Hologram Jams

Last updated
Hologram Jams
Hologram Jams.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedMarch 2, 2010
Recorded2009
Genre Art punk, pop punk
Length43:50
Label Fat Possum Records
Producer John Goodmanson
Jaguar Love chronology
Take Me to the Sea
(2008)
Hologram Jams
(2010)

Hologram Jams is the second full-length studio album by Jaguar Love. It is the first release not to feature former drummer J. Clark.

Contents

In May 2010, Jaguar Love and the website Tracks and Fields ran a remix competition for producers to remix the song "Polaroids and Red Wine," with the winner having their remix included on the single release. [1]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Album of the Year42/100 [2]
AnyDecentMusic?4.1/10 [3]
Metacritic 55/100 [4]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [5]
Alternative Press Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [4]
Christgau's Consumer Guide Five Pointed Star Solid.svg Five Pointed Star Solid.svg Five Pointed Star Solid.svg [6]
Drowned in Sound 6/10 [7]
Loud and Quiet 2/10 [8]
NME Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [9]
Pitchfork 2/10 [10]
PopMatters Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [11]
The Skinny Star full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [12]
Tiny Mix Tapes Star full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [13]

Hologram Jams was poorly-received by professional journalists, [3] with most of the criticisms pointed at the group's stylistic changes towards what some journalists found to be a cheap electronic sound, [8] [5] [14] an overly-sugary pop flavor, [10] [8] and a "target marketed" attempt to try to appeal to teenagers with its lyrics. [8] [10] [15] The Line of Best Fit went as so far to compare Hologram Jams to 3OH!3, [14] while reviewers from Pitchfork , Spectrum Culture, and The Skinny reported feeling exhausted from the album's overwhelming amount of noise and upbeat energy. [12] [10] [16]

Whitney's vocal performance on Hologram Jams garnered a mixed response. Loud and Quiet criticized it for ranging "between white boy skit and whiny primetime talent show hopeful" instead of sounding like a "banshee call for something belligerent" in his past works. [8] AllMusic suggested the synthesizers exaggerated Whitney's "dazzlingly shrill singing style and flare for dramatics" that turned off some reviewers of prior Jaguar Love releases. [5] On the other hand, Drowned in Sound called the singing a "saving grace" in an album with machine-programmed instrumentals where "songs are stuck on a loop." [7]

Hologram Jams's more decent reviews appreciated it as a fun dance record, [5] [7] [15] NME 's Kelly Murray particularly enjoying it as a satirical one. [9] The change towards a more electronic sound was also positively commented on by a few reviewers, [9] including Erin Lyndal Martin of PopMatters , who claimed it still had "the sheer energy the music puts forth and the exuberant elastics of Johnny Whitney’s vocals" while keeping it "fresh" with the use of synthesizers. [11]

Track listing

  1. I Started A Fire - 3:56
  2. Polaroids And Red Wine - 3:39
  3. Cherry Soda - 3:17
  4. Don't Die Alone - 3:34
  5. Up All Night - 4:11
  6. Jaguar Warriors - 3:04
  7. Everything Is Awesome - 3:57
  8. Evaline - 4:01
  9. Sad Parade - 3:31
  10. A Prostitute, An Angel - 3:38
  11. Freak Out - 3:55
  12. Piece of My Heart (Erma Franklin cover) - 3:14

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whitney Houston</span> American singer and actress (1963–2012)

Whitney Elizabeth Houston was an American singer, actress, and film producer. Known as "the Voice", she is one of the most awarded entertainers and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with sales of over 220 million records worldwide. Houston's crossover appeal on popular music charts and her performances influenced the breaking down of gender and racial barriers, as well as popular culture. Known for her vocal delivery and live concerts, Houston was ranked second by Rolling Stone on its 2023 list of the "200 Greatest Singers of All Time". Her life and career have been the subject of multiple documentaries and television specials.

<i>Whitney</i> (album) 1987 studio album by Whitney Houston

Whitney is the second studio album by American singer Whitney Houston, released on June 2, 1987, by Arista Records as the follow-up to her debut album. Whitney is one of the best-selling albums of all time, with sales of over 20 million copies worldwide. The album features five top-10 hits on the US Billboard Hot 100, which also became international hits. The album's first four singles—"I Wanna Dance with Somebody ", "Didn't We Almost Have It All", "So Emotional" and "Where Do Broken Hearts Go"—all peaked at number one on the US Hot 100, making her the first female act to achieve four number-one hits from one album.

