IN MUSIC LOUIS TOMLINSON Faith in the Future (BMG) __________ Hmm, the TWO shiniest pop records of 2022 were made by guys who once were in
By CHRISTOPHER LONG
November 2022
Truth be told, when a long-established, celebrated artist drops a new record, their past accolades and prior achievements become irrelevant. ALL that matters is what they've got cookin' NOW. And once one dismisses the typical distractions — "machine"-generated hype, schmancy packaging, appealing production, the allure of who's bangin' who, upcoming movie roles and so on, a new record release comes down to just ONE thing — songs.
Depending on the format, Faith in the Future houses anywhere from 14 to 21 songs — an impressive, exhaustive effort, to be sure. And throughout the affair, Louis Tomlinson "checks" all the right "boxes" with his signature style, swagger and charm. Simply put, the record is an intoxicating night out — an exhilarating orgy where Tomlinson entertains an array of contemporary influences, while never losing his distinctive artistic identity.
Overseen by the extremely qualified Red Triangle production team and a slew of very capable co-writers, the songs feel genuine — honest and pure. Rife with relationship-fueled tension, "Written All Over Your Face" offers a crisp "morning after" account. Equally telling, "Face The Music" delivers one of the record's best lines — "I don't wanna face the music, but I still wanna dance with you." Owning a particularly crunchy, ska-flavored guitar riff, "Out Of My System" serves as another tall standout.
From the epic-sized opener, "The Greatest" to the soaring "Bigger Than Me" to the catchy "Silver Tongues" to the ambient "She Is Beauty We Are World Class" to the transparent "Common People," Faith in the Future possesses the ability to "scratch" that "itch" — wherever one's itch happens to be. Among my personal itches that Tomlinson scratches best — the MASSIVE heartache ballads, "Chicago" and "Angels Fly," as well as the 110% irresistible "Headline" and the record-closing, "That's The Way Love Goes" — a delicate, heartfelt treasure that showcases Tomlinson perched atop the tippy of his songwriting apex.
In sum, Faith in the Future crushes with Buick-sized hooks and infectious melodies. And Louis Tomlinson proves — even after all this time, to be an important artist who continues moving in only one direction — forward. (A+)
Street Date 11.11.22/ Record Label BMG
Website louis-tomlinson.com
