Life Support (Madison Beer album)
| Life Support | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | February 26, 2021 | |||
| Recorded | 2018–2020 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 46:30 | |||
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| Producer | ||||
| Madison Beer chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Life Support | ||||
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Life Support is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Madison Beer, released by Access Records and Epic Records on February 26, 2021.[2] Beer herself co-wrote the whole album, and co-produced most of the record, to the making of a concept album based and created in the midst of Beer's major depressive episode and diagnosis with borderline personality disorder. The album deals with themes such as mental health, grief and heartbreak, as of Beer's experiences with public scrutiny inside the music industry, and building resilience during the making of the record. Musically, Life Support is a pop record with elements of R&B and alternative.
Life Support generated four singles: "Good in Goodbye", released as the album's lead single, "Selfish", "Baby" and "Boyshit", and 3 promotional singles: "Stained Glass", ”Blue” and “Everything Happens for a Reason”. The album debuted at number 65 on the Billboard 200 and reached the top 40 in the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries around the globe.
Background[]
After the release of Beer's debut EP As She Pleases (2018), she began working on an album project in August 2018.[3] On November 9, 2018, Beer released "Hurts Like Hell" as the lead single from her then untitled debut studio album.[4] After the release of the single, Beer revealed that the album would be released sometime in 2019.[4] "Hurts Like Hell" was later removed from the album's track listing and "Dear Society" replaced it as the album's lead single, being released on May 17, 2019.[5] In August 2019, the album's title Life Support was leaked.[6] Shortly after that, Beer announced that she had signed with Epic Records and that she planned to release new music soon.[7] "Dear Society" was later removed from the album's track listing.[8] On February 12, 2020, Beer revealed the album's cover art.[9] On December 7, 2020, Beer revealed the album's release date of February 26, 2021.[10] Beer wrote the album with the intent of truly expressing herself and having her own voice, "I feel like I'm finally being seen for things that I value and being viewed for things that I actually feel really good about. And my music I feel like is speaking for itself," adding "This is who I am."[11] She also shared that she wanted to show those that mental health issues and internet perfection are not exclusive of one another, saying "'You have a perfect life.' And I'm like, no, I want to show you even if it looks like I do, I am also struggling severely and in therapy every single day and I'm on anxiety medication. I just wanted to deconstruct this idea that people have that if you present like you have a perfect life on social media, that doesn't mean that you actually do." signifying that she wanted to express that not everything you see means someone's life is perfect. She describes the album in three words, "Honest, brave and badass."[12] Her favorite lyrical track is "Effortlessly".
With my album, I made a promise to myself that this is going to be my time to express honestly and truthfully how I've been feeling. I could finally tell my story the way I wanted to tell it and touch on things like medications that are harmful for young adults that I’ve been put on, and real shit I've never been able to talk about
— Beer speaking about the album.[13]
Music and lyrics[]
Life Support has been seen as a dark, honest and sad album by those who review it.[14] It features a diversity of sounds, from R&B to alternative and pop.[15][16] The album seems to add further to claims that Beer has taken seemingly heavy inspiration of artists, as many reviewers attribute the album to a mix of Tame Impala, Lana Del Rey and Twenty One Pilots.[17] Lyrically, the album deals with mental health, self reflection, grief, and breaking yourself free of restraints.[18] "Good in Goodbye" is a catchy break-up anthem[19] with a dark melody[20] that according to Beer is about "cutting ties with a toxic person, no matter how tough it can feel at the time, is sometimes the only way forward. Followed by the sentimental ballad "Default", about Beer's struggles with anxiety and suicidal thoughts."