De La Soul's 10th Studio Album, Cabin in the Sky, a Conceptual Exploration of Life and Death, Never Felt Heavy
The album opens with an atmospheric spoken-word intro by Giancarlo Esposito, hinting at the gravity of the subject matter. However, De La Soul's unmistakable signature remains, even when tackling death and the afterlife. The lush strings and vibrant Technicolor production create a warm and inviting atmosphere, akin to a basking in vitamin D during colder months.
The album appears to be loosely based on an afterlife theme, which may have been added posthumously as a tribute to the late Trugoy the Dove. While his vocals are still present throughout the record, the overarching narrative doesn't significantly disrupt the group's existing surrealist framework. Even the reimagining of classic schoolyard chants in 'Patty Cake' manages to avoid previously explored territory.
As with any De La Soul album, longevity becomes a concern at times; Cabin in the Sky clocks in over 70 minutes, which may test listener endurance. The first half of the record retains its lighthearted charm, but the second act loses some of its momentum, leaving the end feeling somewhat flat.
However, an exception to this trend is the album's title track, a poignant tribute to Trugoy and other departed friends. This somber yet enchanting song captures the sense of loss while preserving De La Soul's characteristic whimsy. It serves as a reminder that even within themes of mortality, the group's magic remains intact.
The album opens with an atmospheric spoken-word intro by Giancarlo Esposito, hinting at the gravity of the subject matter. However, De La Soul's unmistakable signature remains, even when tackling death and the afterlife. The lush strings and vibrant Technicolor production create a warm and inviting atmosphere, akin to a basking in vitamin D during colder months.
The album appears to be loosely based on an afterlife theme, which may have been added posthumously as a tribute to the late Trugoy the Dove. While his vocals are still present throughout the record, the overarching narrative doesn't significantly disrupt the group's existing surrealist framework. Even the reimagining of classic schoolyard chants in 'Patty Cake' manages to avoid previously explored territory.
As with any De La Soul album, longevity becomes a concern at times; Cabin in the Sky clocks in over 70 minutes, which may test listener endurance. The first half of the record retains its lighthearted charm, but the second act loses some of its momentum, leaving the end feeling somewhat flat.
However, an exception to this trend is the album's title track, a poignant tribute to Trugoy and other departed friends. This somber yet enchanting song captures the sense of loss while preserving De La Soul's characteristic whimsy. It serves as a reminder that even within themes of mortality, the group's magic remains intact.
10th studio album from De La Soul feels like an extended chill session 
. Song structure's not too cohesive, but that's what makes it interesting 
. The 'Patty Cake' remake is a fun Easter egg 
. Still love how they balance heavy themes with their signature playfulness 
I'm literally OBSESSED with De La Soul's new album Cabin in the Sky!!! 
The concept is so deep and beautiful, it gives me all the feels! 
I love how they weave life and death together like a rich tapestry. And Giancarlo Esposito's intro sets the tone for the whole album, you know? It's like he's speaking straight to my soul 
️
. The production is SO warm and inviting, it feels like I'm basking in Vitamin D vibes 
on a cloudy day! 
And that 'Patty Cake' reimagining? GENIUS! 
), but it's like they're giving us a special gift - a journey through life and death with all its complexities. The title track is... WOW 
It's this perfect blend of sadness and magic that just gets me every time! 
Anyways, De La Soul never disappoints, and this album is PROOF of their genius 
. I'm loving how they've woven together life and death into this super conceptual story, it's like they're taking us on a trip through the afterlife without ever feeling too heavy or serious about it. The production quality is top-notch, those strings are giving me all the feels 
. 
- it's such a beautiful tribute to Trugoy and their friends, and it's amazing how they've managed to keep that signature whimsy of theirs while still tackling some heavy subject matter.
.
and cabin in the sky is like a beautiful tribute to you, man 
it's like they're taking you on a wild ride through the afterlife, and that title track? 
70 minutes is a bit long, tho... maybe take a break or two to process everything 
But the title track? wow, it gave me all the feels 
.
. I don't know what it says about De La Soul as artists, but I do know that Cabin in the Sky is a masterpiece 
.
. It's like they're capturing that bittersweet nostalgia and loss in a way that still feels true to their spirit. So yeah, cabin in the Sky might not be perfect, but it's definitely worth the listen 
I mean, Trugoy's vocals are so iconic that even when he's not singing, his presence is still felt everywhere, which is kinda mind-blowing 
️ BUT on the other hand, like, some tracks feel super disconnected and don't really contribute to the overall vibe 
I'm not sure how I feel about this album, to be honest 
. That being said, "Cabin in the Sky" is definitely a grower - it took me a few listens to really connect with it 
, and now I can see why people love it 
. Still, it seems like Cabin in the Sky stays true to their vibe, even when exploring darker themes 
. The title track is definitely a highlight - so emotional and uplifting at the same time 
. They're trying to tell us something, but what? Maybe they're trying to prepare us for the transition to that afterlife they keep mentioning. And Giancarlo Esposito as the intro voice? That's like they hired a conspiracy theorist to do their research for them 
... or maybe it's just a clever distraction while they quietly update our DNA with some new, mind-controlling frequencies 