On August 30, 2024, Laurie Anderson released her highly anticipated album titled 'Amelia', marking her first project since 2018. The album honors the legacy of aviator Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Anderson, noted for her avant-garde sound and storytelling, composes 22 tracks that narrate Earhart's ambitious 1937 journey to circumnavigate the globe—a tale that ultimately ends in tragedy.
The album opens with Anderson's recollection of the sound of an aircraft engine, invoking memories of her 1982 hit 'O Superman'. With the Czech orchestra Filharmonie Brno supporting her vocals, Anderson's approach combines serene melodies with deeper, chaotic moments that encapsulate the highs and lows of Earhart's adventure. Key guest appearances from artists Anohni, Marc Ribot, and Rob Moose further enrich the soundscape.
Anderson’s narrative weaves through imagined diary entries and telegrams, offering an introspective and emotional exploration of Earhart's experiences. "It was the sound of the motor I remember the most," she reflects, illustrating the power of flight both literally and metaphorically.
Among the most poignant tracks is 'Flying at Night', an interlude where Anderson conjures memories of a young Earhart dreaming of flight, highlighting the aspirations that drove the pioneering aviator. This blend of history and imaginative storytelling invites listeners to engage with Earhart's life beyond mere textbook knowledge.
'Amelia' emerges as more than an album; it's a homage that brings depth to a historical figure often reduced to a name. Anderson's artistry ensures that this aerial ballet leaves a lasting impression on its audience.
For a detailed review of 'Amelia', you can check out SPIN's site as well.