<i>Just Whitney</i> 2002 studio album by Whitney Houston

Just Whitney is the fifth studio album by American singer and actress Whitney Houston, released on November 27, 2002, by Arista Records. It was her first studio album to be released after her greatest hits compilation, Whitney: The Greatest Hits (2000), and the follow-up to her multi-platinum fourth studio album, My Love is Your Love (1998). Just Whitney was also Houston's first to be released after re-signing her contract with Arista in 2001 for $100 million - the largest recording contract for a female artist at the time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">How Will I Know</span> 1985 single by Whitney Houston

"How Will I Know" is a song recorded by American singer Whitney Houston for her self-titled debut studio album. It was released on November 22, 1985, by Arista Records as the album's third single. Written and composed by George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, it was originally intended for pop singer Janet Jackson, who passed on it. Houston then recorded the song with altered lyrics and production from Narada Michael Walden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Queen of the Night (song)</span> 1993 single by Whitney Houston

"Queen of the Night" is a song co-written by American singer and actress Whitney Houston along with L.A. Reid, Babyface and Daryl Simmons. Produced by Reid and Babyface and performed by Houston, it was released on October 13, 1993 by Arista Records as the fifth and final single from the soundtrack album The Bodyguard (1992), and is played during the closing credits of the film of the same name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Learned from the Best</span> 1999 single by Whitney Houston

"I Learned from the Best" is a song recorded by American singer Whitney Houston. The ballad, written by Diane Warren, was released as the fifth and final single from Houston's fourth studio album, My Love Is Your Love (1998), in November 1999. When released, it peaked at number 27 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Dance remixes of the song by Hex Hector and Junior Vasquez topped the US dance chart for three weeks. Houston gained another top 20 hit on the UK Singles Chart with this song, where it peaked at number 19. The song also topped the charts in Romania and Poland.

<i>Shag Times</i> 1989 compilation album by The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu

Shag Times is a UK compilation and remix double album released in 1989 by The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu. The album also introduced Bill Drummond and Jimmy Cauty's new incarnation – and one which would become considerably more famous – The KLF.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Step by Step (Annie Lennox song)</span> Annie Lennox song

"Step by Step" is a song recorded by Whitney Houston, originally written and recorded by Annie Lennox. The song appeared on the B-side to Lennox's 1992 single "Precious". Whitney Houston released a reworked crossover R&B/pop cover version in 1996 on the soundtrack to the film The Preacher's Wife. Houston's version replaces Lennox's verses with new lyrics and omits portions of the bridge. Annie Lennox provides backing vocals for Houston's rendition. The accompanying music video was directed by Paul Hunter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fine (Whitney Houston song)</span> 2000 single by Whitney Houston

"Fine" is a song by American singer Whitney Houston, and was released as the fourth single from her 2000 compilation album, Whitney: The Greatest Hits, in September 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jaguar Love</span> American post-punk band

Jaguar Love was an American post-punk band formed in Portland, Oregon in 2007. It was composed of former members of The Blood Brothers.

<i>Intimacy Remixed</i> 2009 remix album by Bloc Party

Intimacy Remixed is the remix album to Intimacy, the third album by indie rock band Bloc Party. It was released on 11 May 2009 in the United Kingdom through Wichita Recordings, the band's primary label, in limited edition CD and triple LP formats to coincide with Bloc Party's worldwide touring schedule. The record entered the UK Album Chart at number 79. In the United States, it achieved a peak of number 15 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lose You (Peaches song)</span> 2009 single by Peaches

"Lose You" is an Italo disco song written by Peaches and Simian Mobile Disco, and produced by Simian Mobile Disco. It is the second single from the album I Feel Cream. Alternatively, the DJ Hell Remix was released in Germany by International DeeJay Gigolo Records. The version "Lose You" appeared on the iTunes and Japan bonus discs for I Feel Cream.

<i>Star of Love</i> 2010 studio album by Crystal Fighters

Star of Love is the debut studio album by English-Spanish electronic music band Crystal Fighters. It was originally released on 4 October 2010 on their label, Zirkulo. The album combines genres from Basque folk to straight electronic and dubstep. Two special releases followed in 2011: an Australian limited edition, which included a bonus disc of acoustic remixes, and a worldwide deluxe edition, which included the acoustic tracks and an additional track.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sunday (Hurts song)</span> 2011 single by Hurts

"Sunday" is a song by English musical duo Hurts. It was released on 27 February 2011 as the fourth single from their debut album, Happiness (2010). Despite the moderate chart success, the song received mixed response from critics, who complimented the sound of the song, but criticized the lyrics. Some of them called it flimsy and thought it was bland, and noted that the song has "lack of depth".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hyperbubble</span> American pop duo

