Imaginations (Molly Nilsson album) explained

Imaginations
Type:	studio
Artist:	Molly Nilsson
Cover:	Molly Nilsson Imaginations artwork.jpg
Studio:	Lighthouse Studios, Berlin
Genre:	Synth-pop
Length:	44:24
Label:	Dark Skies Association Night School
Producer:	Molly Nilsson
Prev Title:	Zenith
Prev Year:	2015
Next Title:	2020
Next Year:	2018

Imaginations is the seventh studio album by Swedish singer-songwriter Molly Nilsson, released on 26 May 2017.

Background

The album was inspired by Nilsson's travels across Europe and Central America.^[1] Regarding the album's title, she gave the following anecdote: "I had a very different vision when I started [the album], but life interrupted me and had other plans. It was supposed to be called something else but a dream told me to call it Imaginations."^[2]

Production

Nilsson wrote Imaginations in the first half of 2016.^[3] Regarding the album's production, she stated that it was "maybe the one [she] struggled the most with".^[4]

Themes

Imaginations has been noted to be critical of neoliberalism, capitalism and the political landscape of 2017.^{[3] [1]} For example, the song "Money Never Dreams" has been referred to as an "anti-greed anthem". Nonetheless, the album has been described as having an optimistic outlook.^{[3] [4]} Nilsson acknowledged that the album's "tone seems more political", but that it is also "very personal" at the same time.^[3]

Release

Imaginations was released on vinyl, CD, cassette tape, and as a digital download on 26 May 2017.^[5] The album was originally set to be released in January 2017, but it was delayed.^[6]

Critical reception

Imaginations received positive reviews. Ben Beaumont-Thomas, writing for The Guardian, declared it Nilsson's "masterpiece" and "one of the best records of [2017]".^[7] Tom Breihan of Stereogum referred to the album as "impressive".^[8] Rachel Redfern of Loud and Quiet wrote that Imaginations shows Nilsson "at her melodic best".

Tim Sendra of AllMusic concluded that, with Imaginations, Nilsson "has found the sweet spot between intensely personal music and universally understood pop", while praising the "very evocative and rich [melodies]" and "lush instrumentation". Robin Smith of Norman Records declared the album "[Nilsson's] best ever record of distant pop music" and noted its "expansive and bursting" sound. Jake Folsom, writing for WMPG, lauded the album's production and Nilsson's "witty, honest [and] empowering" lyrics.^[9]

The song "Let's Talk About Privileges" was positively highlighted by several writers.^{[10] [9] [6]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: Edge . Dominic . Molly Nilsson – Imaginations . The Thin Air . 23 May 2017 . 30 September 2023.
2. Web site: Camargo . Gil . Entrevista con Molly Nilsson . . 2 March 2017 . 30 September 2023 . es.
3. Web site: Mandel . Leah . Talking to Molly Nilsson made me feel better about everything . . 6 December 2017 . 30 September 2023.
4. Web site: Bingler . Hugo. Turbulent times, imaginative responses: Molly Nilsson . . 20 July 2017 . 1 October 2023.
5. Web site: Imaginations Molly Nilsson . . 26 May 2017 . 30 September 2023.
6. Web site: Stocker. James . Record Review: Molly Nilsson - Imaginations . Indie30 . 19 July 2017 . 30 September 2023.
7. Web site: Beaumont-Thomas . Ben . Molly Nilsson: the synthpop star embracing hope and loneliness . . 5 November 2018 . 30 September 2023.
8. Web site: Breihan . Tom . Molly Nilsson – "Days Of Dust" Video . 11 September 2018 . 30 September 2023 . Stereogum.
9. Web site: Folsom . Jake . Molly Nillson: Imaginations . . 26 May 2017 . 1 October 2023.
10. Web site: Mullin . Kyle . 'My music and my work are an extension of my life. And I intend to live all of it' – Interview with Molly Nilsson ahead of Nov 11 DDC Gig . . 9 November 2017 . 1 October 2023.