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Grief, healing, and self-growth aren’t just themes on Pflames’ latest album, 'The Joy Algorithm,' they’re the foundation of its existence. With genres ranging from jazz and soul to contemporary hip-hop and R&B, the album creates an emotional arc that mirrors the highs and lows of experiences lived by Pflames. Across 19 tracks, Pflames takes us on a journey through heartbreak, anxiety, reflection, and, ultimately, hope.
Each track functions as a step in the healing process. From confronting pain to questioning existence, and then ultimately arriving at a place of renewed hope. The inclusion of Dr. Morrison, who acts as a fictional therapist's voice in interludes throughout the album, sets the stage for each chapter. From the opening 'Dr. Morrison: Good Morning' to the closing 'Dr. Morrison: Same Time Next Week,' the structure makes it feel like an open-ended conversation about mental health and resilience.
'Tears Go Here (feat. Damien Q)' delivers some of the album’s most gut-wrenching lyrics. Backed by a deep, thumping bass drum and layered instrumentation, it captures the weight of loss and emotional chaos. The production plays with space which rises and falls, echoing the push and pull of loss.
Then arrives 'High Anxiety,' a standout moment where his battle with mental health is laid bare. Pflames wrestles with self-doubt, addiction, and the fear of vulnerability, all while navigating a beat that feels like a ticking time bomb.
'What If (feat. Raetulo)' taps into the universal feeling of wondering about different paths one could’ve taken. It’s a reminder that we all have our what-ifs, but dwelling on them won’t change a thing until we decide to change something.
Then comes 'More Heartbreaks (feat. Mike Notes)', an unexpected shift in tone. Pflames delivers a message of perseverance, urging listeners to not let heartbreaks define them. It’s the kind of track that urges listeners that even amid loss, there’s still a reason to keep going.
'Pop’s Blue Caddy' provides a moment of lightness, bringing playful energy into the mix. The jazzy elements mirror the unpredictability of life, sometimes smooth, sometimes chaotic, but always worth the ride.
And then there’s 'Finally Free (feat. Grace Anthony), an anthem for the winners. Pflames embraces his growth, acknowledging that every struggle, every low moment, has led to this newfound sense of freedom. It’s a full-circle moment and a sign that even when joy feels out of reach, it’s still worth reaching for.
Then, just like that, 'Dr. Morrison: Same Time Next Week' closes things out, tying it all together. The closing track leaves things open-ended, much like therapy itself. There’s no grand resolution, no neatly tied-up ending, just the understanding that healing is an ongoing process.
'The Joy Algorithm' isn’t about pretending pain doesn’t exist. It’s about confronting it, learning from it, and ultimately choosing to move forward. Pflames has birthed this album for those who've had to pick themselves up after a loss, anyone who’s wrestled with anxiety, and anyone searching for that one reason to keep going.
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