Album of the week: Steven Wilson gets under your skin with "To the Bone"
18/08/2017
written by Sidonia Maurer
With his new record "To the Bone", Steven Wilson reminds us how important it is to see the good in the little things.
The artist
Steven Wilson's career began in the nineties with music that is not equally accessible to everyone. With his debut album "Insurgents", Wilson not only alluded to the shaping of his music career, but also to the way he makes music. The film of the same name by Lasse Hoile was released two years later and documents the making of the album. Wilson's music has made him one of the most well-known underground artists in England. The Brit was influenced by stars such as David Bowie and Prince. Wilson has also composed remixes for acts such as Roxy Music, Simple Minds and XTC. Now the musician wants to remind us to appreciate the little things.
The album
Thoughtful: Steven Wilson on the album cover "To the Bone".
In Wilson's new album "To the Bone", it is not only the music that inspires, but above all the lyrics. The themes he addresses in his songs concern our existence. Basically, the album is about life as a gift. Using this life wisely means consciously taking responsibility for your decisions. Steven Wilson reflects these statements very accurately with the emotional depth and professionalism of his music and the melancholy of his sounds.
The new album "To the Bone" is also intended to discuss the nature of truth. "Truth is no longer something absolute. It has become something that is flexible and malleable. Truths can be discussed in very different ways," says Wilson, who wants to "put an end to bullshit", as he says, and get back to the core of reality. The record doesn't just contain the typical Wilson songs. Rather, it is an open door for all those who don't know Wilson's music or don't know it well: easily accessible.
There is even a reference to Switzerland on the album: Wilson sang the song "Song of I" together with the Swiss musician Sophie Hunger. The song is about giving things up for love.
Verdict
The title track "To the Bone" sets the tone for the whole album. Wilson speaks to people's hearts in an unusual way with his music: He incorporates topical themes into his songs with skill and charm. The album contains songs for dancing as well as relaxed and melancholy songs. But they all have something in common: if you listen carefully, they all make you think.
In the song "Unborn", Wilson tells the story from the perspective of an unborn child. He asks the question "Why do I want to be born into this world?" and answers it himself: "You have the chance to do something extraordinary. It's about how you use the gift of life."
Recommended tracks
"Nowhere Now": mainstream pop. It allows you to understand and recognize the good in the little things.
"Unborn": Inspired by ballads and gospel, this song is perfect for reflecting on life.
"To the Bone": Contains a touch of rock and truth.
Live
The "To the Bone" tour kicks off in Lisbon on January 31, 2018, before Wilson also performs in Switzerland on February 7, 2018.
