It’s been seven years since David Byrne released his last solo album, American Utopia. So much has happened since then that it’s easy to forget the album initially received mixed reviews. Critics praised its ambitious, experimental approach—songs built on rhythms by Brian Eno were passed to various producers for reworking, with Byrne assembling the final product. As part of his larger multimedia project Reasons to Be Cheerful, the album aimed to foster positivity, but some felt this came across as naive, especially during the early days of Trump’s presidency. Reviews ranged from respectful nods to Byrne’s long career to frustration over the lack of female contributors.
Mixed reactions have been typical for Byrne’s work since his Talking Heads days. He’s taken an eclectic path—exploring Latin American music, opera, and trip-hop, collaborating with dance producers and St Vincent—but none of his projects have matched the acclaim or commercial success of his former band. Then something unexpected happened: the American Utopia live shows, which used innovative technology and choreography to reinvent the rock concert, earned rave reviews. What began as a theater tour grew to fill arenas, leading to a Broadway production, two live albums (one titled after a critic’s claim that it was “The Best Live Show of All Time”), and a film directed by Spike Lee.
Now, with Who Is the Sky?, Byrne’s standing is higher than it has been in 35 years. This album moves away from the patchwork style of American Utopia for a more focused collaboration, recorded with Brooklyn’s 12-piece Ghost Train Orchestra and Harry Styles’ producer Kid Harpoon. But its purpose remains much the same: bright, optimistic music. To that end, it draws from mariachi-style brass (“What Is the Reason for It?”), sweeping 1940s Hollywood strings (“A Door Called No”), rhythms blending Cuban clave and George Michael’s “Faith” (“Don’t Be Like That”), and a quirky, vocoder-heavy take on the lush soul of Byrne’s former collaborator Thom Bell (“I’m an Outsider”).
Given how relentlessly grim 2025 has been—making 2018 seem like a sunny paradise—it’s easy to see why Byrne believes the world needs positivity, and Who Is the Sky? often sounds fantastic. The arrangements are superb, especially when driven by the deep thump of double bass. Many songs are melodically strong, like the joyous climax of “Everybody Laughs,” with Byrne and St Vincent’s voices soaring over marimba, or the key shifts in the closing track, “The Truth.” “When We Are Singing” blends an oddly Oasis-like guitar line with a funky rhythm effectively, though it’s debatable whether Byrne’s improvised, cat-like vocals were strictly necessary.
Those meowing vocals highlight the album’s main weakness: its tendency toward jokey lyrics. This works when the jokes land, as in “Moisturizing Thing,” about an anti-aging cream that works so well it turns the user into a toddler, or when there’s a deeper undercurrent, like the isolated shut-in singing to his apartment in “My Apartment Is My Friend,” or the baffled character in “She Explains Things to Me,” which hints at Byrne’s self-diagnosed autism.Newsletter Promotion
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Other tracks, like “I Met the Buddha at a Downtown Party” or “The Avant Garde,” come across as awkward and slightly irritating, as if someone is trying too hard to lighten the mood. Similarly, the optimistic tone can feel too neat and overly cheerful without any hint of darkness. For example, “The Truth” could be heard as either a celebration of love or a recognition that truth itself feels more flexible in a world full of misinformation: “The truth cannot hurt me, I know what I know.”
At least “When We Are Singing” acknowledges the grim reality – “we’ve got one foot in the pearly gates and one foot in the flames” – while praising music’s power to transport us.
It’s hard not to have mixed feelings about “Who Is the Sky?”: it feels like more of the same. But it might be worth keeping American Utopia in mind. Byrne has hinted that his upcoming tour will combine “visual art, storytelling, and music into one compelling live performance.” Given how his last album was elevated from good to great on stage, that sounds intriguing – a reason to be cautiously optimistic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About David Byrnes Who Is the Sky Review by Alexis Petridis
1 Who is David Byrne
David Byrne is a musician and artist best known as the lead singer and cofounder of the band Talking Heads Hes known for his innovative and eclectic style in music and performance
2 What is Who Is the Sky
Who Is the Sky is a new album by David Byrne reviewed by Alexis Petridis as album of the week Its a collection of songs showcasing Byrnes unique musical approach
3 Who is Alexis Petridis
Alexis Petridis is a wellknown music critic and journalist currently the head rock and pop critic for The Guardian His reviews are respected in the music industry
4 Why was this album chosen as album of the week
Petridis selected it due to its creativity originality and standout qualities compared to other releases that week highlighting its artistic merit and impact
5 What style or genre is this album
The album blends elements of art rock world music and experimental sounds typical of David Byrnes diverse and genredefying work
6 Is this album good for someone new to David Byrnes music
Yes its a great introduction as it captures his signature style though fans of his earlier work with Talking Heads might also appreciate the evolution in his sound
7 What are the standout tracks on the album according to the review
While specifics may vary Petridis likely highlights tracks that are innovative lyrically sharp or musically adventurouscheck the full review for exact recommendations
8 How does this album compare to David Byrnes previous work
It continues his trend of exploring new sounds and themes possibly more experimental or reflective building on his legacy without simply repeating past successes
9 Where can I listen to or buy Who Is the Sky
The album is available on major streaming platforms like Spotify Apple Music and for purchase on digital stores such as iTunes or Bandcamp as well as in physical formats
10 Are there any common criticisms of the album mentioned in the review
Petridis might note if some parts feel less cohesive or too avantgarde for general listeners but overall the review is
