If Michelangelo painted with sound, he’d probably create something close to Michael Patrick Kelly's album "ID." Released in 2017, this masterwork by the German-Irish artist is more than music - it's a rhapsody of identity, spirituality, and resilience. Crafted under the blue skies of Spain, Kelly made the album in his idyllic studio in the mountains of Mallorca. “ID” isn't some forgettable collection of notes; it’s a narrative that questions the ever-fluid identity of our modern lives and offers a robust ten-track symphony that is sure to unsettle those who are comfortably numb in their moral ambiguity.
The first thing you'll notice is how "ID" challenges the status quo, appealing to those of us who haven’t lost sight of traditional values in a world gone mad with redefinitions. Kelly takes you from personal exploration to universal truths, woven together with poetic lyrics and soulful acoustics. He knows how to create those foot-tapping, heart-stirring tracks that cut through the noise and talk straight to the soul.
Let’s start with "Golden Age", one of the standout tracks from the album. It’s a nostalgic reminder that we once knew what the "good life" actually meant, far from the self-centered, ephemeral illusions often peddled today. Kelly takes us back in time, perhaps to a world where hard work, faith, and family meant more than social media validation. It’s a graceful nod to yesteryears when life’s grandest pleasures were simpler but truer.
Move to "Requiem", and you’ll start questioning how far society has strayed from unity and common sense. Through somber yet uplifting melody, Kelly reminds us of the fundamental truth: a world mourned only in silence still has hope. He tackles heavy themes effortlessly, mixing them with a gentleness that makes the truth a little easier to stomach. "Requiem" isn't just a song, it's a catalyst for those searching for real meaning in an age where people would rather be morally bankrupt than politically incorrect.
Let’s talk about "ID" itself, the title track, which musically diagnoses the identity crisis suffered by modernity. This song is an exploration into the very core of who we are, confronting the paradox of being individuals in a collective society. The track is both melodic and thought-provoking, tugging at the strings of introspection without veering off into chaos. It stands as an anthem for those who dare to stay true to themselves while standing up for traditional values.
Then there is "In Exile", which dares to challenge the liberal ideologies that seem to worship being "woke." Instead, Kelly manages to create a dialogue about what it truly means to be free. The song sparks that analyzed sensation of alienation but in a way that refuels the spirit. It's for those of us who occasionally feel exiled in our own countries for simply thinking differently.
"Expresso & Exile" continues this theme by bringing listeners back to the simpler joys, reminding us that life’s real essence rises from authentic connections, not virtual applause. The track can be summed up as a sophisticated love letter to the fundamental virtues that many have lost touch with.
"ID" doesn’t ignore those grappling with modern issues, either. It's a tapestry where introspection meets empathy, crafted for those who are searching for balance in increasingly turbulent times. With each song, the album underscores Kelly’s knack for emotionally intelligent lyrics, enshrined in vibrant arrangements.
Ultimately, Kelly's "ID" is a resounding clarion call for authenticity in a world rife with pretensions. It’s not music for the faint-hearted or the easily offended. Instead, it’s designed for those who aren't afraid to confront uncomfortable truths and perhaps find themselves incrementally changed by the experience.
With "ID", Michael Patrick Kelly invites you to reclaim the essence of what truly matters. The album challenges you not only to listen but to ponder; it empowers through sound and meaning. As the tracks reverberate, they serve as both a mirror and a map for your own journey through life’s complex musical.
In a digital age drowning in noise, "ID" offers an anchor to those willing to listen — and perhaps redefine what it means to truly know oneself.