The Dare – What’s Wrong With New York?: Album Review

By Micha Thompson on 11th September 2024 • ( Leave a comment )

The Dare releases his flawless debut studio album What’s Wrong With New York? and fans are going crazy. Here’s why…

Release Date: 6th September 2024

Label: Polydor Records / Republic Records

Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital

WHAT’S WRONG WITH NEW YORK?

Harrison Patrick Smith, better known as The Dare has released his debut studio album following the previous The Sex EP. Smith rightfully gained even more popularity this summer, when working with Charli XCX and Billie Eilish and producing their remix of Guess. What’s Wrong With New York? has been labelled by many as an ‘indie sleaze renaissance’ album and features vivid synths and nostalgic drums.

Open Up is an energetic and chaotic opener. The ro c k sound blends into a more pop sound when it moves to the chorus however, with the backing vocals accompanying the guitars seamlessly. A great opener to the album which really sets the tone for the rest of the record.

The album then moves on to the third track and the third single of the album; Perfume. As the title suggests, the song is about perfume. The lyrics may seem meaningless but they are fun and light hearted and match the vibe of the song perfectly.

GIRLS

The first single from the album was Girls. Released back in August of 2022 and The Dare’s break-through hit. A tune Charli XCX herself praised to “go off at parties.” The beat is catchy and would definitely be amazing live. The track also has an LCD Soundsystem flavour due to the groovy synths and a consistent beat.

To conclude the album, You Can Never Go Home is still upbeat yet still slow paced enough to symbolise closure.

So don’t look back tonight
Tonight is all we know
Leave everything behind
Cause’ you can never go home

Overall, What’s Wrong With New York? is a catchy album which explores different genres while still being authentic to The Dare’s true sound.

The Dare will be embarking on a North America tour later this month and hopefully will come back and perform in The UK soon.

Listen to You’re Invited from What’s Wrong With New York? below.