Ethereal & Intimate: X’s by Cigarettes After Sex
Overall Rating: 8.9/10
The album X’s by Cigarettes After Sex is a mesmerizing exploration of love, longing, and intimacy, evoked by the band’s signature dreamlike soundscapes. The album conveys the complexities of romantic relationships, capturing both the euphoria and the melancholy that come with deep connection. Many tracks evoke a nostalgic yearning for lost love, while others explore the intoxicating thrill of new romance. Throughout the album, Greg Gonzalez’s velvety vocals and the band’s lush instrumentation create an atmosphere of intimacy and vulnerability. X’s is characterized by its slow-burning intensity and introspective lyrics. The songs unfold gradually, drawing the listener into a world of whispered confessions and hazy memories. The album touches on themes of desire, heartbreak, and the search for meaning in fleeting moments, all with a sense of melancholic beauty. With its ethereal soundscapes and evocative storytelling, X’s is an album that invites repeated listens, revealing new layers of emotion with each encounter. It’s a testament to the ability of Cigarettes After Sex to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Track 1: X’s 9.5/10
Classic Cigarettes After Sex. Dreamy, sexy, slow. Some would say too derivative of their previous songs but I could never get sick of their sound. Absolutely perfect first song and title track.
“Dreaming with a filthy heart
Honest with the love you give
Careless with the way you talk”
Track 2: Tejano Blue 8/10
Big fan of the imagery of this song. I also love the bridge that leads up to the chorus. Otherwise, though, nothing tooo special.
Track 3: Silver Sable 8.4/10
I love how this song changes the pace and tone a little bit. I feel like it was placed very well in the album. Greg is also so good at painting a word picture that makes you feel like literally experiencing what he’s singing about.
Track 4: Hideaway 8.7/10
This one slows it back down a bit but I love it. This song feels like strong arms wrapping around you, keeping you safe. The leadup to the chorus is long, slow, and delicious.
Track 5: Holding You, Holding Me 8.9/10
I loooveee this one. So intimate and hazy. I thought the repetition of “Holding You, Holding Me” would get old but it never did. It makes sense every time he says it. Some of the melodies are very reminiscent of some of their old songs, but I’m not mad about it.
Track 6: Dark Vacay 9.6/10
OBSESSED! Very substance-centric but unfortunately it works–very sexy and tempting. Feels like wading through deep molasses and liquor.
“So come on, come on, dark star
been lovin’ you and I can’t get enough”
Track 7: Baby Blue Movie 7.9/10
This one changes the pace and has successful imagery and storytelling. I also love the echo singing during the chorus. However, it’s one of my least favorites on the album because it’s just not memorable enough for me.
Track 8: Hot 9.6/10
Again, ob-SESSED. Immediately went into my situationship playlist. It describes that not-quite-relationship intimacy so so well. The “hot” imagery is also unmatched, so visceral and tangible.
“Is it all in my head? Cuz I keep getting scared
That I’ll always be lost forever
But I don’t give a shit / if I’m too delicate
When you hold me, it’s always better”
Track 9: Dreams From Bunker Hill 9.9/10
Easily my favorite track on the album, and also my favorite song of Cigarettes After Sex ever. The lyrics make my heart bleed and the melody causes it to cave in with pure raw emotion.
“Do you wanna make it forever?
Do you wanna be my only one?
‘Cause now I really miss the way it was
When everything was beautiful with us”
Track 10: Ambien Slide 8.3/10
I do love this one–sleepy, good beat, creative use of drugs as lyrics. However, I don’t think it’s the best choice for a last track. Personally, I think the album should have ended with Dreams From Bunker Hill. But regardless, I love every song on this album; the vibes are everything.
Also read my review of Snow Angel by Reneé Rapp!