[21] "Selfish" is a slow tempo pop "breakup ballad"[22] that has a "stripped down" production that emphasizes Beer's vocals.[22] Lyrically the song is about toxic relationships.[13] "Stained Glass" is a downbeat ballad[23] about public scrutiny and Beer's struggles with mental health.[24] The song's production begins with just piano before adding drums on the song's chorus[25] and Beer's vocal performance was described as "haunting and beautiful".[23] "Sour Times" was inspired by Tame Impala is about Beer's expierences with getting taken advantage due to her mentally vulnerable state. The country ballad, "Homesick", samples a dialogue of the animated sci-fi sitcom Rick and Morty, which Madison has also claimed as her favorite cartoon. Primarily, the songs talks about social alienation and Beer's abandonment issues, by referencing her beliefs in outer space species. The last conceptual track on the album, "Everything Happens For A Reason" is a country ballad, with 50s-60s influences, where Beer gives one last look at the album, coming to the conclusion she will never get over the hurt she went through, still looking for its reason."[12] The main writers of the album, Kinetics & One Love, who also worked with Beer on As She Pleases are also writers of fellow artist Melanie Martinez, who Beer is inspired by and "loves", and is the reason she chose her writers specifically.[26]
Singles[]
"Good in Goodbye" was released as the album's lead single on January 31, 2020.[21] It reached number 15 on the NZ Hot singles chart and impacted contemporary hit radio in Italy on April 3, 2020.[27] The song received a music video that accompanied the song's release.[28]
"Selfish" was released as the album's second single on February 14, 2020. It reached number 19 on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 singles chart as well as entering official charts in Canada, Ireland and the UK. It impacted contemporary hit radio in the United States on May 19, 2020.[29] The song also received a music video that was directed by Beer herself.[30]
"Baby" was released as the album's third single on August 21, 2020, along with a music video.[31][32]
"Boyshit" was released as the fourth and final single from the album on December 11, 2020.[33]
Promotional singles[]
"Stained Glass" was released on April 3, 2020 as the album's sole promotional single.
“Blue” was released to radio outlets in March 2021 and promoted through live performances.
“Everything Happens for a Reason” was released as a promo to radio in Germany by her label in April 2021.[25]
Critical reception[]
| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 71/100[38] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |    [34] |
| Beats Per Minute | 72%[35] |
| NME | [36] |
| Pitchfork | 5.9/10[37] |
Life Support was met with generally positive reviews from critics, many praising her vocal presence and the album's subject matter. According to Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average score out of 100 to ratings and reviews from mainstream critics, critics gave Life Support a score of 71, based on 4 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[39] Writing for Beats Per Minute, JT Early said: "Life Support is a lovingly-crafted project which explores mental health, heartbreak, toxicity and self-assertion. The album presents an array of lush pop and R&B tracks connected through decadent orchestration. The soundscapes here are cinematic and cohesive, while Beer's versatile vocals easily go from sultry to dreamily resonant to emphatically cold. Life Support is a victorious debut from a singer whose determination and passion has allowed her to overcome any naysayers and detractors."[35] Hannah Mylrea of NME wrote: "On a lesser album, the eclecticism might lead to a lack of coherence, but this record is always threaded through with Beer's diaristic lyricism. With its consistent, gut-punching honesty and witty wordplay, you’ll always find something special on Life Support."[36] Marcy Donelson of AllMusic said: "The album's 17 tracks address subject matter including breakups, grief, and struggles with mental health with a mix of pop, R&B, and alternative stylings."[34]
Commercial performance[]
Life Support entered the national charts in various territories. In the United States, it debuted at number 65 on the US Billboard 200. In the United Kingdom, the album debuted at number 28, making it Beer's first top 40 on the country. Elsewhere, the album debuted at number 21 in Ireland, number 23 on Canada, and number 33 in New Zealand. On iTunes, Life Support saw international success, peaking at number one in several countries.
