Solarize Explained

Solarize
Type:	studio
Artist:	Capital Cities
Cover:	CapitalCities Solarized.jpg
Released:	August 10, 2018
Recorded:	2015–2018
Genre:	Synth-disco
Length:	50:00
Label:	Lazy Hooks Capitol
Producer:	Ryan Merchant Sebu Simonian
Prev Title:	Swimming Pool Summer
Prev Year:	2017

Solarize is the second studio album of American indie pop duo Capital Cities, released on August 10, 2018, under Capitol Records. It was preceded by the 2017 EP Swimming Pool Summer, of which five of the tracks were integrated on this release.^[1] The album includes a collaboration with Rick Ross, who had previously expressed an interest in signing the duo before the release of their debut album In a Tidal Wave of Mystery in 2013.^[2]

Critical reception

Neil Z. Yeung of AllMusic wrote that the "sun-washed set of futuristic synth-disco positively shimmers, providing an ideal soundtrack to smooth romancing and sweaty body-moving", finding it to be "less indie-precious" than their debut album and that it "smooths the digital edge of their early sound in favor of warm tones, hypnotic beats, and a focus on a full album experience as opposed to a collection of singles".

Track listing

All songs written and produced by Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian, except where noted.

Personnel

Featured artists

• Sebu Simonian – vocals (tracks 1–14), programming (tracks 1–12, 14)
• Ryan Merchant – vocals (tracks 1–14), programming (tracks 1–10, 12, 14), guitar (tracks 3, 11), bass (tracks 3, 11)
• Jim Svejda – voiceover (track 9)

Additional musicians

• Aaron Prather – drums (tracks 2, 7)
• Nick Merwin – guitar (tracks 2, 7, 13)
• Will Artope – trumpet (tracks 2, 6–8, 13)
• Artyom Manukyan – cello (track 2)
• Manny Quintero – bass (tracks 2, 7–8, 12–13)
• Sacha – rap vocalist (track 3)
• Jacob Scesney – saxophone (tracks 4, 10)
• Adam Friedman – bass (track 5), guitar (track 5)
• Justin Thomas – vibraphone (track 7)
• Anna Margo – vocals (track 8)
• Krikor Sarafian – guitar (track 8)
• Channing Holmes – drums (track 12)

Production

• Sebu Simonian – production
• Ryan Merchant – production
• Adam Friedman – co-production (track 3), additional production (track 5)
• The Ceasars – co-production (track 6)
• Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins – co-production (track 7)
• Sermstyle – additional production (track 13)
• Serban Ghenea – mixer (track 13)
• John Hanes – assistant mixer (track 13)
• Andrew Mendelson – mastering (tracks 1–12, 14)
• Mike Marsh – mastering (track 13)
• João Lauro Fonte – artwork

Notes and References

1. Web site: The Comeback of Capital Cities. WERS. Williams. Andrea. November 30, 2018. June 7, 2023.
2. Web site: Rick Ross Wanted to Sign This Indie Pop Duo Before They Were Everywhere. Coveteur. Taylor. Jodi. October 6, 2017. June 7, 2023.