Ghosteen

"Ghosteen," the seventeenth studio album by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, is a profound and introspective double album that marks the culmination of a trilogy begun with "Push the Sky Away" (2013) and continued with "Skeleton Tree" (2016). Released on October 3, 2019, this album is a testament to the band's enduring artistry and Nick Cave's unparalleled storytelling.

The album, released on the band's own label Ghosteen Ltd., features eleven tracks that span a total of 68 minutes. Recorded across various studios in Malibu, Los Angeles, Brighton, and Berlin, "Ghosteen" showcases the band's ability to blend atmospheric soundscapes with deeply personal lyrics. The album is a migrating spirit, a collection of ruminations, fairy stories, and misremembered dreams that explore themes of grief, loss, and slow recovery.

"Ghosteen" is noted for its stark and haunting beauty, with many critics and fans alike praising it as some of the most beautiful songs ever recorded by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. The album's themes are both poetic and oblique, delving into the nature of reality and the blurred lines between what is real and what is not. Tracks like "Bright Horses" and "Ghosteen Speaks" are particularly haunting, while "Fireflies" and "Hollywood" offer moments of levity and reflection.

The album's release was somewhat unexpected, announced just a week before its debut in response to a fan's query on Nick Cave's "The Red Hand Files" website. This spontaneity adds to the album's mystique, making it a unique entry in the band's discography. "Ghosteen" is a bold exploration of grief and recovery, showcasing Nick Cave's ability to find hope and solace in the face of profound loss. The album is a testament to the band's enduring creativity and Nick Cave's unparalleled ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners.