Album Review // Iggy Pop // Every Loser

Atlantic Records

With Every Loser the godfather of punk presents an album that feels like a career retrospective, while still managing to sound fresh. Throughout the years, Iggy Pop has collaborated with several unique producers who have left a distinctive imprint on his work. Albums made with David Bowie (The Idiot, Lust For Life), James Williamson (Kill City, New Values), Josh Homme (Post Pop Depression), and Chris Stein (Zombie Birdhouse) all sound like they could be a part of those artists' own catalogs. Similarly, his 19th release Every Loser bears the signature of producer Andrew Watt. Watt was inspired by the Bowie years on the track "The News For Andy" and the Williamson era inspired the recording of "Modern Day Rip-Off." However, it's tracks like "Strung Out Johnny" and "Comments" that sound fresh and in Watt's modern rock style.  Along for the ride on this album are a roster of musicians led by Watt: Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Travis Barker (Blink 182), Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Duff McKagan (Guns N Roses), Eric Avery (Jane's Addiction), and Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam). Even with all these big names attached, Iggy Pop still brings the same ferocious, anti-authoritarian lyrics that he always has, delivered with sincerity so he can still hold the reins as a punk icon.