Welcome to Caroline’s Island

As a singer-songwriter and producer, Polachek’s unique take on pop music is often described as experimental, but it’s her tasteful approach that truly sets her apart. With Desire, I Want to Turn Into You, Polachek invites us onto her island, surrounded by love and masterfully crafted sonic ideas that offer a much-needed palette cleanser in the saccharine-sweet buffet of pop music we are all constantly fed.

The album is a mishmash of influences from all genres and eras, creating a sound that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. Each track is a building block, from the opening notes of “Welcome to My Island” to the closing chords of “Billions.” On “Pretty In Possible,” Polacheck channels the ‘80s hit “Tom’s Diner” by Suzanne Vega, giving it a 2023 makeover, while “Bunny is a Rider” delivers a breakbeat, radio-ready hit that’s sure to get you moving. Meanwhile, the Spanish guitars on “Sunset” transport us to a world of sun-kissed beaches and endless summers.

While some critics might argue that Polachek’s abstract lyrics and varied influences create a lack of throughline to the album, the counterpoint could be that this lack of consistency was intentional. By viewing the album as the soundtrack to her world, we can fully immerse ourselves in the sonic experience and discover the beauty in the chaos. The journey takes the listener from the modern club banger “I Believe” to the ethereal “Butterfly Net,” which offers a moment of respite from the chaos. The church bells and swaying harmonies of “Blood and Butter” feel like looking out over the ocean, while the Trinity Children’s Choir singing “I never felt so close to you” on the closing track “Billions” brings us full circle on this island of love

Desire, I Want to Turn Into You is passionate, curious and seductive (it could be an alternative soundtrack for the television show White Lotus). While it’s hard to predict what she’ll do next, one thing is for sure: this is Caroline Polacheck’s world, and we’re all just living in it.