Most new albums are intended to be new benchmarks, but it doesn’t always work out that way. Unfortunately, the entirety of MØ's existing back catalogue is a better proposition than her second LP ‘Forever Neverland’, which has been in the works for several years.
Failing to mature from a one dimensional phase of ‘get drunk, have fun, sing about staying awake till dawn’, similar to artists like Charli XCX and Rita Ora, this album falls flat. Now aged 30, MØ should be on her creative ascent but ‘Forever Neverland’ rolls out with tired limbs, failing to keep pace with new trends in music when its creator should be busy pioneering.
When Nostalgia was released to rave reviews earlier this year it seemed MØ was edging her way towards a Björk-inspired experimental chapter of her burgeoning career.
In truth, the track sticks outs like a sore thumb on an otherwise vacantly anthemic, teeny vibe record, where the cringe-inducing Way Down finds her singing unconvincingly about partying and getting high.
Tragically, MØ underestimates the intellect of her fans and the investment they are prepared to make in her music. Blur is a braver attempt at branching out from familiar sonic territories, but she could have make a bolder impact with seven original, considered tracks than she does here with a stack of 14 convoluted offerings.
‘Forever Neverland’ is defined by weak effects and bubblegum handclaps layered across tedious instrumentals. Imaginary Friend is a sad moment late on, not in terms of content but in exemplifying the record’s low standards. Confusingly, the most impactful collaboration Nights With You - crafted with Sophie, Benny Blanco and Cashmere Cat - is only available on the Japanese version of the album.
The penultimate song, Trying To Be Good, claws back the depth and feeling and is a slower, more honest songwriting exercise until MØ explodes like a cartoon cannon: “I’m sick of trying to be good, I just want to go get high.” Sigh. Hopefully, this difficult second album will give some insight into herself and inform a better outlook on her next album.
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