Hyperbubble is an international visual and performing arts electropop/synth-pop duo from San Antonio, Texas, formed by Jeff DeCuir and Jess Barnett DeCuir. The music of this American group is variously described as "early Eurythmics meets Josie and the Pussycats," referencing "markers such as New Musik, the Normal and Thomas Dolby." Their songs are "catchy synth pop that mixes kitsch, retrofuturism and pop art in a chrome blender and sets the contents jiggling to a hypnotic robo-rhythm" with "lyrics that offer quirky takes on SF tropes from cyborgs and clones to ray guns and erotic surveillance."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sweet Love (Chris Brown song)</span> 2012 single by Chris Brown

"Sweet Love" is a song by American singer Chris Brown, taken from his fifth studio album, Fortune (2012). It was written by Brown, Cory Marks, Greg Curtis, Jamal "Polow da Don" Jones, Jason "JP" Perry and Tommy Doyle Jr., while the production was handled by Polow da Don and Perry. The song was sent to urban contemporary radio in the United States on April 10, 2012, as the second single from the album. "Sweet Love" is a slow jam R&B ballad which incorporates elements of electronic music. The lyrics of the song revolve around Brown asking his lover to take off her clothes so that they can have sex.

<i>All Loves Legal</i> 2014 studio album by Planningtorock

All Love's Legal is the third studio album by English musician Jam Rostron, known by their stage name Planningtorock; the album is their first since they came out as genderqueer, and it was released on 14 February 2014 by Human Level, a label Rostron formed to promote queer and female music producers. Featuring themes of feminism, gender, and queerness, All Love's Legal differs from Planningtorock's previous record W (2011) due to its less subtle lyrics and pop-orientated disco style. The album was promoted with several pre-album track releases, remixes by Rostron themself and other musicians such as TR/ST, Holly Herndon, and fellow Human Level artist rRoxymore, and music videos Rostron self-directed with an all-female team. Reviewers strongly praised the musical style and sound, but had mixed opinions on its use of sloganeering in delivering socially-charged statements.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Only Man</span> 2010 single by Audio Bullys

"Only Man" is the eighth single from British electronic music duo Audio Bullys. The video for the song was directed by Jonas & François, and is featured on Higher Than the Eiffel, Ibiza Fever 2010, Global Gathering Festival Anthems, Clubbers Guide to Festivals and the similarly titled single from the band.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All My Love (Major Lazer song)</span> 2014 single by Major Lazer

"All My Love" is a song by American electronic music project Major Lazer featuring vocals from American singer Ariana Grande. It was released on 13 November 2014 as the fifth song from the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014). The song was written by Grande, Lorde, and MØ with production handled by Boaz van de Beatz, Jr Blender and Diplo. It is an electropop and dance-pop song with elements of dancehall. "All My Love" received positive reviews from music critics who complimented the track's production.

<i>The Caliphs Tea Party</i> 2010 remix album by Gonjasufi

The Caliph's Tea Party is a remix studio album by American musician Gonjasufi. The album was released on 4 October 2010 by Warp label. The album is a complete reworking of his debut album A Sufi And A Killer released earlier the same year.

References

  1. "Jaguar Love Start Remix Competition". DIY . May 11, 2010. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  2. "Jaguar Love – Hologram Jams". Album of the Year. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  3. 1 2 "Hologram Jams by Jaguar Love reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  4. 1 2 "Critic Reviews for Hologram Jams". Metacritic . Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Lymangrover, Jason. "Hologram Jams – Jaguar Love". AllMusic . Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  6. "Consumer Guide Album: Jaguar Love: Hologram Jams". Robert Christgau . Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  7. 1 2 3 Farah, Amanda (April 23, 2010). "Album Review: Jaguar Love – Hologram Jams". Drowned in Sound . Archived from the original on April 30, 2010. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 Younis, Reef (June 2010). "Jaguar Love – Hologram Jams". Loud and Quiet . Archived from the original on June 26, 2010. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  9. 1 2 3 Murray, Kelly (April 26, 2010). "Album Review: Jaguar Love – 'Hologram Jams' (Fat Possum)". NME . Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Harvey, Eric (March 5, 2010). "Jaguar Love: Hologram Jams". Pitchfork . Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  11. 1 2 Lyndal Martin, Erin (April 9, 2010). "Jaguar Love: Hologram Jams". PopMatters . Archived from the original on April 12, 2010. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  12. 1 2 Drever, Ryan (April 1, 2010). "Jaguar Love – Hologram Jams". The Skinny . Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  13. Hill, Jay. "Music Review: Jaguar Love – Hologram Jams". Tiny Mix Tapes. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  14. 1 2 Long, Jen (April 15, 2010). "Jaguar Love – Hologram Jams". The Line of Best Fit . Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  15. 1 2 Kennedy, Adam (2010). "Jaguar Love Hologram Jams Review". BBC Music . Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  16. Middleman, Chris (March 25, 2010). "Jaguar Love: Hologram Jams". Spectrum Culture. Retrieved May 9, 2020.