Good things come to those who wait, and Todd Terje fans have certainly waited. After making music for 15 years, the Norwegian dance music producer has just released his first full-length album, It’s Album Time.
Originally named Terje Olsen, the Scandinavian DJ based his stage name on legendary dance music producer Todd Terry and began establishing himself by reimagining famous songs by artists such as Michael Jackson. Last year, Terje co-produced some material on the fourth album of Scottish indie band, Franz Ferdinand.
It’s Album Time pulls together previously released songs and new music, including a collaboration with Bryan Ferry on “Johnny and Mary.” As close as house music can come to a ballad, “Johnny and Mary” is a more melancholy version of the 1980s song by Robert Palmer. Ferry rasps, “Johnny’s always running around trying to find certainty/He needs all the world to confirm that he ain’t lonely.” It is the tragic story of a couple who is hopeful for a better future, and yet knows hope to be futile.
Terje then goes on to explore Cajun and Latin American influences on tracks like “Svensk Sås” and “Alfonso Muskedunder.” Complete with buzzing trumpets, syncopated handclaps and jazz scat singing, these tracks are reminiscent of jazz composers like Pat Metheny.
“Swing Star Part 1” and “Swing Star Part 2,” both previously released on 2012 EP It’s The Arps, tie together two very different sounds. “Part 1’s” eerie, wavering riffs trickle like a waterfall, providing stark contrast to the electronic, upbeat rhythms of “Part 2.” Driven by a vibrating bass line and snapping cowbell, “Part 2” still manages to tie the two tracks together with the same mystical wind chimes drifting over its energetic groove.
The album ends with Terje’s most famous song, “Inspector Norse.” The seven-minute track weaves its way to the climax of the entire album, gently placing layer upon layer of futuristic melodies. The intensity builds, releases slightly, then is heightened even more so than before. With one final jazzy riff, It’s Album Time bows out with the distant voice of a crowd singing along, wishing the album would never end. As the listener, I too found myself grasping at the lingering essence of summer on Terje’s masterpiece.
Rating: A
