Coming out May 3, 2011, on Dovecote Records, True Loves builds on Hooray for Earth's acclaimed debut EP, Momo, and captures both the personal and universal anxieties that have such a footing in contemporary times. Lead single "True Loves" thumps along neck-snapping drums, awash with blips and synths, surprising breakdowns and Heroux's soaringly languid vocals. Pitchfork has already compared the track favorably to artists like MGMT, Yeasayer and Passion Pit, while saying that "all the right elements are in place...[it] floats along and pounds forward at the same time, and one way or another it wants to carry you along with it." Meanwhile, Stereogum labeled the band one of "CMJ's heroes," taking particular note of Hooray for Earth's "nimble but unpretentious guitars" and "sense of progressive psychedelics and percussive progressions." The sound that has indie-culture's gatekeepers fawning is one that springs directly from Heroux's imagination into a climactic reality.
"I don't write music with an instrument, I usually just get an idea of what the whole song sounds like in my head, kind of like an earworm that stays with you after listening to the radio. My task is to recreate what's stuck in my head in actual audible form, as quickly as possible," he says. "I wish I could just plug a cord into my head...I think that's why the music tends to be a little dense, because I think of all these things at once."
Heroux wrote, recorded, and produced about 90% of the new album, with bassist Christopher Principe and guitarist/live synthist Gary Benacquista peppering parts in a few sessions, and drummer Joseph Ciampini adding two days of rooftop drum tracking. Mixed by Chris Coady (Beach House, Blonde Redhead, Delorean, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio), the album might as well be a direct link to the exciting mind of Heroux. Hooray for Earth's progression is apparent everywhere on the record and boasts exciting things for a band that has already appeared onstage with Mission of Burma, Holy Fuck, Surfer Blood, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Oh No Ono, and many more. Recorded over five weeks in New York, it's at once specific to the summer of 2010 and transcendent of time itself. Once again, a happy set of extremes.
"Most of the [recording] process is just me getting lost and trying to get things done. I feel like I'm on autopilot sometimes. I'll finish a song and wonder, 'When did that happen?' I don't spend a lot of time stressing about what instruments to use or what's missing, I just kind of let it be."
Same
Hooray For Earth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
arrive on time
a blurry effect
soothed states in waning worlds
use that weight
say its your own
I'm not agreeing with or hearing everything that you say
there are a million better things we could be doing today
all free roads on the walk are maybe going to change
won't be sure
not at all
how are we all the same
step and skip
a trail of dust is upset
we're direct on course
don't break it yet
I feel our trouble are near the end
and if I'm wrong I'll take the blame
I hear a million stronger people saying the same
I won't ever say I'll never be afraid
all free roads on the walk are maybe gonna change
won't be sure
not at all
how are we all the same
The lyrics of Hooray for Earth's song "Same" seem to describe a sense of shared experience within a changing, uncertain world. The first verse suggests that some truths or "true signs" might be difficult to discern or fully comprehend, as they may appear "blurred" or "soothed" by our personal biases and perceptions. The singer of the song seems to remain skeptical of others' claims, stating that they do not agree with or fully listen to everything that is said to them. Rather, they seem to be searching for their own path, one that leads them away from the mundane and towards a higher purpose: "there are a million better things we could be doing today".
The second verse suggests that despite the singer's attempts at individuality, they share some common ground with others. The phrase "how are we all the same" is repeated twice, underscoring this point. The lyrics also suggest that change is imminent and unpredictable, that "all free roads on the walk are maybe going to change". Nevertheless, there seems to be some sense of optimism, that perhaps things are moving towards resolution for the better: "I feel our troubles are near the end".
Overall, the song seems to be an anthem for individuality within the context of the wider world. It speaks to a sense of skepticism and a desire to forge one's own path, while at the same time acknowledging that we are all connected and unified by common experience. The lyrics suggest that despite the uncertainties of life, there is still hope for a better tomorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
true signs appear in a set
There are definite indications that can be observed together
arrive on time
Be punctual
a blurry effect
Unclear or vague outcome
soothed states in waning worlds
Finding calm in declining situations
use that weight
Make use of the influence or importance one has
say its your own
Claim authorship or ownership of something
I'm not agreeing with or hearing everything that you say
I do not fully endorse or comprehend all that you express
there are a million better things we could be doing today
There are many more productive or worthwhile activities we could engage in
warm eyes have come and gone your way
Friendly looks have been directed towards you before
all free roads on the walk are maybe going to change
The unrestricted paths we walk may perhaps undergo alterations
won't be sure
Unsure of what will occur
not at all
Not even slightly or remotely possible
how are we all the same
In what ways are we identical or alike?
step and skip
Move with a combination of small and large strides
a trail of dust is upset
A path of debris and disturbance is created behind us
we're direct on course
We are proceeding towards our intended direction without deviation
don't break it yet
Do not interrupt or disturb it at this moment
I feel our trouble are near the end
I believe our difficulties are coming to their conclusion
and if I'm wrong I'll take the blame
If my prediction is incorrect, I am willing to accept responsibility
I hear a million stronger people saying the same
I am aware of numerous individuals with greater fortitude expressing similar sentiments
I won't ever say I'll never be afraid
I will not make an absolute assertion that I will never experience fear
Contributed by Alice V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Anna Laura
This is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, this band is precious and talented but currently undervalued. Soon everyone will realize how many beautiful things grows around them. So we'll be happier.
buhalaster
i love this band, every week i'm obsessed with another song of theirs :)
Michael
buhalaster come back hooray for earth!
samtronda
this is one of the best songs around right now, totally infectious, a new anthem that takes you into the stratosphere. it's like having this explosion inside your head, but you get to live through it again and again. just wanna skip and dance and smile forever.
OgreTheGreenGuy
Very good track and listen the album too !!!
Rodrigo Alonso
wonderful song.. great!!!
Jorge Rodcal
No me gusta, me encanta!!!
enya bb
love the dissonance in this song
Meaghan Elliott
This song makes me unbelievably happy.
sincoset
Fabuloso himno.