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| | cover = | | cover = Vicious Creature album cover.jpg | ||
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| | released = {{start date|2024|12|06|df=yes}} | | released = {{start date|2024|12|06|df=yes}} | ||
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| '''''Vicious Creature''''' is the debut solo studio album by Scottish singer and musician ], released on 6 December 2024 |
'''''Vicious Creature''''' is the debut solo studio album by Scottish singer and musician ], released on 6 December 2024 by ]. After four albums as the lead singer of synth-pop band ] since 2011, Mayberry announced in 2023 that she would be pursuing a solo project.<ref name="launches">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/chvrches-lauren-mayberry-launches-fun-freaky-sad-weird-joyful-solo-career-with-tour-3471192|title=Chvrches' Lauren Mayberry launches "fun, freaky, sad, weird, joyful" solo career with tour|date=20 July 2023|first=Anagricel|last=Duran|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref><ref name="bbc">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy7k830zdejo|title=Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches: I was always trying to make everyone happy|date=5 December 2024|first=Mark|last=Savage|publisher=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> Work on the album started in early 2022, with Mayberry citing ], ], ], ], ], ] as influences.<ref name="ap" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://diymag.com/cover-feature/lauren-mayberry-chvrches-solo-october-cover-feature|title=Lauren Mayberry: Eyes Wide Open|date=10 October 2023|first=Crystal|last=Bell|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | ||
| Lyrically, the album discusses mortality, societal pressure, personal growth, and sexism in the music industry.<ref name="ap">{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/lauren-mayberry-chvrches-solo-vicious-creature-e107da07dd1b5181a2a6150e8c48c91d|title=Lauren Mayberry steps out of the band Chvrches for a solo album that shows her influences|date=4 December 2024|first=Mark|last=Kennedy|publisher=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref><ref name="clash" /> Mayberry co-wrote every song on the album, along with its producers Dan McDougall, ], ], and ]; additional songwriters include ], ], and ]. ''Vicious Creature'' has received favourable reviews from critics and was supported by five singles: "Are You Awake?", "Shame", "Change Shapes", "Something in the Air", and "Crocodile Tears". | Lyrically, the album discusses mortality, societal pressure, personal growth, and sexism in the music industry.<ref name="ap">{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/lauren-mayberry-chvrches-solo-vicious-creature-e107da07dd1b5181a2a6150e8c48c91d|title=Lauren Mayberry steps out of the band Chvrches for a solo album that shows her influences|date=4 December 2024|first=Mark|last=Kennedy|publisher=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref><ref name="clash" /> Mayberry co-wrote every song on the album, along with its producers Dan McDougall, ], ], and ]; additional songwriters include ], ], and ]. ''Vicious Creature'' has received favourable reviews from critics and was supported by five singles: "Are You Awake?", "Shame", "Change Shapes", "Something in the Air", and "Crocodile Tears". | ||
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| Mayberry has been the lead singer of ] group ] since 2011, and first considered a solo career following the band's third studio album, '']'' (2018).<ref name="launches" /><ref name="guardian" /> The band's first two studio albums, '']'' (2013) and '']'' (2015), were both critical successes but reception to ''Love Is Dead'' was more mixed.<ref name="dorkinterview" /> Mayberry expressed feeling afraid that her band would not stay together, and was also worried that she had no other creative outlet, as bandmates ] and ] were both working with other artists.<ref name="dorkinterview" /> The ] caused the band to work on a follow-up album remotely: 2021's '']''.<ref name="guardian" /> In early 2022, she told her bandmates that she wanted to work on a solo project.<ref name="nyt" /> In July 2023, Mayberry announced she would be pursuing a solo career, and embarked on a solo tour of the US and Europe later that year, where she previewed her solo songs.<ref name="launches" /> Initial plans were for an album to be released in 2023, but it faced delays partly due to a restructuring at ] and their licensing disagreement with ].