You’d think building an album around two obvious highlights may not be a good idea, and you’re probably right. On the debut album however, Bon Iver, Chance the Rapper and Drake collaborator, Francis Farewell Starlite, better known as the mastermind behind Francis and the Lights, does what is not quite common and the result is surprisingly really pleasing.
The record starts with a serious SOTY contender, the stunning, synth-driven See Her Out (That’s Just Life). On the surface, it’s really calm and focused, but when it reaches its climax, it’s like a storm.
What else Farewell, Starlite! has to offer? On the album Starlite often takes risks (Running Man / Gospel OP1), experiments with vocoder (My City’s Gone) or just goofs around (I’m Francis, he sings on the Kanye West approved (also Kanye West involved), Bon Iver featuring single Friends). The last one, album’s centerpiece, is gorgeous song with a beautiful, yet simple message. Starlite and Vernon are so straightforward in what they do and what they say, it’s really refreshing.
Obviously, Farewell, Starlite! would be much better if every song reached the album’s peaks. There are certainly no major faux pas here, and even though every now and then some less enjoyable cuts appear, pretty much everything is forgivable. It’s a decent debut nevertheless.
3.5 / 5