David Byrne
Who Is The Sky?
Jason Landry, contributor
David Byrne’s Who Is The Sky? is a vibrant addition to his discography, blending pop with his signature wit. Byrne, alongside his backing band, the Ghost Train Orchestra, crafts a sound that feels both accessible and progressive, weaving catchy hooks with offbeat narratives. The album tackles themes of human connection, aging, and existential curiosity—don’t we all think of this? Its playful yet profound tone invites listeners to embrace the absurd while finding joy in the mundane, marking it as a spiritual successor to Talking Heads’ Speaking in Tongues, which similarly balanced infectious pop with quirky, introspective lyrics. If you’re looking for a colorful fever dream, just take a gander at the album’s cover, then play the first track.
“Everybody Laughs” has a mix of acoustic guitars coupled with a swirling string section alongside Byrne’s exuberant vocals. Joined by St. Vincent, this song creates an anthem about shared human experiences. If you wanna know exactly what traits everybody has, does, or is going through, then this is the track for you. The upbeat groove and universal themes echo the danceable energy of the Talking Heads popular hit “Burning Down the House.” But if you didn’t like this track, then your focus might drift as the rest of the album progresses.
“What Is The Reason For It?” featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore, merges mariachi world-music-esque brass with a vocal interplay giving it a theatrical flair reminiscent of Byrne’s earlier work. “Moisturizing Thing” is a comedic gem, with Byrne telling this humorous tale of an anti-aging cream that transforms him into a toddler. The song closes with,
“People judge us by the way that we look. Look at the cover, and they don't read the book. They do it to you, and they do it to me. Life isn't easy when you look like you're three.”
But this guy isn’t three, he’s 73, and still out here slinging pure Byrne magic. Who Is The Sky? with its eclectic charm and bold experimentation fills the void since 2018’s American Utopia.