<ref name="dorkinterview" /> | Mayberry has been the lead singer of ] group ] since 2011, and first considered a solo career following the band's third studio album, '']'' (2018).<ref name="launches" /><ref name="guardian" /> The band's first two studio albums, '']'' (2013) and '']'' (2015), were both critical successes but reception to ''Love Is Dead'' was more mixed.<ref name="dorkinterview" /> Mayberry expressed feeling afraid that her band would not stay together, and was also worried that she had no other creative outlet, as bandmates ] and ] were both working with other artists.<ref name="dorkinterview" /> The ] caused the band to work on a follow-up album remotely: 2021's '']''.<ref name="guardian" /> In early 2022, she told her bandmates that she wanted to work on a solo project.<ref name="nyt" /> In July 2023, Mayberry announced she would be pursuing a solo career, and embarked on a solo tour of the US and Europe later that year, where she previewed her solo songs.<ref name="launches" /> Initial plans were for an album to be released in 2023, but it faced delays partly due to a restructuring at ] and their licensing disagreement with ].<ref name="dorkinterview" /> | ||
| Writing for the album started in early 2022, and "Are You Awake?" was released as the first single on 1 September 2023.<ref name="ap" /><ref name="first" /> In an interview with '']'', Mayberry revealed that her solo music was "born out of things that couldn't or wouldn't write in the band", including sentiments she felt as the group's only female member.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/chvrches-lauren-mayberry-interview-solo-female-perspective-tour-album-future-3510639|title= |
Writing for the album started in early 2022, and "Are You Awake?" was released as the first single on 1 September 2023.<ref name="ap" /><ref name="first" /> In an interview with '']'', Mayberry revealed that her solo music was "born out of things that couldn't or wouldn't write in the band", including sentiments she felt as the group's only female member.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/chvrches-lauren-mayberry-interview-solo-female-perspective-tour-album-future-3510639|title=Chvrches' Lauren Mayberry on going solo: "This was born out of things that I couldn't or wouldn't write in the band"|date=6 October 2023|first=Andrew|last=Trendell|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> In an interview with '']'' in October 2024, Mayberry revealed that ''Vicious Creature'' was finished and was due for release later in the year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/nine-songs-lauren-mayberry|title=Lauren Mayberry's favourite songs|date=2 October 2024|first=Adam|last=England|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> The album was announced on 29 October 2024 and released five weeks later on 6 December.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2285713/chvrches-lauren-mayberry-announces-debut-solo-album-vicious-creature/music/|title=Chvrches' Lauren Mayberry Announces Debut Solo Album ''Vicious Creature''|date=29 October 2024|first=Danielle|last=Chelosky|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> Over 40 songs were written for the album, whose title is taken from a line in "A Work of Fiction".<ref name="dorkinterview">{{Cite web|url=https://readdork.com/features/lauren-mayberry-interview-nov24/|title=Lauren Mayberry: "I needed to prove to myself that I actually had value"|date=5 December 2024|first=Ali|last=Shutler|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | ||
| == Composition == | == Composition == | ||
| ''Vicious Creature'' comprises 12 songs with a variety of genres and influences.<ref name="nyt">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/27/arts/music/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature.html|title=Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches Is Making a Statement on Her Own|date=27 November 2024|first=Phoebe|last=Reilly|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> "Something in the Air" is a ] track that arose after a studio discussion about ]; it was the penultimate song written for the album and has a similar sound to ] and ].<ref name="bbc" /><ref name="allmusic" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2282651/lauren-mayberry-something-in-the-air/music/|title=Lauren Mayberry – |
