Grammy-nominated artist Perfume Genius, the moniker of Mike Hadreas, has long been a critical favorite. Fearlessly exploring themes of identity, trauma, and resilience—particularly within the LGBTQ+ experience—he delivers another deeply introspective and emotionally charged offering with Glory. Marking his seventh studio album, Glory stands as one of his most daring and fully realized artistic statements to date.
Following 2022’s Ugly Season, Glory delves into Hadreas’ ongoing inner conflicts and desire for liberation. This time, he collaborates closely with his life and band partner Alan Wyffels, alongside esteemed producer Blake Mills. In a departure from his earlier works, Glory feels less like a solo project and more like a collective effort, featuring contributions from a stellar lineup of musicians, including guitarist Meg Duffy (Hand Habits), Greg Uhlmann, drummers Tim Carr and Jim Keltner (Bob Dylan, George Harrison), bassist Pat Kelly, and a striking guest appearance from Aldous Harding.
Hadreas has never shied away from vulnerability, addressing personal struggles with an unfiltered honesty that resonates deeply. He openly discusses his experiences with Crohn’s disease, the challenges of growing up gay, and the persistent societal threats faced by the LGBTQ+ community. His ability to balance raw openness with poetic lyricism and rich musical textures makes Glory an arresting listen. Over eleven tracks, Hadreas weaves together a seemingly eclectic mix of songs that, upon closer inspection, form a carefully constructed narrative. The album’s central conflict oscillates between internal reflection and external perception, exploring how we see ourselves versus how we are seen.
The album opens with It’s a Mirror, a mesmerizing track built on grungy acoustic guitars reminiscent of Nirvana Unplugged. The song delves into the concept of projection—how the images we impose on others often reflect our own insecurities. It’s a stunning introduction that sets the tone for what follows. No Front Teeth employs the classic quiet-loud-quiet dynamic, using evocative imagery and Harding’s ethereal vocals to explore the interplay of darkness and light. The track’s raw emotional weight is undeniable.
Hadreas’ songwriting recalls the sensitivity of Sufjan Stevens, unafraid to expose emotional wounds with striking clarity. This is especially evident in Clean Heart, where he reflects on striving for goodness in an imperfect world. The lyric “I drag my life like a chain” encapsulates the burden of past mistakes, set against a subtle doo-wop swing. Me and Angel serves as a meditative ode to his 15-year relationship with Wyffels, carried by delicate piano and understated drums. Left for Tomorrow is a poignant rumination on emotional burdens, blending jazzy percussion with atmospheric organ.
Full On examines the anguish of unrequited love, a theme deeply resonant in Hadreas’ work. He captures the fragility and uncertainty of affection, particularly from a queer perspective, while acknowledging its universal nature. Meanwhile, Capezio balances sharp wit and affectionate cattiness, dissecting the nuances of friendship over a surreal cabaret backdrop. In A Row presents a gripping narrative of self-imposed entrapment, where the protagonist finds solace in their own cage, only to be lured out by those they let in. The music’s uneasy tension underscores the song’s introspective weight.
The album closes with its eponymous track, Glory, a luminous meditation on self-acceptance and the fluidity of personal growth. Its uplifting message—that how we choose to live now is valid, and how we evolve in the future will be equally so—serves as the perfect conclusion to an album that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Glory is yet another testament to Hadreas’ singular artistry. It finds him reckoning with his past while envisioning a hopeful future, seamlessly blending lyrical poignancy with sonic elegance. This gorgeous album is perfectly suited for spring, a season of renewal and rebirth. With Glory, Perfume Genius once again raises the bar, balancing emotional depth with musical brilliance to deliver a truly breathtaking release.
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