The possible outcomes of a pop record are immensely variable. Depending on the artistic approach, the established relationship with the mainstream media and the distance maintained may result in a diverse range of recording sessions. Caroline Polachek’s sophomore long-play Desire, I Want To Turn Into You positions itself as far as is feasible from the conventions, executing a musical powerhouse and cements the presence of a young artist full of potential. After making her debut in 2019 with Fang, she returns to the studio in tour de force, recording an album that goes further than ever before, proving her musical prowess and the ability to draw a map of feelings. 

Polachek confidently perfumes every song with a beautiful fragrance, preparing a twelve-tracked bouquet or a garland full of emotions ready to mesmerize. Whether it enchants with its vibrant petals or gets the charm from the spines, each has unique qualities to praise and ties together perfectly. From a sleep-to-cry melody to a bang-the-disco jam, Desire, I Want To Turn Into You blankets a spectrum of feelings. The opening track, Welcome To My Island, begins with Polachek vocalizing in different pitches and reflecting a sudden shiver, a call that excites melancholically and stands out throughout the record. It is appealing and encouraging as she also mentions a tone in the lyrics like “Welcome to my island, hope you like me, you ain’t leaving” or “Welcome to my island, see the palm trees wave in the wind” that strongly ties a bond between her and the listener as if a sincere pact just formed. From now on, it is impossible to forget this crème-de-la-crème intro, one of the greatest ever witnessed.

Caroline Polachek holds her entire matter with warmth without giving an exception. She sincerely whispers to the listeners, recording the most desired kiss of life.

Polachek generously murmurs the most heartfelt vocables in tracks like Pretty in Possible and Hopedrunk Everasking, leaving crumbs on the road that stride through collectively. While Bunny Is A Rider and Billions showcase her experimental side, going as the two bangers of the record; Sunset brings some strong vocals to the table, where her voice converges into a warm summer wind, sounding like Marina of the Marina and the Diamonds. The only song that welcomes not one but two guests is Fly To You, featuring Grimes and Dido. The work these artists put together chimes as a sensational search for the meaning of love and a requiem to the aftermaths of a long-gone relationship, which is relatable to many and in almost every situation. 

All the synths used and every note put on this catalog perform the required energy successfully to evolve Desire, I Want To Turn Into You into a creative, confident piece of alternative pop. Caroline Polachek holds her entire matter with warmth without giving an exception. She sincerely whispers to the listeners, recording the most desired kiss of life.