Track listing[]
All tracks are produced by Leroy Clampitt and Madison Beer, except where noted.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Beginning" | 0:58 | |
| 2. | "Good in Goodbye" |
| 2:22 |
| 3. | "Default" |
| 1:57 |
| 4. | "Follow the White Rabbit" |
| 3:00 |
| 5. | "Effortlessly" |
| 2:49 |
| 6. | "Stay Numb and Carry On" |
| 2:44 |
| 7. | "Blue" |
| 3:50 |
| 8. | "Interlude" |
| 1:50 |
| 9. | "Homesick" |
| 3:47 |
| 10. | "Selfish" |
| 3:43 |
| 11. | "Sour Times" |
| 2:45 |
| 12. | "Boyshit" |
| 2:40 |
| 13. | "Baby" |
| 3:28 |
| 14. | "Stained Glass" |
| 3:28 |
| 15. | "Emotional Bruises" |
| 3:01 |
| 16. | "Everything Happens for a Reason" |
| 2:26 |
| 17. | "Channel Surfing / the End" |
| 1:44 |
| Total length: | 46:32 | ||
Notes[]
- "Boyshit" is stylized in all caps.
- "Homesick" contains excerpts from the adult animated sitcom, Rick and Morty, performed by Justin Roiland.[12]
- "Channel Surfing / the End" samples Beer's 2019 single "Dear Society" as well as parts of a demo version of "Stained Glass".
Personnel[]
Credits adapted from Tidal and AP Studio's Instagram.[40][43]
- Madison Beer – vocals (all tracks), backing vocals (tracks 2,12), songwriting (all tracks), production (tracks 1-11,13-17), executive production (all tracks)
- Leroy Clampitt – songwriting (1-5,7,8,10-17), production (all tracks), executive production (all tracks), bass (1-11,13,15-17), guitar (1,2,4-7,14,16), keyboards (1,2,5,8-11,13,15), programming (1,2,5,7-14,16), vocal production (1-16), drums (2,4-11,13-17), piano (3,12,17), synthesizer (3,4,7,12), strings (7), record engineering (10), electric guitar (12)
- Kinetics & One Love – songwriting (2,6,9,10,11,13,14,17)
- One Love – production (2,6,13,14), bass (2,13), drums (2,6,13), keyboards (2,13), programming (2,6,11,13), piano (11), vocal production (13), backing vocals (17)
- Elizabeth Lowell Bowland – songwriting (2,5-11,13,15,17), vocals (6), backing vocals (2,5,11,17), synthesizer (13)
- Isaiah Dominique Libeau – songwriting (2)
- Rachel Keen – songwriting (3,4), keyboards (3)
- Paul "Phamous" Shelton – songwriting (5,17), backing vocals (5)
- Jaramye Daniels – songwriting (10)
- Jake Banfield – songwriting (12)
- Pete Nappi – songwriting (12), production (12), bass (12), guitar (12), keyboards (12), programming (12)
- Upsahl – songwriting (12), backing vocals (12)
- 1993 – production (15)
- E. Kidd Bogart – songwriting (15)
- Larus "Leo" Arnarson – songwriting (15), bass (15), drums (15), keyboards (15)
- Oscar Scivier – executive production (all tracks)
- Smoke – miscellaneous production (2), programming (2)
- Bart Schoudel – vocal engineering (12), vocal production (12)
- Kinga Bacik – strings (1,16,17), cello (3,6,10)
- Chris Gehringer – mastering (all tracks)
- Mitch McCarthy – mixing (all tracks)
Design[]
- Amber Park – creative direction, design
- Amber Asaly – photography
- Isabella Pettinato Santos – assistant
Charts[]
| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums (ARIA)[44] | 36 |
| Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[45] | 39 |
| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[46] | 47 |
| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[47] | 129 |
| Canadian Albums (Billboard)[48] | 23 |
| Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[49] | 32 |
| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[50] | 85 |
| Irish Albums (OCC)[51] | 21 |
| Lithuanian Albums (AGATA)[52] | 40 |
| New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[53] | 33 |
| Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)[54] | 34 |
| Spain (PROMUSICAE)[55] | 46 |
| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[56] | 55 |
| UK Albums (OCC)[57] | 28 |
| US Billboard 200[58] | 65 |
References[]
- ^ "On The Cover – Madison Beer: "I have a voice and it deserves to be heard"". NME | Music, Film, TV, Gaming & Pop Culture News. February 26, 2021. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
- ^ Beer, Madison [@madisonbeer] (December 7, 2020). "#LIFESUPPORT #BOYSHIT" (Tweet). Retrieved December 7, 2020 – via Twitter.
