Movies inspire insightful lyricism from Stevens and De Augustine
Movie scenes inspired the tranquil collection of tracks that make up A Beginner’s Mind, a collaborative album released by Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine. After watching a few of their favorite movies, they composed an album where each track was loosely inspired by a different film. The album feels organic and relaxing, mainly using acoustic instruments and some laid-back electronic sounds.
“Reach Out” is the first song on the album, filled with acoustic guitar rhythms and melodies that build up to a full, bright sound halfway through the song. Inspired by the film Wings of Desire, the lyrics encourage those listening to reach out to others who are isolated. The lyrics are loosely tied to the plot of the movie and create an overall message inspired by the emotions provoked by the film.
“Back To Oz,” the third track, is inspired by the film Return to Oz. In this song, the duo nostalgically yearns for youth and the innocence of childhood. Once it’s lost, it can never be found again. Afraid that they have followed the wrong path, they want to return and relive their youth for a second chance. The production on this track is still tranquil, yet more electronic-based, creating a mature and fearful sound. The electric guitar plays relaxing riffs and dreamy chords, adding to the feeling of lost innocence and maturity.
Track six, “Beginner’s Mind,” is inspired by the film Point Break and explores many zen themes. It begins with a haunting, gentle piano that puts the listener at ease, with vocal whispers creating simple, relaxing waves of sound. The lyrics follow the plot of the movie and the main character’s struggles and story, while the music makes a tranquil escape for the listeners.
The Mad Max-inspired “Murder And Crime” is a haunting change of mood. While keeping a tranquil acoustic guitar, gentle piano and whispering vocals, the lyrics are now about the cruelty that exists in society. It is a mournful and insightful collection of thoughts that will undoubtedly cause listeners to think about the evil that exists in the world.
The eleventh track, “Lost In The World,” continues the eeriness heard in previous tracks. This one is loosely inspired by The Last Wave. The haunting harmonies echo the lyrics and float over the guitar and piano, which are played gently. Still, an uneasy feeling comes from the melodies that take dark turns and the quiet, haunting percussion. The duo sings of being lost in the world, a scary feeling that complements the emotions conveyed by the instruments and melodies.
“Fictional California” is an optimistic change of pace. Inspired by Bring It On Again, they sing about having spirit and being open to the bright things in life. The guitar plays joyously and gently, while an optimistic piano part creates relaxing and innocent accompaniment. It tells the listener to look for the light around them.
The penultimate track, “Cimmerian Shade,” is a sad and mournful song inspired by Silence of the Lambs. The duo sings from the perspective of the film’s antagonist, Buffalo Bill, who feels unloved and unwanted, and begs for companionship. It is a hopeless anthem of asking for love from those who will not give it. Once again, there is a simple acoustic accompaniment that makes the song sound mournful and leaves space for the lyrics to shine through.
A Beginner’s Mind is an innovative collection of ideas inspired by films. The tracks are full of emotion and insightful perspectives that will challenge the listener. They open new perspectives on classic films, as well as draws out the morals behind many of these films, from “Reach Out,” where ideas of companionship and the need for human connection are explored, to “Cimmerian Shade,” where they change the perspective of a film. These concepts allow the listener to ponder the importance of the morals behind the films and experience the emotion of the characters in each story allowing the audience to connect with these characters through a new means, music.
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