Kim Deal has always been a master of understated alt-rock charisma, but make no mistake: she knows how to go big when the moment calls for it. After all, the indie-rock classic she wrote as bassist of the Pixies is titled “Gigantic.” And when she broke out with the Breeders, her signature hit, “Cannonball,” wasn’t just a splash—it was a full-throttle dive into alt-rock immortality. Now, on Nobody Loves You More—her first true solo album since she became an indie icon in 1986—Deal takes her penchant for unexpected moves to dazzling new heights.
Right from the start, the album signals this isn’t business as usual. Ninety seconds into the opening track, a triumphant brass section erupts, transforming her signature slack-rock aesthetic into something altogether grander, bolder, and entirely thrilling. It’s a moment of baroque-pop majesty that feels both surprising and inevitable, as if Deal has been quietly hiding this theatrical streak for decades, waiting for the perfect time to reveal it.
Throughout Nobody Loves You More, Deal showcases her knack for reinvention while staying true to the elements that made her a legend. Her voice, always warm and slightly world-weary, threads through lush string arrangements and soaring melodies, giving even the most expansive tracks a grounding, human touch. It’s an album that dares to expand the indie-rock rulebook she helped write, balancing the grit of her earlier work with a newfound sense of grandeur.
This isn’t just an evolution—it’s a revelation. Deal embraces risk at every turn, whether by layering her songs with orchestral flourishes or pushing her songwriting into deeply personal and introspective territory. The result is a record that’s as playful as it is profound, as bold as it is beautiful. With Nobody Loves You More, Kim Deal proves that even after nearly four decades, she’s still capable of making music that feels as vital and electrifying as ever.