After receiving less than favorable reviews of her new single “Go” from her loyal fan base, Canadian singer-songwriter Grimes (or Claire Elise Boucher) has decided to scrap her entire new album and start from square one.
The song was originally written for Rihanna, according to The New York Times, so it has more of a pop/mainstream feel than Grimes’ previous work. Overall, it’s a huge departure from her underground electronic sound fans have grown to know and love, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good, nor is it necessarily a reflection of the album as a whole. Since “Go” isn’t very reminiscent of the previous beloved Visions album, with hits like “Oblivion” or “Genesis”- disappointed fans accused Grimes of “pandering to the radio.” Regardless of whether or not public criticism is correct in this case, she does not want to disappoint her fans and is more than willing to work hard to change their minds.
Is this a question of an artist’s creative expansion and professionalism, or susceptibility to the sway of public opinion? Recent events point at the latter, as Grimes told Times she, “was crying for days” after receiving heavy backlash regarding her refusal to participate in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge (her reasoning was sound- she is against the ALS Association’s research on animals).
Even if the single wasn’t suited to everyone’s taste, it may not have been an adequate reflection of the entire album. Even if it was, it’s Grimes’ prerogative to try out new sounds and expand her audience. But after this overhaul, we will never know how that album sounds nor will we truly recognize any major improvement except for the single.
However it turns out, the bottom line is Grimes has earned her keep as a multi-talented and groundbreaking artist. She shouldn’t compromise her art for anyone.
Watch the music video for the much-talked about “Go” right here.
Let us know what you think of her decision to change the album in the comments below!
Photo via BUST Magazine