''Vicious Creature'' comprises 12 songs with a variety of genres and influences.<ref name="nyt">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/27/arts/music/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature.html|title=Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches Is Making a Statement on Her Own|date=27 November 2024|first=Phoebe|last=Reilly|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> "Something in the Air" is a ] track that arose after a studio discussion about ]; it was the penultimate song written for the album and has a similar sound to ] and ].<ref name="bbc" /><ref name="allmusic" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2282651/lauren-mayberry-something-in-the-air/music/|title=Lauren Mayberry – "Something In The Air"|date=1 October 2024|first=Chris|last=DeVille|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref><ref name="dorkinterview" /> "Crocodile Tears", which was inspired by the musical theatre characters of ] (of '']'') and ] (of '']''), samples the strings from "]" by ].<ref name="bbc" /> "Shame", the album's second single, is an ] song that discusses feelings of hypocrisy and schizophrenia.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/chvrches-lauren-mayberry-new-single-shame-1234850549/|title=Chvrches' Lauren Mayberry Pulls Back Layers of 'Shame' on New Single|date=10 October 2023|first=Larisha|last=Paul|magazine=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://diymag.com/news/lauren-mayberry-chvrches-new-single-shame|title=Lauren Mayberry unveils new single 'Shame'|date=11 October 2023|first=Daisy|last=Carter|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> "Anywhere but Dancing" is a "guitar-country" song about a failed relationship, while "Punch Drunk" mixes ] with ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.womeninpop.com/news-home/interview-lauren-mayberry-releases-debut-solo-album-vicious-creature|title=INTERVIEW: Lauren Mayberry releases debut solo album 'Vicious Creature': "Why would you not want to write whatever feels right for that song or that idea or that lyric?"|date=6 December 2024|first=Jett|last=Tattersall|work=Women in Pop|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | ||
| "Oh, Mother", a piano ballad about Mayberry's relationship with her mother, was inspired by an illness in the family and was the last song written for ''Vicious Creature''.<ref name="bbc" /> "Sorry, Etc", a blend of ] and ], and the ] "Change Shapes" are both songs that discuss sexism in the music industry; the latter was released as a single to coincide with ].<ref name="bbc" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/lauren-mayberry-adapts-to-her-environment-on-new-single-change-shapes|title=Lauren Mayberry Adapts to Her Environment on New Single "Change Shapes"|date=8 March 2024|first=Megan|last=LaPierre|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> "Mantra" is an ] track while "A Work of Fiction" is a pop song backed by piano.<ref name="clash" /><ref name="nyt" /> "Sunday Best", inspired by ] and "]" by ], is a song describing an ] over worrying about the death of one's parents.<ref name="dorkinterview" /> The start of the track is an homage to ]'s "]".<ref name="nyt" /> "Are You Awake?" is a piano ballad inspired by being homesick and lonely.<ref name="first">{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/chvrches-lauren-mayberry-shares-first-solo-song-are-you-awake-listen/|title= |
"Oh, Mother", a piano ballad about Mayberry's relationship with her mother, was inspired by an illness in the family and was the last song written for ''Vicious Creature''.<ref name="bbc" /> "Sorry, Etc", a blend of ] and ], and the ] "Change Shapes" are both songs that discuss sexism in the music industry; the latter was released as a single to coincide with ].<ref name="bbc" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/lauren-mayberry-adapts-to-her-environment-on-new-single-change-shapes|title=Lauren Mayberry Adapts to Her Environment on New Single "Change Shapes"|date=8 March 2024|first=Megan|last=LaPierre|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> "Mantra" is an ] track while "A Work of Fiction" is a pop song backed by piano.<ref name="clash" /><ref name="nyt" /> "Sunday Best", inspired by ] and "]" by ], is a song describing an ] over worrying about the death of one's parents.<ref name="dorkinterview" /> The start of the track is an homage to ]'s "]".<ref name="nyt" /> "Are You Awake?" is a piano ballad inspired by being homesick and lonely.<ref name="first">{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/chvrches-lauren-mayberry-shares-first-solo-song-are-you-awake-listen/|title=Chvrches' Lauren Mayberry Shares First Solo Song "Are You Awake?": Listen|date=1 September 2023|first=Evan|last=Minsker|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | ||
| == Critical reception == | == Critical reception == | ||
