De La Soul's 10th studio album, Cabin in the Sky, is a vibrant celebration of late founding member Trugoy the Dove, aka Dave Jolicoeur, that defies the somber expectations set by an actor-heavy spoken-word intro. This isn't an album about impending doom; it's a technicolor dream, infused with lush strings and effervescent samples, transporting listeners to a world where 'chillier months' are kept at bay.
The De La Soul formula is hard to shake off - the perpetually sunny disposition that permeates their music remains intact. Gone is the heavy, somber tone that might have been expected after Trugoy's passing; instead, we're treated to an album that feels like a vitamin D-rich tonic for the winter blues.
A spoken-word intro by Giancarlo Esposito sets the scene, but De La Soul quickly reminds us of their signature blend. The Natalie Cole sample on 'Will Be' and Maseo's jovial ad-libs on 'Cruel Summers Bring Fire Life!!' are just a couple of examples of how this album stays true to form. It's not about mourning; it's about embracing life, even in its final stages.
The concept of the afterlife is there, but it feels more like an afterthought - an element tacked on, perhaps, as Trugoy's passing was a catalyst for reflection. Yet, his vocals remain throughout, and most tracks still fit snugly within De La Soul's surrealist universe. Even in exploring mortality, they manage to keep the mood light.
One notable exception is the title track, where Maseo and Pos pay tribute to Trugoy and others lost. It's a pensive, world-weary reflection on life and loss, but never loses its sense of magic.
If Cabin in the Sky feels like a slog at times, it's likely due to its length - clocking in at over 70 minutes. The second half can feel a tad heavy-handed by comparison to the album's more effervescent opening tracks.
Still, this is an album that celebrates life and creativity with unbridled enthusiasm, never losing sight of what makes De La Soul so special: their unique blend of positivity, wit, and infectious energy. It may not be heavy in the classical sense, but it leaves you feeling full - and perhaps even a little brighter for having listened to it.
The De La Soul formula is hard to shake off - the perpetually sunny disposition that permeates their music remains intact. Gone is the heavy, somber tone that might have been expected after Trugoy's passing; instead, we're treated to an album that feels like a vitamin D-rich tonic for the winter blues.
A spoken-word intro by Giancarlo Esposito sets the scene, but De La Soul quickly reminds us of their signature blend. The Natalie Cole sample on 'Will Be' and Maseo's jovial ad-libs on 'Cruel Summers Bring Fire Life!!' are just a couple of examples of how this album stays true to form. It's not about mourning; it's about embracing life, even in its final stages.
The concept of the afterlife is there, but it feels more like an afterthought - an element tacked on, perhaps, as Trugoy's passing was a catalyst for reflection. Yet, his vocals remain throughout, and most tracks still fit snugly within De La Soul's surrealist universe. Even in exploring mortality, they manage to keep the mood light.
One notable exception is the title track, where Maseo and Pos pay tribute to Trugoy and others lost. It's a pensive, world-weary reflection on life and loss, but never loses its sense of magic.
If Cabin in the Sky feels like a slog at times, it's likely due to its length - clocking in at over 70 minutes. The second half can feel a tad heavy-handed by comparison to the album's more effervescent opening tracks.
Still, this is an album that celebrates life and creativity with unbridled enthusiasm, never losing sight of what makes De La Soul so special: their unique blend of positivity, wit, and infectious energy. It may not be heavy in the classical sense, but it leaves you feeling full - and perhaps even a little brighter for having listened to it.
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! cant believe they still got that signature vibe goin on 
all these years after Trugoy passed away 
. the music is super colorful and fun, like a technicolor dream come true 
. still, the positivity n energy is infectious, def gonna bump this album on repeat 
.
. I'm not gonna lie, some of it does feel a bit slow at times, especially with the second half clocking in at over an hour 
, but overall? It's like they're giving us a big ol' hug from beyond the grave 
.
. They're instead choosing to use his legacy as a reminder to cherish every moment and spread love wherever they go 
. That's what this album is all about - spreading the good vibes 
.
. Sure, some of the tracks feel a bit long-winded at times (like, hello, 70 minutes? 
), but overall, this album is like a breath of fresh air 
. It's like they're saying, "Hey, life might be fleeting, but let's make the most of it while we can!" And honestly, that message resonates so deeply 
. the music can be really catchy, don't get me wrong, but it also feels like they're relying too heavily on their signature sound without taking any real risks 
. i wish they'd have pushed the boundaries a bit more and explored some darker themes alongside the celebratory vibes 
. still, it's not like they've disappointed anyone who liked de la soul before 
and yeah its clear they were trying to cram all these different vibes and moods into one album, some things stick out more than others
. It's just interesting to see how they balance the lighter moments with more somber reflections on life and loss...
. It's like they took all these heavy emotions and just... poured them into this Technicolor dreamscape of an album 
and infused Cabin in the Sky with so much color and energy. It's like they're saying, "Hey, even when we're dealing with tough stuff, let's still find a way to be chill and celebrate!" The album might be long at 70 minutes, but it feels worth it - every track has its own special vibe 
. I mean, who needs somber intros when you can have lush strings and effervescent samples? It's like they're serving up a vitamin D-rich tonic for our winter blues 
. Still, I gotta respect their enthusiasm and commitment to celebrating life and creativity 
... I was so busy catching up on my feeds that I totally missed out on this thread! Anyway, I gotta say, I love how De La Soul has managed to keep the vibe light despite Trugoy's passing. It's like they're saying, life is for living, not just existing