David Byrne – Who Is the Sky?

David Byrne’s lore as a whimsical songwriter with an affinity for buildings and food rings true on this new album, which boasts a delectable smorgasbord of introspective, story-driven tracks from the fascinating mind of the Talking Heads frontman. 

Album opener and lead single Everybody Laughs is a joyous example of Byrne’s ever-inquisitive approach to music. It's a rumination on and celebration of shared experiences, creative spirit and the multiplicity of human existence set to a light, triumphant marching-band groove. Long-time collaborator St. Vincent makes a pleasant return at the end of the track to sing its sweet refrain as Byrne’s vocal is percussively chopped up a la Two of Hearts by Stacey Q. Paramore’s Hayley Williams joins Byrne’s roster of collaborators on the thumpy, mariachi-inspired track What Is the Reason for It?, where her distorted croons dominate the wistful yet thoroughly danceable soundscape. 

Byrne claims that he doesn't fully understand why the avant-garde resonates with him and so many others, but continuously proves himself (as he has done throughout his entire career) as an arbiter of the genre. Whether it’s a ballad about a deity’s love of baked goods (I Met the Buddha at a Downtown Party), a staccato ditty about a revolutionary anti-aging serum (Moisturizing Thing) or an up-tempo ode to his living quarters (My Apartment Is My Friend), Byrne has a musical greeting card for literally any occasion. 

Listen to: What Is the Reason For It?, A Door Called No, I Met the Buddha at a Downtown Party