| {{Music ratings | {{Music ratings | ||
| | ADM = 6.7/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/14160/Lauren-Mayberry-Vicious-Creature.aspx|title=Vicious Creature by Lauren Mayberry reviews|website=AnyDecentMusic?|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | | ADM = 6.7/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/14160/Lauren-Mayberry-Vicious-Creature.aspx|title=Vicious Creature by Lauren Mayberry reviews|website=AnyDecentMusic?|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | ||
| | MC = |
| MC = 71/100<ref name="MC">{{Cite Metacritic |id=vicious-creature/lauren-mayberry|type=music|title=Vicious Creature|access-date=18 December 2024}}</ref> | ||
| | rev1 = ] | | rev1 = ] | ||
| | rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="allmusic">{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/vicious-creature-mw0004406295|title=Vicious Creature – Lauren Mayberry|first=Heather|last=Phares|publisher=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | | rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="allmusic">{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/vicious-creature-mw0004406295|title=Vicious Creature – Lauren Mayberry|first=Heather|last=Phares|publisher=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | ||
| Line 70: | Line 70: | ||
| | rev3score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="diy">{{Cite web|url=https://diymag.com/review/album/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature|title=Lauren Mayberry – Vicious Creature review|first=Sarah|last=Jamieson|date=6 December 2024|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | | rev3score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="diy">{{Cite web|url=https://diymag.com/review/album/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature|title=Lauren Mayberry – Vicious Creature review|first=Sarah|last=Jamieson|date=6 December 2024|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | ||
| | rev4 = '']'' | | rev4 = '']'' | ||
| | rev4score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="dork">{{Cite web|url=https://readdork.com/albums/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature/|title=Lauren Mayberry – Vicious Creature|first=Stephen|last=Ackroyd|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | | rev4score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="dork">{{Cite web|url=https://readdork.com/albums/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature/|title=Lauren Mayberry – Vicious Creature|first=Stephen|last=Ackroyd|work=]|date=4 December 2024 |access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | ||
| | rev5 = '']'' | | rev5 = '']'' | ||
| | rev5score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="guardian">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/nov/28/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature-review|title=Lauren Mayberry: Vicious Creature review – Chvrches singer writes her own pop gospel|first=Alexis|last=Petridis|date=28 November 2024|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | | rev5score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="guardian">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/nov/28/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature-review|title=Lauren Mayberry: Vicious Creature review – Chvrches singer writes her own pop gospel|first=Alexis|last=Petridis|date=28 November 2024|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref><br />{{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="guardian2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/dec/13/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature-review-a-solo-statement-of-intent|title=Lauren Mayberry: Vicious Creature review – a solo statement of intent|first=Lisa|last=Wright|date=13 December 2024|work=]|access-date=18 December 2024}}</ref> | ||
| | rev6 = '']'' | | rev6 = '']'' | ||
| | rev6score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="tit">{{Cite |
| rev6score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="tit">{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/review/2024/12/05/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature-chvrches-singers-solo-debut-balances-weighty-lyrics-with-quirky-melodies-and-clipped-beats/|title=Lauren Mayberry: Vicious Creature – Chvrches singer's solo debut balances weighty lyrics with quirky melodies and clipped beats|first=Lauren|last=Murphy|date=5 December 2024|newspaper=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | ||
| | rev7 = '']'' | | rev7 = '']'' | ||
