Here Lies Love (LP)

David Byrne’s Here Lies Love, released in February 2010 on Nonesuch, is an audacious and genre-defying exploration of art rock and art pop. Clocking in at 90 minutes, the album is a sprawling, immersive experience that blends Byrne’s signature quirky lyricism with a rich tapestry of collaborations featuring an eclectic roster of vocalists.

From the hauntingly poetic Here Lies Love (with Florence Welch) to the playful, rebellious energy of Eleven Days (with Cyndi Lauper), each track showcases Byrne’s knack for storytelling and genre-bending innovation. The album’s lush arrangements and unexpected pairings—such as Tori Amos’ ethereal presence on You’ll Be Taken Care Of and Sia’s soaring vocals on Never So Big—create a dynamic listening experience that feels both intimate and expansive.

Standout tracks like The Rose of Tacloban (with Martha Wainwright) and Dancing Together (with Sharon Jones) highlight the album’s emotional depth and rhythmic vitality, while deeper cuts like Order 1081 (with Natalie Merchant) and Solano Avenue (with Nicole Atkins) reveal Byrne’s versatility and wit. Whether it’s the raw power of Róisín Murphy on Don’t You Agree or the tender melancholy of Steve Earle on A Perfect Hand, the album thrives on contrast and surprise.

Here Lies Love is a testament to Byrne’s ability to craft an album that feels like a living, breathing entity—one that evolves with each listen and refuses to be pinned down. It’s a celebration of collaboration, experimentation, and the sheer joy of musical exploration.