Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall have found the perfect blend of EDM and pop, to make some of the most infectious chart topping singles in pop music. ‘So Far So Good‘ is the fourth studio album by production duo the Chainsmokers. It was released on May 13, 2022. Unlike the duo previous projects, this album doesn’t feature any artists, but includes production credits from Ian Kirkpatrick and Ethan Snoreck, and writing credits from Chris Martin, Emily Warren, Faheem Najm and Akon. The album debuted at no. 1 on Billboard Top Dance/Electronic albums chart.
Previously the Chainsmokers instrumentals combined into songs that sound massive enough to dominate pop radio, but in So Far So Good we get a more subtle sound from the duo that were certainly not used to. Let me tell you though it’s not necessarily a bad thing, because the groups new found fabric more than pays off.
The creation process for So Far So Good began after the Chainsmokers’ 2019 tour, with the duo recording vlogs of them making the album and the process. The project was made under vastly different circumstances than much of their past work. Whereas the duo often built albums while on the road, releasing one track at a time between tour stops, at the end of 2019 they announced they were going on an extended hiatus to give themselves time to focus on just recording music. The creation process for So Far So Good began in Hawaii, a few weeks after their tour ended. Taggart and Pall rented a house with the electronic producer Whethan, Ian Kirkpatrick and Emily Warren to work on the album. Work continued during writing retreats in Joshua Tree, New York and London. On May 17, 2022, the Chainsmokers distributed 5,000 NFTs that give rights to streaming royalties from So Far So Good.
‘Riptide’ is a great example of the dynamic range of this album, and sets up listeners with high anticipation to carry their journey through the rest of the record. ‘Cyanide’ is another example of how ‘So Far So Good’ leans more towards a pop record rather than their usual “club” albums, and this is their first album where their tracks might feel out of place at one of their Vegas residencies.
The Chainsmokers put in a valiant effort for their fourth album, reminding fans that they can find success without the big-time collaborations. Being one of the biggest groups on the planet no doubt comes with a lot of pressure to deliver, to please old fans, and bring in new ones and of course, continue to challenge themselves as songwriters while remaining true to who they are. On ‘So Far So Good’, it sounds as if The Chainsmokers decision to take two years off working on this album has fully paid off.
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