| | rev7score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="momh">{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature|title=Lauren Mayberry – Vicious Creature|first=John|last=Murphy|date=5 December 2024|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | | rev7score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="momh">{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature|title=Lauren Mayberry – Vicious Creature|first=John|last=Murphy|date=5 December 2024|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | ||
| | rev8 = '']'' | | rev8 = '']'' | ||
| | rev8score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="nme">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature-review-3818740|title=Lauren Mayberry – |
| rev8score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="nme">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature-review-3818740|title=Lauren Mayberry – 'Vicious Creature' review: Chvrches' frontwoman rediscovers her voice|first=Hollie|last=Geraghty|date=5 December 2024|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | ||
| | rev9 = '']'' | | rev9 = '']'' | ||
| | rev9score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="rsg">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.de/reviews/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature-kompromisslos/|title=Lauren Mayberry – |
| rev9score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="rsg">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.de/reviews/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature-kompromisslos/|title=Lauren Mayberry – "Vicious Creature" – Kompromisslos|first=Fabian|last=Broicher|language=de|date=6 December 2024|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | ||
| | rev10 = '']'' | | rev10 = '']'' | ||
| | rev10score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="slant">{{Cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/lauren-mayberry-viscious-creature-album-review/|title=Lauren Mayberry |
| rev10score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="slant">{{Cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/lauren-mayberry-viscious-creature-album-review/|title=Lauren Mayberry 'Vicious Creature' Review: An Album That Falls Short of Its Title's Promise|first=Steve|last=Erickson|date=6 December 2024|work=]|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| {{Expand section|date=December 2024}} | {{Expand section|date=December 2024}} | ||
| {{Metacritic album prose|Vicious Creature|positive| |
{{Metacritic album prose|Vicious Creature|positive|71|twelve}}<ref name="MC" /> Sam Walker-Smart of '']'' praised Mayberry's ability to sound contemporary while being influenced by 1990s pop music.<ref name="clash" /> | ||
| == Track listing == | == Track listing == | ||
| Line 155: | Line 155: | ||
| ==Personnel== | ==Personnel== | ||
| <!-- Per |
<!-- Per liner notes; no citation needed per ] --> | ||
| '''Musicians''' | '''Musicians''' | ||
| * ] – |
* ] – vocals | ||
| * Dan McDougall – piano, |
* Dan McDougall – piano, synthesisers (tracks 1, 4–6); electric guitar (1, 4, 5), bass (1, 5, 6); drum ], drums (1, 5); percussion, backing vocals (1); acoustic guitar (4) | ||
| * Samuel Stewart – ] (track 1), electric guitar (5) | * Samuel Stewart – ] (track 1), electric guitar (5) | ||
| * ] – drums (tracks 2, 3, 7–9, 12), background vocals (2), percussion (2) | * ] – drums (tracks 2, 3, 7–9, 12), background vocals (2), percussion (2) | ||
| * ] – programming (tracks 2, 7, 9), bass (2); |
* ] – programming (tracks 2, 7, 9), bass (2); keyboards, guitar (3, 8, 12) | ||
| * ] – bass, drum programming, keyboards, percussion, ], |
* ] – bass, drum programming, keyboards, percussion, ], synthesisers (track 2); all instruments (10) | ||
| * Paul Gallagher – bass (track 7) | * Paul Gallagher – bass (track 7) | ||
| * ] – bass, |
* ] – drums, bass, piano, synthesisers, ], percussion, strings (track 11) | ||
| * Brad Goodall – additional keyboards (track 12) | * Brad Goodall – additional keyboards (track 12) | ||
| * ] – piano (track 12) | * ] – piano (track 12) | ||
| Line 174: | Line 174: | ||
| * Julian Burg – engineering (track 11) | * Julian Burg – engineering (track 11) | ||
| * Matt Tuggle – engineering (track 11) | * Matt Tuggle – engineering (track 11) | ||
| ⚫ | * |
||
| * Matthew Koma – string ] (track 12) | * Matthew Koma – string ] (track 12) | ||
| * |
* Samuel Stewart – additional recording and engineering (tracks 1, 5) | ||
| ⚫ | * Paul Gallagher – additional recording and engineering (track 7) | ||
| ⚫ | * Kieran Beardmore – mixing assistance | ||
| * Matt Wolach – mixing assistance | * Matt Wolach – mixing assistance | ||
