Saves the World

Last updated

Saves the World
MunaSavesTheWorld.jpg
Studio album by
Muna
ReleasedSeptember 6, 2019 (2019-09-06)
Genre
Length43:50
Label RCA
Producer
Muna chronology
About U
(2017)		Saves the World
(2019)		 Muna
(2022)
Singles from Saves the World
  1. "Number One Fan"
    Released: June 7, 2019
  2. "Who"
    Released: June 28, 2019
  3. "Stayaway"
    Released: August 16, 2019
  4. "Taken"
    Released: September 5, 2019
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?7.6/10 [1]
Metacritic 82/100 [2]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [3]
Clash 9/10 [4]
DIY Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [5]
The Independent Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [6]
NME Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [7]
Pitchfork 7.7/10 [8]
Q Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [9]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [10]

Saves the World is the second studio album by American band Muna, released through RCA Records on September 6, 2019. The album was promoted by the singles "Number One Fan", "Who", "Stayaway", and "Taken", receiving positive reviews.

Contents

Background

After supporting English singer Harry Styles during his 2017–2018 tour, the band took a hiatus until lead singer Katie Gavin concocted the opening verse of the song "Number One Fan" six months later, starting the album's songwriting process. [11] [12] According to guitarist Josette Maskin, the album title represents the band's belief that "saving yourself is the key to saving the world". [13] Maskin also said Saves the World was meant to evoke optimism in listeners. [14]

Music and lyrics

Saves the World is a pop, [8] alternative rock, [8] synth-rock, [10] indie pop, [15] synth-pop, [16] electropop, [10] alt-pop, [17] and power pop [10] album. Thematically autobiographical, Saves the World has been described as "an emotional excavation." [18] Its lyrics depict explorations of "addiction", "alienation", "romantic desolation", and "cycles of abusive behavior". [11] The band approached the album with the intention of crafting a minimalist sound, with musically shorter sentences in comparison to those in their first album. [14]

Release and promotion

"Number One Fan" was released as the lead single from the album on June 7, 2019, [19] followed by the releases of "Who" and "Stayaway" on June 28 and August 16, respectively. [20] [21] Saves the World was released on September 6, 2019. [3] Muna embarked on a tour within the United States from September to October 2019 in promotion of the album. [22]

Critical reception

Saves the World garnered "rave reviews" upon its release. [11] At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album holds an average score of 82 based on eight reviews, indicating "universal acclaim". [2]

In a perfect five-star review, Alexandra Pollard of The Independent asserted that Saves the World set up the band to joining "the ranks of those who have brazenly borrowed their sound". [6] Rolling Stone 's Jonathan Bernstein awarded the album four stars out of five and praised its "concise and clever" yet "never overly precious" songwriting. [10] Writing for Pitchfork , Eve Barlow highlighted how the album was "as sentimental as it is versatile". [8] Marcy Donelson of AllMusic commented that while the album's lyrics were more effective than its hooks, it contained "a handful of low-key anthems". [3]

Saves the World placed on several critics' lists of the best albums of 2019. It was ranked as the 41st best by Billboard, [15] the 33rd by The Guardian, [16] the 15th by The Independent, [23] and included on an unranked list by Paper. [24]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Muna, except "Number One Fan," "Stayaway," and "Taken" by Muna and Rebecca Gresang

Saves the World track listing
No.TitleProducer(s)Length
1."Grow"Muna1:47
2."Number One Fan"
3:25
3."Stayaway"
3:31
4."Who"
  • Crossey
  • Muna
3:08
5."Navy Blue"
  • Crossey
  • Muna
3:58
6."Never"
  • Crossey
  • Muna
4:03
7."Pink Light"
  • Crossey
  • Muna
4:11
8."Taken"Muna4:05
9."Hands Off"
  • Crossey
  • Muna
3:39
10."Good News (Ya-Ya Song)"
  • Crossey
  • Muna
4:10
11."Memento"Muna2:01
12."It's Gonna Be Okay, Baby"Muna5:44
Total length:43:50

Charts

Chart performance for Saves the World
Chart (2019)Peak
position
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard) [25] 7

Release history

Release history and formats for Saves the World
RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
VariousSeptember 6, 2019 RCA [26]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Weezer</span> American rock band

Weezer is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1992. Since 2001, the band has consisted of Rivers Cuomo, Patrick Wilson, Brian Bell, and Scott Shriner. They have sold 10 million albums in the US and more than 35 million worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spoon (band)</span> American rock band

Spoon is an American rock band from Austin, Texas, consisting of members Britt Daniel, Jim Eno (drums), Alex Fischel, Gerardo Larios and Ben Trokan. The band was formed in Austin in October 1993 by Daniel and Eno. Critics have described the band's musical style as rock and roll, post-punk, and art rock.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The 1975</span> English pop rock band

