Special Occasion

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Special Occasion is Emily King's first proper album since 2019's Scenery, though the singer/songwriter paged through her songbook in the interim -- for the acoustic versions collection Sides -- and, in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, also released "See Me," her third Grammy-nominated recording. Assisted still by Jeremy Most, her main collaborator dating back to the Seven EP, King made Special Occasion as she dealt with a breakup. It starts with three strong songs that shake off the blues. "This Year" is a glimmering resolution to focus on herself after wasting energy on her ex. The title song is an untroubled getaway with hints of classic Brazilian pop and mid-'70s Earth, Wind & Fire. Dashing and handclap-happy, "Medal" could be a flashback to a moment before the split, with King pining charismatically ("I just wanna get you on my team") before taking a breather in the bridge ("I never had to work this hard"). As the rest of the album transpires with moments of fatigued resignation and insecurity along with brighter displays of emphatic appreciation and warmth, King's voice never loses its characteristic slinking quality. Production-wise, this is a tastefully embellished continuation of the acoustic paths taken for Sides and "See Me" instead of a progression from the electronic art-pop King and Most explored on Scenery. That album certainly wouldn't have been the place for "Bad Memory," a downcast Lukas Nelson duet laced with weeping pedal steel guitar, or "Who Wants My Love," an ambler that eases into rocking action that almost creaks. Special Occasion ends in a state of uncertainty, but King comforts with gentle words of reassurance and tranquil visions of two figures simply enjoying one another's company.
© Andy Kellman /TiVo