In Loving Memory (stylized in all lowercase) is the sixth studio album by American singer Blackbear. It was released on August 26, 2022 through Alamo and Columbia Records and follows the EP Misery Lake (2021) and his previous studio album Everything Means Nothing (2020).[1][2][3] The album features appearances from Bert McCracken of The Used, Jordan Pundik of New Found Glory, Anthony Raneri of Bayside, and Machine Gun Kelly. Two singles, "GFY" with Machine Gun Kelly, and "The Idea", were release in promotion of the album. Produced by Blackbear, Andrew Goldstein, and Travis Barker, the album shifts from Blackbear's previous pop-rap sound to pop-punk.
| In Loving Memory | ||||
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| Released | August 26, 2022 | |||
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| Length | 38:07 | |||
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| Blackbear chronology | ||||
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| Singles from In Loving Memory | ||||
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Background and composition
editLyrically, In Loving Memory described Blackbear tackling subjects such as the loss of his father in 2021, parenthood, and mental health. He further described it in an interview with Alternative Press:[1]
The whole idea behind the album is [a] letter to my father who passed away, and I never got to say goodbye. I’m making this music that is true to my roots, and I’m bringing out guest stars like Jordan Pundik from New Found Glory and Bert McCracken from the Used. I’m paying homage to the bands I grew up listening to with this album.
— Blackbear
Inspiration for the album included Jimmy Eat World's Bleed American, Terminal, Acceptance, and Third Eye Blind.[3] It is also not Blackbear's first journey into the punk genre as he was in the band Polaroid in 2007-2008.
Singles and promotion
edit"GFY" with Machine Gun Kelly was released on May 27, 2022 as the lead single of the album.[4] It peaked at number twelve on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs Billboard chart.[5] "The Idea" was released on July 8, 2022 as the second single.[6] It peaked at number thirty-three on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.[5] "Toxic Energy" with Bert McCracken of The Used was released on August 5, 2022 as the only promotional single from the album.[7]
Blackbear embarked on the Nothing Matters Tour across the US throughout September 2022 in promotion of the album.[8]
Critical reception
editMatt Collar of AllMusic gave the album a positive review, calling it "one of [Blackbear's] funnest and most infectiously listenable albums."[9]
Track listing
editAll tracks are written and produced by Matthew Musto, Andrew Goldstein, and Travis Barker as well as Omer Fedi as additional producer on track 5. Additional writers are included below.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "I Don't Love Me" | 3:19 | |
| 2. | "Dead Inside" | Joe Kirkland | 3:03 |
| 3. | "Toxic Energy" (with Bert McCracken of The Used) |
| 3:11 |
| 4. | "Nothing Matters" (with Jordan Pundik of New Found Glory) | Kirkland | 3:23 |
| 5. | "GFY" (with Machine Gun Kelly) | 2:52 | |
| 6. | "Broken World" | Kirkland | 3:47 |
| 7. | "Painkiller" | Kirkland | 3:04 |
| 8. | "FUILU" | 2:55 | |
| 9. | "The Idea" | Kirkland | 3:23 |
| 10. | "Poltergeist" (with Anthony Raneri of Bayside) |
| 3:28 |
| 11. | "Back In Rehab" |
| 2:38 |
| 12. | "Hazel Inside" |
| 3:04 |
| Total length: | 38:07 | ||
- All song titles are stylized in lowercase letters.
Charts
edit| Chart (2022) | Peak
position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200[10] | 146 |
| US Top Alternative Albums (Billboard)[11] | 16 |
References
edit- ^ a b Alessandro. "blackbear will return to his pop-punk roots with his next album—interview". Alternative Press Magazine. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
- ^ "blackbear: "A rock star used to be sex, drugs and rock'n'roll, and…". Kerrang!. 2022-08-31. Retrieved 2024-09-15.
- ^ a b Alessandro. "On in loving memory, blackbear reconnects with 2000s punk with Travis Barker, Bert McCracken and Jordan Pundik". Alternative Press Magazine. Retrieved 2024-09-15.
- ^ Lavin, Will (2022-05-28). "Machine Gun Kelly joins Blackbear on angsty new break-up anthem 'GFY'". NME. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
- ^ a b "Blackbear | Biography, Music & News". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ "Blackbear Drops 'The Idea,' A Contemplative New Single". UPROXX. 2022-07-08. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ Stickler, Jon. "Blackbear Drops New Single Toxic Energy Featuring The Used's Bert McCracken - Stereoboard". Stereoboard.com. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ Paul, Larisha (2022-07-11). "Blackbear Schedules 'Nothing Matters' Headlining North American Tour for Fall 2022". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
- ^ Collar, Matt. "Blackbear – In Loving Memory: Review". Retrieved October 10, 2024.
- ^ "Blackbear Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
- ^ "Blackbear Chart History (Top Alternative Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 28, 2024.