Sia - 1000 Forms of Fear [Album Review]

Sufficed to say, Sia's been in the music industry for longer than most, producing and co-writing many successful hits for a number of more 'mainstream' artists. Having penned Beyonce's 'Pretty Hurts', and having co-written songs with Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Eminem and many, many, more, it's fair to say Sia's fully adept at churning out those catchy tunes for popular artists. Bridging the boundaries between song-writing and actual singing, Sia's sixth studio album is aptly named 1000 Forms of Fear. Why so apt we hear you cry? Well, it is known that Sia Furler has suffered from bouts of depression, alcohol and drug addiction, and that this album is the first since her series of problems, and 1000 Forms of Fear reflects the types of addictions that can grasp you; as well as serving as a living reminder that Furler is uncomfortable with fame. The tracks, with equally poignant names, all have a story to tell and focus around a recurring theme; fear. It's quite clever that Furler has decided to take this particular path with her music and considering the challenges she has faced in the past, the latest album may end up being her most successful to date. 

The album comes from a very personal place, and that is reflected throughout the songs, with the electro-pop ballad 'Chandelier' focusing on alcohol addiction and focusing on self-destruction. The dark themes of the song fit in perfectly with the rest of the album, and Sia's vocals soar amongst the synthesizer, drums and electronic beats. Of course, many will know the track for its video, featuring the ever charismatic Maddie Ziegler, who dancing has attracted the attention of millions. 'Chandelier' was originally wrote for either Beyonce or Rihanna, but to be frank, we can't see anyone other than Sia singing her own song in such a passionate and mesmerizing way, as she does. It's one of those tracks that has everything, the addictive beat that reflects the nature of the song, and the power from Sia, with her vocals wavering and breaking at certain points; reflecting the fragility of the piece, as well as its strength. 

Elsewhere on the album, is the indie pop/electronica 'Elastic Heart', which has to be one of our favourites from 1000 Forms of Fear. Aside from being from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Soundtrack, the track encompassing the unusual, with Sia's voice taking on almost a life of its own as it is mixed perfectly and warped between the rhythmic beats. It's quite a difficult track to wrap your head round, with the words at time becoming unclear, but this obstruction makes us love it even more; Sia's tracks are always so reflective and thought-provoking, whilst at the same time being addictive pop hits in their own right. If anyone's got song-writing and singing down to a fine art, it's Sia. 

Furler teams up with Chris Braide on the memorable 'Big Girls Cry', which features some rather interesting selection of lyrics 'And I don't care if I don't look pretty/ Big Girls Cry when their hearts are breaking' (we feel like adding in a triumphant 'You go, girl'). The result of the pairing is a more vulnerable and introverted song, with Furler hitting the notes with such simplicity. If you are now scouting out for potential other favourite songs (haven't exhausted the released singles), we would suggest the moving 'Dressed in Black', where Furler sings about being saved from the desperation she felt 'Life had broken my heart, my spirit/ And then you crossed my path/ You quelled my fears you made me laugh/ And you covered my heart in your kisses'. 

The fear continues with the disturbing but rather eloquent piano-ridden 'Straight for the Knife', which tackles the idea of 'romance' gone wrong, 'You went straight for the knife, and I prepared to die/ Your blade it shines/ Looked me straight in the eye, you turned the gas on high'. Furler has that ability to hit it hard when she needs to, and that is one of the most captivating features of the album - her ability to enthral a listener with a simple track. Whilst we are a bit partial to the atmospheric 'Fire Meets Gasoline', the alternative 'Eye of the Needle', we couldn't quite get into 'Hostage' or 'Free the Animal'. 

Sia Furler is one of those rare artists who can do both of the unthinkable in a music world, filled with auto-tune and mind-numbing repetitive beats; create and write a catchy song with meaningful lyrics and sing it like no other. 1000 Forms of Fear best encompasses Furler's unique sound for the audience who may not have any idea who she is.