Snoh Aalegra Album Review

Aug 4

For Snoh Aalegra, love is kryptonite, and once again, she’s consumed by its power. Her third studio album, Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies hit streaming services on July 9th. It’s a statement about the fleetingness of love and her reluctance to accept that quality about it. Why? Well, because her love just isn’t momentary. She’s at war, vying for what she needs from relationships, and grappling with seeing others as they are instead of who they could potentially be.

The intro track “Indecisive” is reminiscent of “Here Now (Intro)” on her previous record, Ugh, those feels again. Pitched up vocals explain that she’s dealing with a lover (perhaps the same one she sang about on “I Didn’t Mean to Fall in Love”), but things aren’t going well. Though we are reacquainted with Snoh, it’s clear that she’s in a place similar to where we last left her. She seems to have concluded that her devotion is unmatched, and that the person she’s giving it to just can’t see what it’s worth. “If you seek you will find/What was there the whole time,” she proclaims on “In Your Eyes.”

The catchy, breathy chorus of “Just Like That” affords it the potential to become the album’s third single (following “Dying For Your Love” and “Lost You”), while the 80’s pop-sounding “Neon Peach” featuring Tyler, the Creator has us envisioning rollerskating with strobe lights on our feet. Snoh’s voice glides over Tyler’s impeccable production (yes, he also produced the track), and he comes in with lyricism that deserves a rewind, or two.

Sometimes, the album is drowsy. Snoh’s repetitiveness accompanied by serene production doesn’t hold over well -- weighing down some tracks, whereas others push to the forefront.

“Tangerine Dream” is one of those frontrunners. It’s intriguing because, exactly what are we talking about? Everything or nothing at all? The lyrics are explanatory, Snoh’s on an awkward flight with an ex she had broken up with the night before, but what is a tangerine dream? A quick Google search tells us that “Tangerine Dream” is a strain of sativa that has pain reducing and energy increasing effects. A second one details that tangerines symbolize a number of things including new beginnings, happiness, and prosperity. So, however you look at it, “Tangerine Dream” has that extra umph -- and starry sounds.

There’s drums, fluctuating emotions, and power plays on “Taste.” Sick of getting caught in the game, Snoh attempts to master it, maybe in hopes that she can reverse things in her favor. “I’m not tryna make you be mine,” she assures. As the saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them.

The album ends with “Save Yourself” which samples Dru Hill’s “Beauty” (1998). It seems Snoh’s back in limbo. She didn’t get what she sought, but she’s grown closer to herself. It’s undoubtedly one of our favorite tracks.

Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies lacks the magnetism of Ugh, those feels again that kept listeners coming back for more, yet Snoh still manages to deliver what many enjoy about her artistry -- strong vocals and sweet melodies about the inescapable cycle of love and heartbreak.

Rating: 7/10

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