Album Review: Foster the People-"Supermodel"

RATING: 6/10

In 2011, Foster the People took pop music by storm with their debut album Torches. At the very least the album put the LA trio on a widely watched radar, with its technicolor melodies tinged with just the right amount of indie thematics, most notably on the hit single "Pumped Up Kicks." In 2014 they return with their sophomore strike Supermodel, which goes the distance as far as feel-good Foster. That being said however, I think it deserves a bit of a closer inspection in order to solidify a good rank among today's pop renaissance projects.
Foster the People embedded themselves into people's minds with delectable singles on Torches. "Pumped Up Kicks" was an instant pop classic, while tracks like "Helena Beat" and "Houdini" kept listeners in ecstatic awe. But enough about the past...Supermodel boasts an equally vibrant selection of fun singles; "Coming of Age" is a rather inspiring tune, with some Chinese guitar sprinkled in to give it an exotic feel. But I think it also carries a certain timelessness, even though I don't see it sticking with people for years to come. Something about the lead guitar chords just remind me of the 80s...is it bad to imagine it as a Duran Duran cover in some parallel universe? "Best Friend," another single, is the most well-rounded number on the album as far as Foster the People's household brand goes; it's got sunny guitar chords, airy, childlike harmonies, and that certain element of pizzaz that the band seems to grab hold of listeners with--perhaps it's the horns ushering in the choruses, or the rich, groovy bass lines laying some disco inspiration.
On the flip side, Foster the People strive to take music seriously on Supermodel. I don't know if I can do the same, however. On darker tracks like "A Beginner's Guide to Destroying the Moon" and "Goats in Trees" I have a hard time making sense of the lyrics, which aren't necessarily that silly or perplexing--sans the numerous uses of the word "blood"--they just cease to impress me with the recurring themes of uncertainty and hopelessness. "Pumped up Kicks" was the most pleasant-sounding song until people realized it was about a child who stole his father's revolver and decided to have some fun. Unfortunately the instrumentation on these tracks doesn't help too much. The acoustics on Goats in Trees bore me, and the Clams Casino sample (originally used on ASAP Rocky's "LVL") in "A Beginner's Guide to Destroying the Moon" is plain unnecessary. A lot of the tracks on Supermodel kind of blend in together in regards to originality and character. And I'm not trying to rip on Foster the People for subpar lyrics, but I think the main thing people expect when they listen to Foster is that uplifting, Bee-Gees style catchiness. Going off that notion, my particular favorite on the album is "The Truth", which rumbles on a softly distorted bass vibration. Then out of nowhere it soars into a falsetto arc ushered by flittering drums, nearly bringing tears to my eyes.
As far as Foster the People go, Supermodels will most likely not be a staple in their discography upon glancing at their career. But that's not to say it isn't worth listening to. There are plenty of likable songs on the album, that is if you're not looking for the band's coming of age (no pun intended). There are a few lovable songs, and they shine with all their worth. I can listen to "Ask Yourself" and enjoy it as a well-rounded track, but to me it's still inside the box-- the music or lyrics seemed played out and don't do anything special for me. It's the same with most of the album. While there are definitely standouts tracks, the flame goes on and off. You could say that the beauty of Supermodel only runs skin deep.