The 1975 are an English pop rock band formed in Wilmslow, Cheshire in 2002. The band consists of Matty Healy, Adam Hann, Ross MacDonald (bass), and George Daniel. The band's name was inspired by a page of scribblings found in Healy's preowned copy of On the Road by Jack Kerouac that was dated "1 June, The 1975".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Low Cut Connie</span> American rock and roll band

Low Cut Connie is an American rock and roll band based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Low Cut Connie has become the alter ego for frontman, pianist, and songwriter Adam Weiner, who has been the band's only constant member since its formation. Beginning as an impromptu recording session in 2010, Low Cut Connie gradually evolved into a vehicle for Weiner's songwriting and his onstage persona. The band has earned praise for its high-energy live performances, which Los Angeles Weekly described as "unmatched in all of rock right now." NPR Music described Weiner as "masterfully fluent in the foundational languages of Western pop." Low Cut Connie has also gained notoriety for attracting high-profile endorsements such as a surprise inclusion on Barack Obama's Spotify Summer Playlist in 2015, and a personal association with Elton John, who has called the band one of his favorites. Drummer/bassist Jarae Lewis joined in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phoebe Bridgers</span> American musician (born 1994)

Phoebe Lucille Bridgers is an American singer-songwriter. Her indie folk music typically centers around acoustic guitar and electronic production, with melancholic lyrical themes. She has received four Grammy Awards from eleven nominations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muna (band)</span> American indie pop band

Muna is an American indie pop band consisting of Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson. They released two studio albums with RCA Records, About U (2017) and Saves the World (2019), before signing with independent label Saddest Factory Records, which released their third studio album, Muna, in June 2022.

<i>About U</i> 2017 studio album by Muna

About U is the debut studio album by American band Muna, released through RCA Records on February 3, 2017. It is a dark-pop, synth-pop. and dance-pop album influenced by 80's new wave.

<i>Gallipoli</i> (album) 2019 studio album by Beirut

Gallipoli is the fifth studio album by indie folk band Beirut. It was released on February 1, 2019 by 4AD. The album is named after the Italian town where the title track was written. It is supported by the singles "Gallipoli", "Corfu" and "Landslide". The band toured across North America and Europe in support of the album in 2019.

<i>Titanic Rising</i> 2019 studio album by Weyes Blood

Titanic Rising is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter and musician Weyes Blood, released on April 5, 2019 by Sub Pop. Produced by the artist along with Jonathan Rado, it is influenced by 1970s FM radio. Its lyrical themes address romantic pursuits, climate change, and references to the Titanic.

<i>Reward</i> (album) 2019 studio album by Cate Le Bon

Reward is the fifth studio album by Welsh musician Cate Le Bon, released on 24 May 2019 by Mexican Summer.

"Stayaway" is a song by American band Muna from their second studio album, Saves the World (2019). The song was written by band members Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson, who produced it with John Hill. It was released by RCA Records as the albums third single, on August 16, 2019.

<i>The Prettiest Curse</i> 2020 studio album by Hinds

The Prettiest Curse is the third studio album by Spanish garage rock band Hinds. It was released on June 5, 2020 under Mom + Pop Music and follows 2018's I Don't Run. The album was recorded in New York City and produced by Jennifer Decilveo, who produced albums for Bat for Lashes, The Wombats, and Anne-Marie. The Prettiest Curse was preceded by the singles "Riding Solo", "Good Bad Times", "Come Back and Love Me <3", and "Just Like Kids (Miau)", along with music videos for "Good Bad Times", "Just Like Kids (Miau)" and "Burn".

<i>Saint Cloud</i> (album) 2020 studio album by Waxahatchee

Saint Cloud is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Waxahatchee, released on March 27, 2020, by Merge Records. Released at the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic, Saint Cloud received universal acclaim from music critics, who praised its depth and mellow sound. Initially unable to tour behind the album, Waxahatchee embarked on a supporting tour in 2021.

<i>Jump Rope Gazers</i> 2020 studio album by the Beths

Jump Rope Gazers is the second studio album by New Zealand indie rock band the Beths. It was released on 10 July 2020 through Carpark Records.

<i>Whole New Mess</i> 2020 studio album by Angel Olsen

Whole New Mess is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Angel Olsen, released on August 28, 2020 on Jagjaguwar. Recorded by Olsen and engineer Michael Harris in a converted church, the album features tracks from her 2019 album, All Mirrors, arranged in a more intimate style.

<i>Songs</i> and <i>Instrumentals</i> 2020 studio albums by Adrianne Lenker

Songs and Instrumentals are two studio albums by Adrianne Lenker, both released by 4AD on October 23, 2020. They are her fourth and fifth solo albums, respectively.

