26 years on, Daft Punk remains untouched.
French masked electronic super duo Daft Punk released an anniversary edition of their 2013 album Random Access Memories — celebrating 10 gilded years.
While the relevancy of Daft Punk has certainly diminished in the time since their most recent release, their music and influence on electronic media sent waves throughout the music industry. This reigns true for their May release — 10 years, to the month, since its predecessor — Random Access Memories (10th Anniversary Edition).
Sonically and literally, the first 13 tracks remain untouched, and dutifully so.
“Give Life Back to Music” sets an upbeat, catchy tone for the rest of the album, with a funky and consistent bassline accompanied by an undying drum riff. Lyrically, the song hasn’t much to offer but that has never been the focal point for Daft Punk.
“Let the music in tonight / Just turn on the music / Let the music of your life / Give life back to music,” an auto-tuned voice sings.
If anything, simple yet message-delivering lyrics have always been at the core of what the duo has to offer, remaining true for the slowed tune “The Game of Love.” The, admittedly predictable, voice that accompanies every song resonates a massive nostalgia — proving the anniversary release to be a win.
Lyrically sound stand-outs from the original album, “Instant Crush” and “Get Lucky” feature The Strokes’ lead singer Julian Casablancas and infamous record producer Pharrell Williams respectively. Both tunes are accompanied by solid, synthesizing beats, with the latter being a two-time winner at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.
Aside from the original 13 tracks, there are an additional 9 songs added to Random Access Memories (10th Anniversary Edition). Following “Contact,” “Horizon Ouverture” takes a leaping departure from the duo’s typical sound.
Sans lyrics, the song instead features a heavenly, female vocalization over a soothing orchestra. This sets the tone for the following eight songs, as they all follow an abstract expressionism that doesn’t strictly follow the Bible of electronic music.
“Infinity Repeating (2013 Demo)” highlights another feature from Casablancas and makes for a mellowed-out version of their previous hit.
“I was crossing the border, we were waiting in line / I don’t want any other, two old friend coincidences / Voice inside my head, dinner’s at mine or yours?” Casablancas croons over a euphonious bassline.
Nearly every concluding tune on the album has a featuring act of some sort, evidently bringing out some of Daft Punk’s finest works.
While Thomas Bangalter and Guy Manuel de Homem-Christo officially retired as Daft Punk in 2021, the duo have nonetheless created not only a significant impact with their latest release, but have left a mark on the music industry — all behind their robotic masks.
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