Review Summary: Air's endearing debut is saturated with the most basic of human desires, creating a deeply cathartic listening experience.
The French duo known as Air has established a fascinating musical legacy through their modus operandi of electronica. Their first album has often been labeled as the perfect "make-out" record, and after soaking in the LP's aura of desirability, it's not hard to see why. The duo entices the listener with a patient disposition that pervades the nooks of crannies of the music. As a result, Moon Safari is an engrossing, easygoing, and amiable journey through an atmosphere of spacey textures and seductive beats.
Simply put, Moon Safari is one of the most blissful electronic albums of all time. Collectively, the songs do an excellent job of establishing such a captivating sphere of affection. The duo ventures into a world of unabashed euphoria with an indulgent selection of spellbinding, ethereal songs and titillating dance music. Many of the album's sentiments are purely carnal, invoking the most basic of human desires. Viewed in its entirety, Moon Safari is a visceral experience and an awe-inspiring cruise through the fantasy of a deeply surreal paradise.
Moreover, Moon Safari sounds very futuristic, employing several swirling electronic textures, like the hypnotizing sounds lining the background of the opening track, "La femme d'argent". The track sounds like boarding a flying saucer and being transported to a world far from the traces of contemporary society. Despite the album's mystical quality, the feelings displayed are still pleasant and extremely warmhearted. Air redefines dance music with the seductive "Sexy Boy", pulsating with yearning and lust. In addition, with a definitive focus on the atmosphere, the duo frames a mesmerizing work of electronic intimacy around the most raw of human emotions.
It's hard not to be lured by the elegant female vocals of "All I Need", which surround one of Air's most absorbing beats ever. The mellow acoustic guitar caresses the optimistic sentiment of the song. As the track drifts away into the unknown, the personal connection of the music reaches fulfillment. This connection can be further cherished on the instrumental "Talisman", a luscious blend of strings and computerized echoes. The subjects of endearment and passion remain central to the record's tone. What makes this album even more interesting is that singers on the vocal tracks shift between a flirtatious female voice and a robot-like voice that constantly pushes and pulls the listener between the boundaries of reality and imagination.
The sensual "You Make It Easy" is an effortless display of magical pianos and a twinkling rhythm section. Getting lost in the visionary environment of the song brings about a wonderful set of emotions. The LP reaches a pinnacle with the dense and sublime "Ce matin-la", featuring a myriad of complementary instruments that lend to a cathartic voyage to the domain of sheer happiness. As soon as the horn section takes the lead, the song is elevated to new heights and its romantic elements come to life. The strings augment the track's emotional core and expand its musical horizon. The album then cools down with the comforting "New Star In the Sky" and gradually begins to float away.
Moon Safari has indeed left a significant imprint on electronic dance music with its unrelenting appetite. Air have proven themselves to be a seminal force of music. Thus, their debut album can be enjoyed by almost anyone willing to treat themselves to a distinctive style of electronica.
Favorite Tracks:
Ce matin-la
All I Need
You Make It Easy
La femme d'argent
Talisman
