MERCY

Released in 2023 after a decade-long hiatus from new material, MERCY represents a significant sonic pivot for John Cale. While his career has always flirted with the avant-garde, this album fully embraces a modern electronic palette, moving away from the rock-oriented 'Shifty Adventures in Nookie Wood.' The recording process was lengthy, with Cale collaborating with a diverse array of younger experimental artists including Laurel Halo, Animal Collective, and Actress. This collaborative spirit infuses the album with a contemporary 'art-pop' sensibility that feels distinct from his 1970s output. Lyrically, the album is haunted by ghosts - most notably Nico on 'Moonstruck' and David Bowie on 'Night Crawling' - yet it remains firmly rooted in the present, addressing climate change and political instability. Critics, including those at Uncut and AllMusic, praised the album's 'hermetically sealed' atmosphere and Cale's ability to sound entirely relevant in his ninth decade.