Released: 2011

Genres: Art Rock, Art Pop, New Wave, Post-Punk

The Musiquarium’s Strange Mercy Review Score: 4.5/5

Inspired by the work ethic of Nick Cave, with treating music like a traditional 9-5 job, Annie Clark wanted to isolate herself while working on Strange Mercy, with long hours and no distractions. This motivation clearly paid off, because Strange Mercy is St. Vincent’s best and most essential work yet.

Chloe in the Afternoon starts the album off with some fat, fuzzy guitar tones that will be prominent throughout the album, along with a killer drum beat, before adding a rotary vocal effect on her voice. Cruel features elements that are reminiscent of her previous album Actor, before getting into one her best guitar licks and choruses yet. Surgeon may just be the definitive St. Vincent song, showcasing her slick, fluid guitar playing.

Strange Mercy is the album that proved that Annie Clark is a modern female guitar hero as capable as any man with an axe, and is also the album that turned St. Vincent from a solid indie artist into one of the best musicians of her generation.

For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view St. Vincent on Discogs.

Back to the 2011 Album Guide or the St. Vincent Reviews page.

Written by Brett Nippard