<i>Home Video</i> (album) 2021 studio album by Lucy Dacus

Home Video is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus. It was released on June 25, 2021, via Matador. It was promoted by the singles "Thumbs", "Hot & Heavy", "VBS", "Brando", and "Going Going Gone". The album received critical acclaim and placed on many critics' year-end lists.

<i>Lindsey Buckingham</i> (album) 2021 studio album by Lindsey Buckingham

Lindsey Buckingham is the seventh solo studio album by American guitarist, vocalist, and former Fleetwood Mac member Lindsey Buckingham. The album was released on September 17, 2021. Written, produced, and recorded by Buckingham at his home studio in Los Angeles, the album was released via vinyl, CD, and on digital and streaming services.

<i>Laurel Hell</i> 2022 studio album by Mitski

Laurel Hell is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Mitski, released on February 4, 2022, through Dead Oceans. Patrick Hyland produced the album, which has been characterized as a record blending synth-pop, indie pop and electronic rock styles. According to Mitski, the album title is a folk term for being trapped in thickets of laurel that grow in the southern Appalachian Mountains.

<i>Muna</i> (Muna album) 2022 studio album by Muna

Muna is the third studio album by American indie pop band Muna, released on June 24, 2022. It is their first album as an independent artist, after they signed with Phoebe Bridgers' Saddest Factory Records imprint in 2021. It was promoted with the singles "Silk Chiffon", "Anything but Me", "Kind of Girl", "Home by Now" and "What I Want". The album was met with critical acclaim upon release and became the band's first-charting album on the US Billboard 200 and UK Albums Chart.

References

  1. ↑ "Saves the World by MUNA reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  2. 1 2 "Saves the World by MUNA Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic . Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 Donelson, Marcy. "Saves the World - MUNA". AllMusic . Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  4. ↑ Murray, Robin (September 6, 2019). "Muna – Saves The World". Clash . Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  5. ↑ Tipple, Ben (September 6, 2019). "MUNA - Saves The World". DIY . Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  6. 1 2 Pollard, Alexandra; White, Adam; O'Connor, Roisin (September 5, 2019). "Album reviews: MUNA – Saves the World, Iggy Pop – Free and Chrissie Hynde – Valve Bone Woe". The Independent . Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  7. ↑ Hunt, El (September 3, 2019). "Muna – 'Saves the World' review". NME . Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Barlow, Eve (September 7, 2019). "MUNA: Saves the World Album Review". Pitchfork . Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  9. ↑ "Saves the World". Q (published October 2019). September 6, 2019. p. 114 – via Metacritic.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 Bernstein, Jonathan (September 6, 2019). "MUNA's 'Saves the World' Is a Synth-Rock Course In Deep California Blues". Rolling Stone . Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  11. 1 2 3 Savage, Mark (September 17, 2019). "Muna: Saving the world, one breath at a time". BBC Online . Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  12. ↑ Maicki, Salvatore (September 11, 2019). "MUNA are going to save the world". The Fader . Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  13. ↑ Cragg, Michael (June 8, 2019). "Muna on Harry Styles, imposter syndrome and Trump-baiting". The Guardian . Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  14. 1 2 Smyth, David (September 6, 2019). "MUNA interview: 'We don't think we can be saved by politicians at the moment'". Evening Standard . Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  15. 1 2 "The 50 Best Albums of 2019: Staff Picks". Billboard. December 10, 2019. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  16. 1 2 "The 50 best albums of 2019: the full list". The Guardian. December 20, 2019. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  17. ↑ Walker, Sophie (December 20, 2021). "Silk Chiffon and the Reintroduction of MUNA". The Line of Best Fit . Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  18. ↑ Whelan, Catherine; Tidmarsh, Kevin; Branch, Natasha (September 4, 2019). "Alt-Pop Band MUNA Talks About Its New Album 'Saves The World'". NPR . Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  19. ↑ Exposito, Suzy (June 7, 2019). "Muna Preach Unabashed Self-Love in New Single, 'Number One Fan'". Rolling Stone . Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  20. ↑ Schramm, Molly (June 28, 2019). "MUNA Deal with the Helplessness of Heartbreak in Video for Their Latest Single "Who"". Paste . Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  21. ↑ Martoccio, Angie (August 16, 2019). "Watch Muna Avoid the Past in New Video for 'Stayaway'". Rolling Stone . Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  22. ↑ Martoccio, Angie (June 18, 2019). "Muna Announces Fall Headline Tour". Rolling Stone . Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  23. ↑ "The 50 best albums of 2019 – from Tyler, the Creator's IGOR to Weyes Blood's Titanic Rising". The Independent. December 20, 2019. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  24. ↑ "PAPER's Top 20 Albums of 2019". Paper. December 18, 2019. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  25. ↑ "Muna Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  26. ↑ "Saves the World by MUNA". Apple Music . September 6, 2019. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.