REVIEW: Remember Us To Life by Regina Spektor

“I OPEN my eyes and start again” — what a way to describe this album. 

Regina Spektor's album Remember Us To Life takes us on a journey self-discovery as we journey through her painted stories.

The album opens with Bleeding Heart, a song of isolation, “cold minds” and reflection that reflects Spektor’s own childhood in Moscow. 

Its bouncy beatbox backing and New York twang cleverly masks the life resonance underneath. 

Older And Taller continues the youthful theme, examining the impact of leaving home and growing up, which again mirrors the life of Spektor, who moved to the United States and features modest drum backing and violin.

Grand Hotel has a surreal-yet-dark feel, its folk tune incorporating fantasy into the day-to-day.

Small Bill$ warns of failing to balance money with the temptation of dangerous habits, with a child-like chorus and Lily Allen vibe.

Black And White tells uncertainty of love and a blurred line of relationship expectations with jazz and 80s synth sounds, while The Light, backed by a piano and violin combination, gives hope to understand how to feel connected to the world while continuing “the sounds of life”.

The Trapper And The Furrier, meanwhile, comments through sharp low violin and crime noir theme on world injustice and bendable morality.

Sellers Of Flowers, meanwhile, hints that the roses described are metaphors, concealing something more human and tragic which complements the grim and dramatic melody.

End Of Thought uses chimes and distant operatic vocals to look inside the mind of someone who struggling is processing their thoughts.

Overall, Remember Us To Life is a well-rounded look at life choices and whether to follow uncertainty or change the course of your life.