“What the fuck do you want?” If that isn’t the best way to start a concept album about love and growing into yourself, I don’t know what is. Madi Diaz takes a subject that literally millions of songs have been devoted to, and makes it all sound so fresh. We all love the intoxication of being in love, but we tend to forget about that part of the relationship where you’re worried about getting hurt.
Diaz flips those expectations throughout the album, describing that initially flush of first love as a “suicide pact.” By the time we get to the point where the couple moves in together, Diaz describes someone who is curious about past relationships that failed, and anticipating how it might be if this one does, too. And then, of course, there’s the crushing fear of being known, as in “Get to Know Me”
Everybody’s got their shit, no one here is exempt
I read somewhere familiarity breeds contempt
No I’m not scared to show that side but I’m afraid you’ll run and hide
If we really get down to it
As Diaz guides us through Weird Faith, we’re treated to that magical transformation where one does learn to open up and take the plunge. “Kiss The Wall” is easily one of the best love songs of all time. Like a good country song, the narrative takes us from beginning to end in three versus, a chorus, and a bridge, but Diaz’s sparse language and healthy skepticism makes that tale seem brand new:
We’ll make 50 good years and then we’ll both die
The kids will have kids of their own down the line
No one will ever even know we were alive
Except for the garden
I love this place, I love waiting in line
Nothing is a waste of time
Nothing is a waste of time
I love this place I love waiting in line
Nothing is a waste of time
The song proves Diaz’s central thesis: love is a weird faith all its own. You’ll get hurt time and time again, but you’re willing to expose yourself to that pain — just in case, maybe this time, you’ll avoid it. As Douglas Adams write, the art of flying is throwing yourself at the ground and missing. That’s the faith we all need, and practice every day.
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