| ⚫ | * Kieran Beardmore – mixing assistance | ||
| '''Visuals''' | |||
| * Palice Studio – creative direction | |||
| * Scarlett Casciello – photography | |||
| * Aidan Cochrane – design | |||
| == Charts == | |||
| {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" | |||
| |+ Chart performance for ''Vicious Creature'' | |||
| ! scope="col"| Chart (2024) | |||
| ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position | |||
| |- | |||
| {{album chart|Scotland|3|date=20241219|rowheader=true|access-date=11 January 2025}} | |||
| |- | |||
| {{album chart|UK2|49|date=20241213|rowheader=true|access-date=13 December 2024}} | |||
| |} | |||
| == References == | == References == | ||
Latest revision as of 16:29, 11 January 2025
2024 studio album by Lauren Mayberry
| Vicious Creature | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Studio album by Lauren Mayberry | |
| Released | 6 December 2024 (2024-12-06) |
| Recorded | 2022–2024 |
| Studio |
|
| Genre | Pop |
| Length | 39:47 |
| Label | |
| Producer |
|
| Singles from Vicious Creature | |
| |
Vicious Creature is the debut solo studio album by Scottish singer and musician Lauren Mayberry, released on 6 December 2024 by EMI Records. After four albums as the lead singer of synth-pop band Chvrches since 2011, Mayberry announced in 2023 that she would be pursuing a solo project. Work on the album started in early 2022, with Mayberry citing Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, PJ Harvey, Annie Lennox, Jenny Lewis, Sinéad O'Connor as influences.
Lyrically, the album discusses mortality, societal pressure, personal growth, and sexism in the music industry. Mayberry co-wrote every song on the album, along with its producers Dan McDougall, Matthew Koma, Ethan Gruska, and Greg Kurstin; additional songwriters include Tobias Jesso Jr., Caroline Pennell, and Griffin Goldsmith. Vicious Creature has received favourable reviews from critics and was supported by five singles: "Are You Awake?", "Shame", "Change Shapes", "Something in the Air", and "Crocodile Tears".
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Mayberry has been the lead singer of synth-pop group Chvrches since 2011, and first considered a solo career following the band's third studio album, Love Is Dead (2018). The band's first two studio albums, The Bones of What You Believe (2013) and Every Open Eye (2015), were both critical successes but reception to Love Is Dead was more mixed. Mayberry expressed feeling afraid that her band would not stay together, and was also worried that she had no other creative outlet, as bandmates Iain Cook and Martin Doherty were both working with other artists. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the band to work on a follow-up album remotely: 2021's Screen Violence. In early 2022, she told her bandmates that she wanted to work on a solo project. In July 2023, Mayberry announced she would be pursuing a solo career, and embarked on a solo tour of the US and Europe later that year, where she previewed her solo songs. Initial plans were for an album to be released in 2023, but it faced delays partly due to a restructuring at Universal and their licensing disagreement with TikTok.
Writing for the album started in early 2022, and "Are You Awake?" was released as the first single on 1 September 2023. In an interview with NME, Mayberry revealed that her solo music was "born out of things that couldn't or wouldn't write in the band", including sentiments she felt as the group's only female member. In an interview with The Line of Best Fit in October 2024, Mayberry revealed that Vicious Creature was finished and was due for release later in the year. The album was announced on 29 October 2024 and released five weeks later on 6 December. Over 40 songs were written for the album, whose title is taken from a line in "A Work of Fiction".
Composition
Vicious Creature comprises 12 songs with a variety of genres and influences. "Something in the Air" is a pop rock track that arose after a studio discussion about conspiracy theories; it was the penultimate song written for the album and has a similar sound to All Saints and Alanis Morissette. "Crocodile Tears", which was inspired by the musical theatre characters of Velma Kelly (of Chicago) and Sally Bowles (of Cabaret), samples the strings from "Walking on Broken Glass" by Annie Lennox. "Shame", the album's second single, is an electropop song that discusses feelings of hypocrisy and schizophrenia. "Anywhere but Dancing" is a "guitar-country" song about a failed relationship, while "Punch Drunk" mixes punk with new wave and electronica.
