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THE REVIEW
Mini-review of one of the most important albums in my musical growth. [Gosh, I feel like Frusciante!]
Although the Italian Wikipedia defines this album as little changed from the previous one, "She Hangs Brightly" of '90, I actually find that maturity and creativity are much greater in "So Tonight That I Might See", released three years later.
"Fade Into You", which starts the ball rolling, is one of those ballads you can always count on: magical, suspended in another dimension, a quasi-waltz at slow speed, few notes, precise, stretched through the slide effect, evoking California, childhood, and scenes of melancholic American summer.
We must consider that the LP is released in a period when grunge dominates the market, and thus a time when most young people identify with the anger communicated by artists like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Melvins, Tad, etc. In the United Kingdom, however, a new genre is emerging: trip hop, from Bristol. U2 and Depeche Mode are living on tails, embracing electronics - especially the former - dividing their fandoms. While U2 marry electronics with their pop-rock roots, the group of Gahan and Lee Gore adds more electric guitar parts. Meanwhile, a new trend, purely British, is on the horizon, which will fittingly be called "britpop", with Suede, Oasis, and Pulp. Again, it's about adolescent anger and discontent.
As noble as all these branches are, I believe the contribution of Mazzy Star to the music of the time is more substantial, original and magical: no anger, or rather, anger suffocated by sweetness and abandonment. Sandoval's voice is something relaxing and thrilling at the same time - seductive and menacing. The late David Roback, who, together with Hope, formed the compositional core of Mazzy Star (all songs were penned by the duo), weaves mesmeric guitar patterns, and also excels at the keyboards. A little more than a couple of session musicians (bass, drums, and strings) are enough for building the songs that make up the tracklist - each a demonstration of great synthesis ability, without lacking depth.
Listening to "So Tonight That I Might See", for me, is like taking a dive into the past of the early '90s, even though I didn't live it, and reaching another dimension. The most beautiful track on the album? "Mary of Silence", the third track, reminiscent of the doorsian "The End".
Rating: 9.5/10
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Summary by Bot
Mazzy Star's 'So Tonight That I Might See' stands out from their previous work through increased maturity and creativity. The album delivers a unique, magical sound that contrasts with the dominant grunge and britpop scenes of the early 1990s. Hope Sandoval's hypnotic vocals paired with David Roback's mesmeric guitar create an evocative atmosphere. Highlighted tracks like 'Fade Into You' and 'Mary of Silence' encapsulate this dreamy, melancholic vibe. The review praises the album as an original and substantial contribution to 90s alternative music.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Mazzy Star
American dream pop/neo-psychedelia band formed in 1989 by guitarist David Roback and vocalist Hope Sandoval, rising to prominence with the 1993 single “Fade Into You” from So Tonight That I Might See; they returned with Seasons of Your Day (2013) and the EP Still (2018).07 Reviews
Other reviews
By Mario
Hope Sandoval whispering to you indolent and aching among the fabric: 'you will end up asleep or in love among the folds of this album'.
If Rock and Roll is dead... this (album) is the moon on its grave, or rather, the reflection of the moon on its grave.
By Jam
Hope Sandoval has an ethereal voice. Not of this world. Intangible and sensual.
'Fade Into You' is just the first track of an (almost) perfect album.
By CosmicJocker
Austere artisans of a silvery and calm psych-pop-rock, hazy and mellow, Mazzy Star manage to concoct sophisticated potions.
'Fade Into You' opens our hearts with a sweet nostalgia for the time that passes relentlessly.
