There are a million adjectives that could be used to describe Antony and the Johnsons' 2009 release, The Crying Light, none of which would do justice to the drama of the energy Antony Hegarty's operatic falsetto and lush orchestration. But for lack of a better way of explaining the album's intensity, they must be used: spellbinding, passionate, transfixing, compelling, striking; the list goes on and on.
The record is one of tremendous emotion, with many of its songs calling for a very particular state of mind, specifically extreme calm or sadness. It is the most situational listen of the year for those located in a bit darker place could not ask for a better listen. The genuine vocals Hegarty empathize with listeners when they're at their lowest. Why? Because Hegarty is right there with them.
On the whole, The Crying Light contains features that have compelled people to love music since the beginning of time: beautiful melodies, soulful vocals and effortless rhythms. It's classic music done in a contemporary way. Perhaps now, when all of these contributing factors addressed, it's clear one adjective can do The Crying Light a bit of justice: exquisite.
