Mercurial". Rolling Stone . Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  4. "Single [L-M/Rca] Steve Lacy - Static". BPI .
  5. "Triple A Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on January 31, 2023. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  6. Strauss, Matthew (June 16, 2022). "Steve Lacy Announces New Album Gemini Rights, Shares New Song 'Mercury': Listen". Pitchfork . Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  7. Saunders, Brycen (June 29, 2022). "Steve Lacy Drops New Track 'Bad Habit'". Hypebeast . Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  8. Breihan, Tom (July 13, 2022). "Steve Lacy Teams Up With Fousheé On New Single "Sunshine": Listen". Stereogum . Retrieved July 17, 2022.
  9. Lee, Taila (November 15, 2022). "2023 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Complete Nominees List". Grammys.com. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  10. Price, Joe (July 16, 2022). "Steve Lacy Releases New Album 'Gemini Rights' f/ Matt Martians and Fousheé". Complex . Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  11. Trust, Gary (October 17, 2022). "Steve Lacy's 'Bad Habit' Tops Hot 100 for Third Week, Doja Cat's 'Vegas' Hits Top 10". Billboard. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
  12. "On 'Gemini Rights' Steve Lacy Gets Personal About Red Flags & Trusting His Instincts". www.grammy.com. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
  13. 1 2 "Gemini Rights by Steve Lacy Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic . Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  14. "Gemini Rights". AllMusic . Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  15. 1 2 Hussain, Shahzaib (July 15, 2022). "Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights | Reviews". Clash . Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  16. Holland, Nora (July 15, 2022). "Album Review: Steve Lacy, Gemini Rights". Hot Press . Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  17. 1 2 Cartledge, Luke (July 15, 2022). "Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights – Album Review". Loud and Quiet . Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  18. Tritsiniotis, Parry (July 15, 2022). "Steve Lacy / Gemini Rights". The Music . Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  19. 1 2 Smith, Thomas (July 15, 2022). "Steve Lacy – 'Gemini Rights' review: a fearlessly funky follow-up from The Internet guitarist". NME . Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  20. "Australiancharts.com – Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
  21. "Ultratop.be – Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  22. "Ultratop.be – Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  23. "Steve Lacy Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  24. "Steve Lacy: Gemini Rights" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  25. "Lescharts.com – Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  26. "Official Irish Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  27. "2022 29-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  28. "Charts.nz – Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
  29. "Norwegiancharts.com – Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  30. "Portuguesecharts.com – Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
  31. "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  32. "Spanishcharts.com – Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  33. "Swedishcharts.com – Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  34. "Swisscharts.com – Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  35. "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  36. "Steve Lacy Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  37. "Steve Lacy Chart History (Top Alternative Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  38. "Steve Lacy Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  39. "Steve Lacy Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  40. "Steve Lacy Chart History (Top Tastemaker Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  41. "2022 metų klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA . Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  42. "Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
  43. "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
  44. "Top Rock Albums – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  45. "Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  46. "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  47. "Top Rock Albums – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2023.