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“Desire, I Want To Turn Into You” is indie pop singer Caroline Polachek’s sophomore album following her well-received debut album “Pang” released back in 2019. The only song I had heard from her up to the release of Desire was her sleeper hit “So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings”, a playful dance track showcasing her unique vocal style and signature musical style. The record was rather unexpectedly catchy, and I found that it grew on me pretty quickly. I had also heard some high praise from online popheads about Polachek, so I had some pretty high expectations when Desire released in the middle of February.

I had actually listened to the album on the week of its release, and yet I was finding it increasingly difficult to formulate my thoughts in regards to the album, which resulted in this post wallowing in the depths of my Drafts page for half a month.

On my first listen, I wasn’t exactly impressed. Polachek tries to take you through a transformative experience into her tropical island sonic world as shown by the admittedly kick-ass album cover, but I was somewhat unmoved despite fully getting what she was trying to do. And yet, the good reviews had come flooding in, and I was left very unsure of myself, feeling like I was somehow not getting it or missing a part of the puzzle.

After giving the album three more chances, the best way I can put it is that this album is okay for me, but I could see why it would be great for most listeners. The production is clean, and there is a good amount of sonic variety across the 12 tracks contained in Desire which is commendable, but none of it really clicks for me except for the rhythmic Sunset and upbeat Bunny is A Rider. Polachek maintains her siren-esque voice and confident delivery throughout the album, and the production is consistently good, but I was just not dazzled.

Despite the album’s failure to really wow me (which doesn’t matter, let’s be real – this album has received great positive reception regardless of my own scrambled thoughts), it has successfully hooked me into wanting to hear more from Polachek. There is a sort of endearing charm to the theatrical nature and eagerness to please within the album, and though Polachek’s vocal style may be a little much or even grating to some, it matters to me that a pop singer’s voice has a distinctive character, and Polachek certainly fits the bill. It might take her next album for me to be convinced of her greatness, but I look forward to her next endeavors.

Best Track(s): “Welcome to My Island”, “Bunny is A Rider”, “Sunset”

Rating: 7.0/10