"Oh, Mother", a piano ballad about Mayberry's relationship with her mother, was inspired by an illness in the family and was the last song written for Vicious Creature. "Sorry, Etc", a blend of garage rock and drum and bass, and the pop "Change Shapes" are both songs that discuss sexism in the music industry; the latter was released as a single to coincide with International Women's Day. "Mantra" is an art pop track while "A Work of Fiction" is a pop song backed by piano. "Sunday Best", inspired by Talking Heads and "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)" by Baz Luhrmann, is a song describing an existential crisis over worrying about the death of one's parents. The start of the track is an homage to Fatboy Slim's "Praise You". "Are You Awake?" is a piano ballad inspired by being homesick and lonely.
Critical reception
| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AnyDecentMusic? | 6.7/10 |
| Metacritic | 71/100 |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   |
| Clash | 7/10 |
| DIY | |
| Dork | |
| The Guardian | |
| The Irish Times |  |
| MusicOMH | |
| NME | |
| Rolling Stone Germany | |
| Slant Magazine | |
 | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (December 2024) |
According to the review aggregator Metacritic, Vicious Creature received "generally favorable reviews" based on a weighted average score of 71 out of 100 from twelve critic scores. Sam Walker-Smart of Clash praised Mayberry's ability to sound contemporary while being influenced by 1990s pop music.
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Something in the Air" |
| McDougall | 3:47 |
| 2. | "Crocodile Tears" |
|
| 3:23 |
| 3. | "Shame" |
| Koma | 2:34 |
| 4. | "Anywhere but Dancing" |
| McDougall | 3:47 |
| 5. | "Punch Drunk" |
| McDougall | 2:48 |
| 6. | "Oh, Mother" |
| McDougall | 4:03 |
| 7. | "Sorry, Etc" |
| Koma | 2:06 |
| 8. | "Change Shapes" |
| Koma | 3:25 |
| 9. | "Mantra" |
|
| 3:26 |
| 10. | "A Work of Fiction" |
| Gruska | 2:20 |
| 11. | "Sunday Best" |
| Kurstin | 4:18 |
| 12. | "Are You Awake?" |
| Koma | 3:44 |
Personnel
Musicians
- Lauren Mayberry – vocals
- Dan McDougall – piano, synthesisers (tracks 1, 4–6); electric guitar (1, 4, 5), bass (1, 5, 6); drum programming, drums (1, 5); percussion, backing vocals (1); acoustic guitar (4)
- Samuel Stewart – slide guitar (track 1), electric guitar (5)
- Griffin Goldsmith – drums (tracks 2, 3, 7–9, 12), background vocals (2), percussion (2)
- Matthew Koma – programming (tracks 2, 7, 9), bass (2); keyboards, guitar (3, 8, 12)
- Ethan Gruska – bass, drum programming, keyboards, percussion, strings, synthesisers (track 2); all instruments (10)
- Paul Gallagher – bass (track 7)
- Greg Kurstin – drums, bass, piano, synthesisers, Mellotron, percussion, strings (track 11)
- Brad Goodall – additional keyboards (track 12)
- Taylor Goldsmith – piano (track 12)
Technical
- Gavin Lurssen – mastering
- Mark "Spike" Stent – mixing
- Greg Kurstin – engineering (track 11)
- Julian Burg – engineering (track 11)
- Matt Tuggle – engineering (track 11)
- Matthew Koma – string arrangement (track 12)
- Samuel Stewart – additional recording and engineering (tracks 1, 5)
- Paul Gallagher – additional recording and engineering (track 7)
- Matt Wolach – mixing assistance
- Kieran Beardmore – mixing assistance
Visuals
- Palice Studio – creative direction
- Scarlett Casciello – photography
- Aidan Cochrane – design
Charts
| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Scottish Albums (OCC) | 3 |
| UK Albums (OCC) | 49 |
References