- ^ @madisonbeer. "Don't Waste Your Time Or Time Will Waste You". Instagram.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Jackson, Jhoni (November 14, 2018). "All Eyes on Madison Beer". Paper. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
- ^ Nied, Mike (May 17, 2019). "Madison Beer Kickstarts Her Debut Album With "Dear Society"". Idolator. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
- ^ Kennedy, Naomi (July 31, 2019), "Madison Beer Rocks Minuscule Daisy Dukes And Tight Corset In New Photos", Inquisitr, retrieved May 9, 2020
- ^ "Madison Beer signs to Epic Records". First Access. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
- ^ @madisonbeer (January 30, 2020). "dear society isn't on the album because i had a limit on how many songs i could put on it so i figured a new one would b better ♡ but she does make an appearance on it - you'll see" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ @madisonbeer (February 12, 2020). "cover art for my debut album Life Support new single Selfish tomorrow" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ https://www.instagram.com/p/CIglm26BWLf/?igshid=n75ovxvwr6fq
- ^ "Madison Beer Says She's 'Finally Being Seen' for What She 'Values' as She Drops Album Life Support". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Jokic, Natasha. "Madison Beer Opened Up About Her Debut Album, Mental Health, And Why She Mostly Stays Off TikTok". BuzzFeed. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Spanos, Brittany (April 14, 2020). "Madison Beer: A Rising Pop Star Looks Past Her Bubblegum Roots". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
- ^ "Madison Beer: Life Support". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
- ^ "Madison Beer: Life Support". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
- ^ "Madison Beer – 'Life Support' review: gut-punch honesty". NME | Music, Film, TV, Gaming & Pop Culture News. February 26, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
- ^ Madison Beer Breaks Down Her Debut Album "Life Support" + Relationships, Album #2 & More, retrieved February 28, 2021
- ^ "Madison Beer Says She's 'Finally Being Seen' for What She 'Values' as She Drops Album Life Support". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
- ^ "Madison Beer - Good In Goodbye". Euphoria. January 31, 2020. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
- ^ Buddha, Sneaker (February 2, 2020). "'Good In Goodbye' by Madison Beer". XMPL. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "Madison Beer Drops New Break Up Track "Good in Goodbye"". Post Kulture. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Wass, Nied. "Madison Beer Speaks Her Truth On New Single "Selfish"". Idolator. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Powell, Andrew (May 5, 2020). "Madison Beer's "Stained Glass"". The Gate. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
- ^ Clarke, Patrick (April 3, 2020). "Madison Beer confronts mental health struggles on new single 'Stained Glass'". NME. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Spanos, Brittany (April 3, 2020). "Madison Beer Is Afraid of Breaking on 'Stained Glass'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
- ^ Madison Beer Breaks Down Her Debut Album "Life Support" + Relationships, Album #2 & More, retrieved February 28, 2021
- ^ "Madison Beer "Good In Goodbye"". Radiodate.it. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
- ^ Krol, Charlotte (January 31, 2020). "Madison Beer shares new "break-up song" 'Good in Goodbye'". NME. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
- ^ "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on May 9, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
- ^ "Madison Beer Releases New Single and Music Video "Selfish"". Vents. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
- ^ @madisonbeer (August 7, 2020). "BABY 8/21" (Tweet). Retrieved August 7, 2020 – via Twitter.
- ^ @madisonbeer (August 7, 2020). "music video & single 8/21