ALBUM REVIEW: A Love For Strangers
ALBUM – A Love For Strangers
ARTIST – Chet Faker
LABEL – BMG Rights Management (Australia) Pty Ltd.
GRADE – A-
Australian singer-songwriter Nick Murphy, who releases his music under the name Chet Faker, returns after four years with his latest album, A Love for Strangers. The romance-focused record feels like a gentle farewell to a love that slowly fades out. Blending hazy piano, energetic beats and introspective lyrics, Murphy continues to showcase his emotional depth and range.
The album begins with the first track, “Over You,” where Murphy reflects on how time can act as a thief. He also touches on the evolution of emotional pain into memories and the acceptance of something that just wasn’t meant to be.
The album bounces between emotional ballads of longing and electronic beats, and in true Faker fashion, A Love for Strangers retains his classic blend of electronic soul, hip-hop and R&B. Murphy’s unique voice stays true to who he is as an artist, retaining his deep and aching vocals.
The track “Remember Me” feels almost like a follow-up to his song “Talk is Cheap,” which was featured on his 2014 album, Built on Glass. Both songs lean into Murphy’s low vocals and saxophone backing.
Murphy’s vocal delivery is what keeps the album solid, with his soft, restrained voice creating an intimate listening experience between the audience and artist. Murphy’s vulnerable lyricism and overall production create a sound that feels vibrant, melancholic and reflective.
He presents the theme of heartbreak, but rather than making it feel dramatic, he creates a world where you can dance along with your own heartache.
—Hermie Ann Ocenar
