Amid the roaring anthems of "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" and "The Way I Are," minimal guitar chords and subtle vocals often take the back seat. While Jose Gonzalez's In Our Nature, which came out Sept. 25, may seem undesirable for those who want to "shake it," it serves multiple other senses, moods and tastes.
Nature is the Swedish-born, Argentinean singer-songwriter's second album, following Veneer. Gonzalez is known primarily for his covers such as "Heartbeats" by The Knife, "Hand On Your Heart" by Kylie Minogue and "Teardrop" by Massive Attack (which appears on Nature). "Heartbeats," and covers like it, was instrumental in making Gonzalez's career take off, and though it took Veneer two years to premiere in the U.S. after its 2003 European release, Nature is now available in 35 countries.
Being a part of the "Facebook Generation," the first time I came in contact with Jose Gonzalez was during that fantastic summer when the Apple Students group showered its members with free playlists dedicated to multiple genres. Gonzalez's single "Crosses," on the Alternative playlist, impressed me with its looped vocals and introspective sound. Nature delivers in this respect, producing 10 songs perfectly suited for a relaxing afternoon, a long drive or an exam cram session.
"Fold" is by far my favorite song on the album as it displays all of Gonzalez's superior characteristics: ethereal vocals, beautiful guitar chords and poignant lyrics. In "Fold" he sings, "Keep both feet on the ground while I change the wings. I promise one day I'll be coming round from my cloud to see what it's all about." Lyrics such as these are at once extraordinary yet typical of Gonzalez's songwriting style.
In "Killing For Love," a song one must question for its political impartiality, he inquires, "You've got a heart filled with passion. Will you let it burn for hate or compassion." Though Gonzalez says of Nature, "On this album I've wanted to bring out the primitive aspects of human beings," his style is anything but primitive. Rather, it is remarkable, developed, thought-provoking and immensely perceptive.
If you're looking to rock, Nature is not for you. The song that comes closest to having anything reminiscent of a catchy beat is the cover of Massive Attack's "Teardrops," which is more layered and looped than any of Gonzalez's original songs. The lyrics, though not his own, take on a stunning new interpretation, but again, this is not surprising considering Gonzalez's musical history. Also, if you're looking for an introduction to this talented artist's career, you would be better served looking toward Veneer and perhaps some of his earlier EPs before turning towards Nature.
Though I am not entirely familiar with Gonzalez's career, I thoroughly enjoyed this album. The only complaint I can produce is that it is far too short for my liking. Again, if you'd rather grind on the dance floor, look elsewhere. If you're in the mood for a plethora of good lyrics surrounded by a guitar that seems to sing the messages by itself, however, In Our Nature should find its way into your music collection.
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