Richard Russell, the visionary behind XL Recordings, has long been celebrated for his collaborative project, Everything Is Recorded. This endeavor brings together a diverse array of artists to create genre-defying music. On February 28, 2025, Everything Is Recorded is set to release its third studio album, Temporary, via XL Recordings. A standout track from this album is "Never Felt Better," featuring the powerful vocals of Florence Welch and the soulful tones of Sampha.
"Never Felt Better" serves as a testament to Russell's ability to blend distinct musical styles into a cohesive and emotive piece. The song is described as a "transcendent and hymnal piece of music," showcasing the unique vocal interplay between Welch and Sampha. Their combined voices create a spine-tingling effect, allowing the song to subtly unspool and envelop the listener in its depth and warmth. citeturn0search7
The accompanying music video, directed by Kristian Mercado and Mela Murder, complements the song's ethereal quality. The visual narrative enhances the track's themes, providing a rich, immersive experience that resonates with the audience. citeturn0search4
Temporary marks a significant evolution in Russell's musical approach. While his previous work prioritized rhythm over melody and lyrics, this album flips that formula, allowing melodic elements to take center stage. Created over four years (2020-2024), primarily at Russell's West London Copper House studio, with additional sessions spanning from Tottenham to Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the album explores themes of grief and loss through "luminous, serene compositions." This results in what is described as "perhaps one of the gentlest albums ever written about death." citeturn0search0
The album features an impressive roster of collaborators, including Bill Callahan, Noah Cyrus, Maddy Prior, Berwyn, Alabaster DePlume, Jah Wobble, Yazz Ahmed, Laura Groves, Kamasi Washington, Rickey Washington, Roses Gabor, Jack Peñate, Samantha Morton, Clari Freeman-Taylor, and Nourished By Time. This diverse lineup contributes to the album's rich tapestry of sounds and themes. citeturn0search5
Florence Welch, known for her work with Florence + The Machine, brings her signature ethereal and powerful vocal style to "Never Felt Better." Her collaboration with Everything Is Recorded adds a new dimension to her artistic repertoire, showcasing her versatility and willingness to explore new musical landscapes.
Sampha, a British singer-songwriter and musician, is renowned for his soulful voice and emotive performances. His contribution to "Never Felt Better" adds depth and resonance, complementing Welch's vocals and enhancing the track's emotional impact.
Richard Russell's Everything Is Recorded project continues to push the boundaries of collaborative music-making. With "Never Felt Better" and the forthcoming album Temporary, Russell demonstrates his commitment to creating innovative and emotionally resonant music that brings together artists from diverse backgrounds to explore universal themes.
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