The one hundred seventy-first album: #171 Scott Walker - Scott 4
While, at mentioned when I discussed Scott 2, he previously covered the likes of Jacques Brel songs as well as his own songs, on his fifth solo album he recorded only songs he wrote himself. They're the same type of chansons (or related), with the baroque production of the previous album applying here. However, as the songs were written for it, they blend even better - big sounds that support the erudite vocals, with Scott Walker's deep voice forming a base line for the track.
While there is some similarity in the speed and feel of most of these songs, it's mixed up in Hero Of the War, which feel far more upbeat and surprises at the change of pace. It helps to make a more aggressive statement as well, but also serves as an introduction to that side's more powerful songs. It doesn't keep up the pace, but it's a gradual fall.
The album is a fairly big production, but it hides it by blending it and keeping a few elements to the front rather than overwhelming it. It's a lovely album and the type of singer songwriter album that I hope I'll keep hearing as other, louder genres rise to the front.