Written by Belle Chapel and Alyssa Foley
SOPHIE, an artist known for her signature art-pop hits like “Ponyboy” and “Lemonade,” as well as her collaborations with Charli XCX, had released a single studio album before unexpectedly passing away in 2021. In the three years following her death, multiple collaborative singles were released under her name to build up to the second and final album with her artistry attached to it: ‘SOPHIE.’
The posthumous, self-titled album featuring 16 collaborative tracks was released on September 27, 2024, to mixed reviews and some controversy. The concept of releasing an album following the untimely death of an artist inherently has numerous moral and ethical dilemmas. Ultimately, SOPHIE’s listeners will not know if the release truly aligns with her vision, but in some cases, it may be possible for longtime fans to identify trademarks of her artistry through the collaborations. Personally, while the record left us delighted and entranced, we had many questions about multiple aspects of its execution that went unanswered.
If we had to describe this album in two words, they would be: baller nightmare. Essentially, this record is a complex auditory experience so experimental that it ultimately takes more than one listen to fully appreciate. There is a clear amount of love and effort poured into each track, yet the meaning and emotions behind each piece feel intensely varied. Although the first half of the album lacks any real sense of cohesion, it lays the foundation for a flashy, well-transitioned second act replete with dynamic sound design.
This theme remains true to most of the individual songs as well, as many develop from experimental beats to brief, commercially enjoyable compositions. Both track 12, “One More Time ft. Popstar”, and track 9, “Elegance ft. Popstar” toe the line between accessible and untouchable, as if listening to the entirety of these songs results in a form of auditory reward for the audience.
Finally, it is impossible to discuss this album without mentioning the third track, “Plunging Asymptote ft. Juliana Huxtable.” This song has one of the most interesting, shocking compositions we have ever encountered. Featuring repetitive lyricism alongside a dark, trippy synth, the song takes its listener on a journey across numerous unconventional sound effects. It first piqued our interest on a four-hour-long road trip to Dallas and kept us thoroughly entertained throughout the ride, where we listened to it together at least 10 times. If choosing to listen to one track from this album, Plunging Asymptote would be an exhilarating place to start.
Favorite tracks: Berlin Nightmare (feat. Evita Manji), Reason Why (feat. Kim Petras and BC Kingdom), Plunging Asymptote (feat. Juliana Huxtable), Always and Forever (feat. Hannah Diamond), Live in My Truth (feat. BC Kingdom and LIZ)
Least favorite tracks: The Dome’s Protection (feat. Nina Kraviz), Intro (The Full Horror)
Rating: 7.9/10