In What Happened to the Heart?, AURORA takes us to a new level of her musical journey, where the ethereal meets the electronic in a delicate and fascinating balance. This album, recently released on June 7, 2024, represents a bold sonic experiment, marking a significant evolution in her artistic career. AURORA dives into the world of techno and electropop, blending these genres with her characteristic indie pop style to create a unique auditory experience.
This album is not only a display of sonic innovations but also a powerful manifesto about current times. AURORA addresses deeply resonant themes, from the wars that tear our planet apart to the urgent need to heal our collective heart and mend the scars on the environment. What Happened to the Heart? is both a call to action and an introspective exploration, asking how we got here and how we can reweave the threads of our humanity and our connection to nature.
From the first track, there is a noticeable presence of electronic elements, with enveloping synthesizers and pulsating rhythms dominating the soundscape. This renewed approach not only enriches her music but also highlights her versatility as a composer and producer. AURORA is one of the few popular artists deeply involved in every aspect of her music creation, and this album is further proof of her multifaceted talent. The production of What Happened to the Heart? is complex and detailed, with layers of sounds carefully interwoven. AURORA uses a variety of instruments, from piano and drums to synthesizers and electronic effects, to create a rich and expansive atmosphere. This experimental approach showcases her ability to innovate and challenge musical conventions, demonstrating that she is not afraid to explore new sonic territories with her magical electronic power.
The lyrics of the album are equally impressive, with AURORA tackling deep and personal themes through poetic metaphors and philosophical reflections. Her ability to combine these lyrics with electronic music creates a fascinating duality between the human and the digital, the intimate and the universal. Through her music, AURORA invites us to reflect on our actions and the impact they have on the world around us.
Particularly notable are the songs “When the Dark Dresses Lightly” and “Invisible Wounds”. The former is characterized by its introspection and lyrical beauty, exploring the duality of darkness and light with a mix of electronic elements. The latter, which closes the album, is a meditation on invisible emotional wounds. With minimalistic production that highlights her ethereal voice, AURORA encapsulates the central message of the album: the need to recognize and heal our internal wounds to move forward as individuals and as a society.
Because AURORA has almost total control over her art, from writing and composing to production, she stands out in the current music industry. This album is both a testament to her ability to innovate and experiment and a celebration of her innate talent. It reminds us that, even though the world may seem broken, there is still hope and beauty in the act of mending our hearts and healing our lands.
If asked what rating we would give the album, it would be a 10 out of 10.