- ^ Ackroyd, Stephen (4 December 2024). "Lauren Mayberry – Vicious Creature". Dork. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ Murphy, John (5 December 2024). "Lauren Mayberry – Vicious Creature". MusicOMH. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ Walker-Smart, Sam (6 December 2024). "Lauren Mayberry – Vicious Creature". Clash. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ Duran, Anagricel (20 July 2023). "Chvrches' Lauren Mayberry launches "fun, freaky, sad, weird, joyful" solo career with tour". NME. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ Savage, Mark (5 December 2024). "Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches: I was always trying to make everyone happy". BBC News. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ Kennedy, Mark (4 December 2024). "Lauren Mayberry steps out of the band Chvrches for a solo album that shows her influences". Associated Press. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- Bell, Crystal (10 October 2023). "Lauren Mayberry: Eyes Wide Open". DIY. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ Petridis, Alexis (28 November 2024). "Lauren Mayberry: Vicious Creature review – Chvrches singer writes her own pop gospel". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ Shutler, Ali (5 December 2024). "Lauren Mayberry: "I needed to prove to myself that I actually had value"". Dork. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ Reilly, Phoebe (27 November 2024). "Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches Is Making a Statement on Her Own". The New York Times. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ Minsker, Evan (1 September 2023). "Chvrches' Lauren Mayberry Shares First Solo Song "Are You Awake?": Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- Trendell, Andrew (6 October 2023). "Chvrches' Lauren Mayberry on going solo: "This was born out of things that I couldn't or wouldn't write in the band"". NME. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- England, Adam (2 October 2024). "Lauren Mayberry's favourite songs". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- Chelosky, Danielle (29 October 2024). "Chvrches' Lauren Mayberry Announces Debut Solo Album Vicious Creature". Stereogum. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ Phares, Heather. "Vicious Creature – Lauren Mayberry". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- DeVille, Chris (1 October 2024). "Lauren Mayberry – "Something In The Air"". Stereogum. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- Paul, Larisha (10 October 2023). "Chvrches' Lauren Mayberry Pulls Back Layers of 'Shame' on New Single". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- Carter, Daisy (11 October 2023). "Lauren Mayberry unveils new single 'Shame'". DIY. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- Tattersall, Jett (6 December 2024). "INTERVIEW: Lauren Mayberry releases debut solo album 'Vicious Creature': "Why would you not want to write whatever feels right for that song or that idea or that lyric?"". Women in Pop. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- LaPierre, Megan (8 March 2024). "Lauren Mayberry Adapts to Her Environment on New Single "Change Shapes"". Exclaim!. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- "Vicious Creature by Lauren Mayberry reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ "Vicious Creature". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
- Jamieson, Sarah (6 December 2024). "Lauren Mayberry – Vicious Creature review". DIY. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- Wright, Lisa (13 December 2024). "Lauren Mayberry: Vicious Creature review – a solo statement of intent". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
- Murphy, Lauren (5 December 2024). "Lauren Mayberry: Vicious Creature – Chvrches singer's solo debut balances weighty lyrics with quirky melodies and clipped beats". The Irish Times. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- Geraghty, Hollie (5 December 2024). "Lauren Mayberry – 'Vicious Creature' review: Chvrches' frontwoman rediscovers her voice". NME. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- Broicher, Fabian (6 December 2024). "Lauren Mayberry – "Vicious Creature" – Kompromisslos". Rolling Stone Germany (in German). Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- Erickson, Steve (6 December 2024). "Lauren Mayberry 'Vicious Creature' Review: An Album That Falls Short of Its Title's Promise". Slant Magazine. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 13 December 2024.