Ten Days (album)


Ten Days is the fourth studio album from British producer Fred Gibson under the stage name Fred Again. It was released on 6 September 2024 through Atlantic Records, and features guest appearances by Obongjayar, Jozzy, Jim Legxacy, Sampha, Soak, Anderson.Paak, Chika, Duskus, Four Tet, Skrillex, Emmylou Harris, Joy Anonymous, the Japanese House and Scott Hardkiss. Ten Days received nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.

Background

On 18 July 2024, the producer announced that he had just finished the album. Gibson explained the idea behind the album title to be "ten songs about ten days". He further reminisced about the experiences he made over the previous year, saying that the most memorable moments stem from "very small quiet intimate moments". The album will be released on vinyl on 25 October. It includes the singles "Adore U", "Ten" and "Places to Be".

Critical reception

Jem Aswad's review for Variety states that "while much of the music here will sound familiar to fans, Gibson is morphing it into new shapes throughout the album." Writing for NME, Rhian Daly states that the album "excels on two fronts – when Fred and his collaborators dig up a more interesting take on the influence of love, and when the producer turns his sights to the dancefloor." Michaelangelo Matos' review for Rolling Stone states that the album's "glittery, affectless quality that can feel like a lack of commitment, even as you note the sheer amount going on during a given track." In his review for The Guardian, Alexis Petridis writes: "a kind of vague all-purpose wistfulness – a signifier of depth, rather than the definite article – hangs over virtually everything here." Vicky Jessop of Evening Standard, writes the album is "some of the most heartfelt stuff that Fred again.. has ever put out, but it’s also some of the least catchy." Clash's Harvey Marwood concludes his review stating that the album "explores the contours of the dancefloor whilst never forgoing its gushy, human centre." Writing for Dork, Martyn Young described the album as "immaculately crafted with his ear for a hook sharper than ever." Resident Advisor's Shaad D'Souza called the album "another uncomplicated, largely forgettable LP that feels trapped in a nostalgia loop." Writing for The Line of Best Fit, Hayley Milross wrote that the album "has a brand new way of being vulnerable, one that sways between euphoric highs and more introspective realisations." Reviewing the album for AllMusic, Paul Simpson described it as, "Short, numbered interludes, often drunken singalongs or muddled messages, alternate between proper songs, letting intimate moments set the stage for radio-friendly anthems."

Personnel

Musicians
Technical