Zuma

A lot of this album is searching for a relationship that works, where love makes you soar, but it seems to be as enigmatic a search as understanding the pyramids of Egypt or trying to get a hold of an unbiased version of history.

By this point, Neil had recovered from his traumas that struck him years prior. Sorta.

After the Ditch Trilogy, even Neil knew he needed to record music to bring him back to on the right side of fame. But those who went through any kind of bad period know: trauma doesn't heal.

So is evident in the music on this album. Zuma threads the fine line of being a downtrodden experience while simultaneously being upbeat enough to see radio play. For me, two track stand out here: Danger Bird and Cortez the Killer, which are proto-slowcore masterpieces that are good in any way played, be it in studio or in a live setting. The rest of the album is full of folk-rock detailing failing relationships, and introspective philosophy about the mind of a broken, albeit recovering man. Even the ballads here pack a big punch with their lyrics and desolate instrumentation.

I would characterize this album as the final throw-up of a recovering addict going through the withdrawals of loneliness and depression, after which he would close a hard-fought chapter, and begin a period of sobriety.