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DAFT PUNK. The two words that have been creating debates, anticipation, confusion, rumors, and much excitement in the Electronic Music world. With little less than a month until the official release of Daft Punk's newest album, "Random Access Memories," the excitement and anticipation of the Robots' official return has never been greater. The release of their single "Get Lucky" from the album has only added to the hype of the album. But now the question is, does Daft Punk deserve the hype? Will the hype end up being satisfied or will it fall short of the such high expectations?
How can a duo that makes simple, melodic electronic music disappear for over five years and then suddenly announce an album which creates an uproar of excitement and high expectations for new music? Well Daft Punk is the duo that can do that. When I first heard Daft Punk's music it was unlike anything I have ever heard. Given I started listening to them way after they became huge in the music world. But the simplicity of their music was something that really hit me, in a good way. They changed the game when it comes to electronic music and even music in general. So why are they deserving of the hype? Because they did something no one else was willing to try. And they are doing that again in 2013. I do agree that not until the album is out we can't for sure say the hype was worth it, but to me it's looking that way. The problem with hype though is that people begin to imagine how they want an album to sound. And this could bring a lot of disappointment to those not familiar with what Daft Punk is all about. If you're expecting an album full of bangers and festival style songs, then yes you will be greatly disappointed. I'm afraid that's what may happen to many people who say are "fans" for the sake of trying to fit into the electronic music scene. But the reason I personally am hyping this album because I know no matter what Daft Punk decides to do it will be new and fresh. I'm not expecting anything like their old albums because that's not what Daft Punk does. They don't replicate, they create. So if you're expecting another Discovery album then you will also be disappointed. Just from reading and listening to interviews and reviews of the album I know that Daft Punk is bringing the disco funk back in order to move music forward.
What I believe and truly hope this album will do is spark new creativity among electronic and music producers in general. There is a great lack of creativity and originality in the more "mainstream" electronic music. Everything is starting to sound the same. Daft Punk will hopefully bring that spark producers need to start creating new sounds instead of replicating old ones. Daft Punk isn't afraid to take risks and create music that feels right to them. That risking taking has gotten them to where they are today. Hopefully rising artists will follow their example and be willing to take risks other artists aren't willing to take. I also hope this album will bring into the spotlight new music for the mass audience. There are so many people that are told what to like and what to listen to not just in electronic music, but in every genre of music. Too many people only enjoy the music that's popular instead of trying to find what they personally like. Hopefully with the popularity of Daft Punk, they introduce a new side of electronic music to those who aren't willing to dig past the surface for better, lesser known music. I hope Daft Punk sparks a wave of new interest into new music. If anyone has the power to make French and Disco House popular it's Daft Punk. Only time will tell if any of these hopes of mine come true.
So why should we be excited about the new album and how is Daft Punk changing the game again? Daft Punk is known for pioneering. Now they have the opportunity to do so again and I don't expect anything less of them. Like I said earlier, they are bringing the funk back into music. I believe this album is going to bring a much needed breath of fresh air to music. Right now electronic music is becoming bland and similar. Now that electronic music can easily be made with computers, it seems that stagnation has come with it. The way I see it, Daft Punk is bridging the gap between the electronic and human side of music. They are using live instruments and soulful vocalists to add that much needed human aspect to electronic music.They are opening a world of new possibilities in music. Those possibilities were always there. Daft Punk is just exposing them. It will be interesting to see how this album reforms the world of music in the coming years just like Daft Punk's older material did in its time.
Before you buy the album and go crazy listening to it nonstop, make sure you listen with an open mind. Don't expect certain things or sounds, it will only lead to disappointment. Let the music take you on a new journey rather than expecting certain things. It's not going to be the sound of Discovery but it will still be Daft Punk. There's a reason they are where they are today, because of the music they produce and the love they have for it. If there's anything to take away from Daft Punk it's that rather than being a replicator be a creator. Don't be afraid to take risks in anything in life because you never know what could have been unless you take them. Let's be grateful that Daft Punk has taken those risks and created something beautiful out of it. I'm just happy and thankful the Robots decided to use their powers once again. And use those powers for the good of music.
