Special Occasion

by Emily King

Overview

Special Occasion is Emily King's first proper album since 2019's Scenery, though the singer/songwriter paged through her songbook in the interim -- for the acoustic versions collection Sides -- and, in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, also released "See Me," her third Grammy-nominated recording. Assisted still by Jeremy Most, her main collaborator dating back to the Seven EP, King made Special Occasion as she dealt with a breakup. It starts with three strong songs that shake off the blues. "This Year" is a glimmering resolution to focus on herself after wasting energy on her ex. The title song is an untroubled getaway with hints of classic Brazilian pop and mid-'70s Earth, Wind & Fire. Dashing and handclap-happy, "Medal" could be a flashback to a moment before the split, with King pining charismatically ("I just wanna get you on my team") before taking a breather in the bridge ("I never had to work this hard"). As the rest of the album transpires with moments of fatigued resignation and insecurity along with brighter displays of emphatic appreciation and warmth, King's voice never loses its characteristic slinking quality. Production-wise, this is a tastefully embellished continuation of the acoustic paths taken for Sides and "See Me" instead of a progression from the electronic art-pop King and Most explored on Scenery. That album certainly wouldn't have been the place for "Bad Memory," a downcast Lukas Nelson duet laced with weeping pedal steel guitar, or "Who Wants My Love," an ambler that eases into rocking action that almost creaks. Special Occasion ends in a state of uncertainty, but King comforts with gentle words of reassurance and tranquil visions of two figures simply enjoying one another's company. ~ Andy Kellman

Product Details

Release Date:	05/05/2023
Label:	Ato
UPC:	0880882556716
Rank:	40552

Tracks

1. This Year
2. Special Occasion
3. Medal
4. False Start
5. The Way That You Love
6. Home Now
7. Bad Memory
8. Waterfalls
9. Who Wants My Love
10. Easy
11. Closer to the Morning

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Emily King   Primary Artist
Lukas Nelson   Primary Artist,Featured Artist

Technical Credits

Sam Cohen   Mixing,Composer,Producer,Recording
Ben Kane   Mixing
Emily King   Composer,Producer,Recording
Tom Elmhirst   Mixing
Jesse Singer   Engineer,Recording
Chris Soper   Engineer,Recording
Jeremy Most   Mixing,Composer,Producer,Recording
Randy Merrill   Mastering Engineer
Billy Centenaro   Recording
Abe Rounds   Composer,Recording
AC Lincoln   Composer