Kygo

Ever since he emerged as the golden boy of tropical house, Kygo has sought to squeeze bigger and bigger feelings into ever sleeker packages. That the Norwegian producer should opt for an eponymous title only now, on his fifth album, suggests that this might be the most authentic expression of his vision yet. After a scene-setting introduction, “The Feeling” kicks off the LP with an invigorating statement of purpose, wrapping New Wave synths around a yearning vocal hook. “Whatever”, featuring Ava Max, turns everyday heartbreak into a wide-screen country-pop epic and “Surrender”, featuring Fred Well, invokes the image of “hands in the sky”, anticipating the rapturous reaction of festival crowds in search of main-stage transcendence. The overarching theme is of emotions almost too overwhelming to be contained: “Can’t Do It on My Own” channels desperation into slow-motion future house, while on “Lighthouse”, Zak Abel pleads for a guiding beacon over Kygo’s wistful piano. But Kygo understands that outsized passions sometimes just need to cut loose; hence the anthemic joy of “For Life”, a heartfelt testament to the uplifting power of the right love—and the right song—at the right time.