theMIND ‘Dancing While Crying in the Middle of Nowhere’ Review
August, 2024
“And this is theMIND’s superpower— his ability to seamlessly blend the avant-garde with simplicity and sweetness. In an industry that finds so many artists toeing the line between critical acclaim and commercial success, theMIND stands out as someone who is as palatable as he is original.”
Recently, I had the pleasure of reviewing theMIND’s new album, Dancing While Crying In The Middle Of Nowhere. theMIND originally made a name for himself in Chicago, where he has established himself as a central figure in the city’s burgeoning musical renaissance. Alongside his fellow All-Stars Chance The Rapper, Mick Jenkins, Saba, and Noname, theMIND has helped transform Classick Studios into a mecca of modern music. Classick, a recording studio on Chicago Ave, is the site and source of some of the best albums of the last decade—Dancing While Crying In The Middle Of Nowhere is no exception. theMIND’s new album is just the latest in a long catalog of timeless records.
From the opening track, "POINT MEMO," it’s clear that theMIND approached this album with a fresh vision for himself and his music. While much of his music is accentuated by distorted vocal effects and murky, ethereal production, "POINT MEMO" starts the album off with a more focused feel. theMIND’s vocals really shine on the intro, and as he harmonizes with Daisi’s seductive vocals, you can almost feel yourself floating back in time, enraptured by young, innocent summer love.
The intro transitions to "MAD HONEY," an infectiously sweet song with a hook that is bound to rattle around in your head for the rest of the day. The way the vocals are layered is beautiful, and the various riffs and harmonies that fade in and out add such a dynamic, fun feel to the record. It’s rare to find a song with so much heart and artistry that feels like it’s destined to be on Billboard’s Hot 100.
This is theMIND’s superpower—his ability to seamlessly blend the avant-garde with simplicity and sweetness. In an industry where many artists toe the line between critical acclaim and commercial success, theMIND stands out as someone who is as palatable as he is original. Any A&R working with today’s alt-R&B acts who isn’t seeking out theMIND’s talents and contributions is engaging in blatant malpractice. In just 18 minutes, theMIND touches on so many different landscapes of sound and emotion, and while some moments may seem familiar (see: Frank Ocean, Don Toliver, Smino, or SZA), the project remains spectacularly unique.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the album’s emotional climax, "CINDY’S SHOE." I’ve spent so much time with this song over the past week, and the more I revisit the project, the more this song feels like the glue that holds it all together. I could spend lifetimes in the tender, heartfelt melodies of this track. The longing in theMIND’s voice left me haunted by a love that I’d forgotten I’d lost.
Dancing While Crying In The Middle Of Nowhere is an incredible addition to an already impressive resume. While theMIND may not be on your radar with the same frequency as his fellow Chicago superstars, let this album change that. If you love music, if you love love, you’ll love this album as much as I do.