Album Review: Thundercat - Distracted

Thundercat

Distracted

** out of *****

On Thundercat's excellent previous release, 2020's It Is What It Is, Stephen Bruner balanced his playful nature with grieving the loss of a close friend. That duality continues on his newest album, Distracted as the album is half A-list pop showcase and half Bruner turning inward, dealing with relationships, his insecurities and being honest/true. 

The album starts strong as opener "Candlelight" shows all of Thundercat's talents. Swirling synths, falsetto singing, and crazy bass runs, cutting off just when Bruner was about to go into cosmic space. That sense of restraint is absent from "No More Lies (feat. Tame Impala)" which is really the Distracted mission statement. Around a bright shiny, candy coated pop outing Bruner delivers a lyrical loner anthem, even bringing in spoken word, one way dialog that references his therapists advice before laughing off any of his mental issues. This theme of being alone, an outsider, surrounded by luxurious sounds, is at the core of what Thundercat is shooting for this go around. 

The best tune on the whole record finds his Bruner bringing back verses from his deceased friend Mac Miller on the dynamite "She Knows Too Much" which bumps with poppy hip hop beats, smooth horns and electro keys. "I Did This To Myself (feat. Lil Yachty)" is a modern R&B twist with great bass runs, the overloaded "Funny Friends (feat. A$AP Rocky)" finds Bruner settling for surface level connections while "What Is Left To Say (feat. The Lemon Twigs)" is quintessential Thundercat, starting off as a straight laced R&B honest effort before mixing in Star Wars jokes, to not be taken too seriously. 

The great beats on "I Wish I Didn’t Waste Your Time" and the spacey floating of "Anakin Learns His Fate" positively close the first half of the record. The second half of Distracted isn't so successful. Being underwater seems to be a reoccurring theme as both "Walking on the Moon" and the sound effect laden "ThunderWave (feat. WILLOW)" are drifting out in the ocean.  

The closing run of the piano ballad "Pozole", the aptly titled "A.D.D. Through the Roof" (which can't sit still) and both stream of conscious closers "Great Americans" and "You Left Without Saying Goodbye", are sonic therapy for Bruner. While possibly helpful to the artist, they don't make for engaging repetitive visits. 

Thundercat continues to try to be true to himself, letting his emotions and feelings lead his creative career. While not as successful as past efforts, Distracted is still an interesting slice of pop from one of the most unique artists creating these days. 

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