By Sloane Samberson
Staff Writer
When people think of Foster the People, the group is a one hit wonder with a song about a school shooting. The release of “Pumped Up Kicks” dominated the 2010 billboards, followed by its first album “Torches” which seemed to be incredibly underrated for how catchy it is.
For four years the band appeared to disappear, leaving fans to wonder what would come next. With the release of its second album “Supermodel” on Tuesday, Foster the People fans are treated to an album full of Moroccan and West African influences.
Lead singer Mark Foster is known for writing songs contradicting to their instrumental beat. He creates dark lyrics with sounds making you feel like dancing. “Supermodel” is a lighter version of “Torches” in a sense that it makes you recognize Foster’s soft side but still has that edgy kick.
1. Are You What You Want to Be?- Upbeat with wacky instrumentals. It is evident in this song that there are Moroccan influences.
2. Ask Yourself- Expresses how ambition is not a crime, when you are chasing your dreams. You will want to clap your hands when listening to this
song.
3. Coming of Age- Feel good song with African influences. If The Beach Boys were a 21st century band, they would produce music sounding this this.
4. Nevermind- A more mellow song for Foster the People. Whoever Foster is singing to, he wants them to find peace. He wants them to forget about what they are looking for, that they will know when they find it.
5. Pseudologia Fantastica- Seventies flare with a techno spin. Has an essence of their song “Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls)”.
6. The Angelic Welcome of Mr. Jones- A 30-second gospel interlude.
7. Best Friend- The “Pumped Up Kicks” of the album. The lyrics talk about your friends and their usage of drugs while the beat lifts you up off your feet.
8. A Beginner’s Guide to Destroying the Moon- Grungy. Foster sings about wanting to save someone even though he cannot. “I can’t blame you…I can’t save you. But I will try.”
9. Goats in Trees- Acoustic and soft. The distant animal noises compliments the animal influenced title.
10. The Truth- Electric and easy to listen to. The vocal variation really shows off Mark Foster’s unique voice.
11. Fire Escape- Slow, acoustic and sentimental. Lyrics express wanting to save someone even though you know you cannot. Reminds me of songs produced by the band Bright Eyes.
