Following her recent fame from the viral TikTok song “Photo ID,” Remi Wolf did not disappoint with her latest release. On Oct. 15, she dropped “Juno,” a bright, colorful funk-pop piece that offers more than fun beats and sound effects. Wolf acknowledges difficult truths about herself, encouraging listeners to do the same. “Juno” gives people a vivid listening experience, presenting themes that get listeners stuck in their heads.
COLORFUL CREATION
If sounds were colors, “Juno” would be a kaleidoscope. Wolf breaks the pop formula with a combination of bold vocals, electronic instrumentals and vibrant sound effects that perfectly add to the immersive experience. Even those who do not enjoy synthetic pop will appreciate the dynamic of Wolf’s music.
Her impressive vocal range is demonstrated throughout the piece. In “Quiet On Set,” she raps and speaks with a Cardi B-like inflection. The outro of “Front Tooth” shows her ability to scream her lyrics in a controlled fashion, a challenging feat for most music artists. In “Buttermilk,” she moves effortlessly between sweet, quiet vocals and a much higher pitch.
“Juno” is also littered with scintillating sound effects that really give the album character. “Anthony Kiedis” features the sound of a knife being unsheathed as Wolf sings, “Put my head in the hole of a guillotine chop.” Following that, “Quiet On Set” is a ruthless commentary about the entertainment industry being a silent killer, while a long, off-putting monologue from a child is heard at the end, throwing listeners for a loop. “Grumpy Old Man” continues the theme of random voices, presenting a robotic voice at the end that sounds otherworldly. The beauty of “Juno,” however, is that these sound effects do not distract from the message, but rather add to the experience.
REAL AND RAW
The messages provided through the lyricism of “Juno” are not washed out by its unique electronic sound effects. Wolf’s lyrics are unexpectedly raw and almost hidden within the disguise of upbeat tunes.
Like many pop artists, Wolf discusses the effects love and loss have on a person. The album’s final track, “Street You Live On,” is hypnotizing while discussing the pain of avoiding someone you were once addicted to.
“And I scramble my brain / Wasting away / Looking for ways that I can avoid you / To pull the weeds, suck the venom,” she sings in the chorus.
Upbeat and danceable, “Grumpy Old Man” serves to comment on Wolf’s insecurities and possibly how past relationships affect her decisions now.
“I’m so defensive I’ve got eggshells around me / I love romance, but I got eggshells around me / I’m on the fence and I got eggshells around me,” she sings in the second verse.
In the album’s title track, “Liquor Store,” Wolf sings of her journey with alcoholism. Written four months after transitioning into sobriety, the song is a ballad to herself, acknowledging her emotional state at the time and commenting on the parallels between insecurities in relationships and addictions.
Whether a fan of pop or not, “Juno” is worth a listen. Wolf’s music flows effortlessly, provides an otherworldly experience and stands out from any other album on the market.
