Billy Corgan
Billy Corgan has never been one to fit in. The ex-Smashing Pumpkins frontman has always put out music just a little different than everything else out there. On TheFutureEmbrace, Corgan’s first true solo stint, the same rings true: The disc is a hybrid of electronic and rock music that will be sure to please Pumpkins fans.
The songs on Embrace show a different side of Corgan; for the first time, he wears his heart on his sleeve.
Embrace starts off strongly with tracks such as “Mina Loy (M.O.H.)” which sets a dark tone, and “The CameraEye,” backed by Radiohead-esque guitar and solid melody. “All Things Change” introduces synthesizers to the rock sound for an electronic twist.
The Cure’s Robert Smith makes an appearance on the album. Together, Smith and Corgan tackle The Bee Gees’ tune, “To Love Somebody.” The song is an interesting take on the original as the duo brings the song down to a darker key and makes it their own.
Corgan also utilizes best friend and former Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlain on “DIA.” The track sounds just like something the Pumpkins would have released in the ’90s. In fact, much of the album has hints of the band’s sound. That’s not too surprising, considering it has been hinted that Corgan wants his band to reunite.
The album finishes on a weaker note with tracks such as “I’m Ready,” in which the creativity shuts down and sub-par lyrics and musical offerings kick in.
During the last decade, Corgan has transitioned from alternative rocker with The Smashing Pumpkins, to pop-rocker in his stint with Zwan and now to electronic-rocker on his own. The ever-changing faces of Corgan’s music show his creativity and range as an artist — some sides are prettier than others. Embrace falls somewhere in between as a commendable experimental effort.
