Coming on 10 years since its release, ILYHB might be a contender for one of the best love records of all time.
FJM has since made an effort to fully commit to the bit—something that’s defined his works ever since. This was the first time he devoted a full record to a concept, as 2012’s Fear Fun sounded more like the first contact, whilst this is where the FJM project grew wings.
The record is just brimming with passion as FJM tells these stories of falling in love, being in love, and being overwhelmed at the love he's in. From the swooning title track that kicks the record off, to the 808 bliss of True Affection, and the sentimentality of When You're Smiling and Astride Me, it's all here with complete romance.
The dynamic reminds me of the Björk records Vespertine and Vulnicura—two intensely emotional and passionate records that show the complete arc of love in an absolutely heartbreaking contrast. But regardless of the relationship being null, the record still stands as a sweeping and grand statement of devotion. It swings for the fences and fully commits to the bit in such a lush and sentimental way.
The record remains in our rotation 10 years on, and it's still so passionate and loving that we can't see ourselves putting it down for a long time.
I Love You, Honeybear is available in the Store now.