In Flight (Barenaked Ladies album)

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In Flight
Studio album by
Barenaked Ladies
Released15 September 2023
RecordedMarch–May 2023
StudioNoble Street Studios
Vespa Studios
GenrePop rock
Length50:22
LabelRaisin' Records
ProducerEric Ratz
Barenaked Ladies chronology
Detour de Force
(2021) 		In Flight
(2023)
Singles from In Flight
  1. "Lovin' Life"
    Released: June 23, 2023
  2. "Too Old"
    Released: July 21, 2023
  3. "One Night"
    Released: August 18, 2023
  4. "What Do We Need?"
    Released: September 15, 2023

In Flight is the fourteenth studio album by Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies, released on 15 September 2023, through Raisin' Records.[1] Produced by Grammy and Juno Award winner Eric Ratz, the album was recorded between March and May 2023 at Noble Street Studios in Toronto. It features a blend of the band's signature wit and introspective themes, reflecting on personal growth and the passage of time.[2]

Background and recording

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Following their 2021 release Detour de Force, Barenaked Ladies sought to create an album that encapsulated their experiences and maturity as a band. Recording sessions took place at Noble Street Studios in Toronto, with the band aiming to produce a cohesive album that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners.[1]

Composition and themes

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In Flight encompasses a variety of musical styles, including folk-pop, alternative rock, and acoustic ballads.[3] The album delves into themes such as the passage of time, self-reflection, and the complexities of human relationships. Tracks like "Lovin' Life" and "One Night" showcase the band's upbeat and playful side, while songs like "Waning Moon" and "Too Old" offer more contemplative perspectives.[4]

Release and promotion

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The album was released in multiple formats, including CD, vinyl, cassette, and digital download.[1] A deluxe edition featuring additional tracks was made available on streaming platforms. To promote In Flight, Barenaked Ladies announced a UK tour for April 2024, followed by a North American tour spanning from May to November 2024, with support from Toad the Wet Sprocket.[1]

Critical reception

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In Flight received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Some praised the album's return to the band's earlier sound and its lyrical depth, while others felt it lacked the energy of previous releases. Sputnikmusic noted that the album "represents a nostalgic trip back, forgoing the band's alt-rock commercial peak for the band's alt-acoustic roots."[5] However, Audiophix criticized certain tracks for being "plodding" and lacking charisma.[6]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by Ed Robertson, except where noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Lovin' Life"
3:34
2."One Night"
  • Ed Robertson
  • Kevin Griffin
3:17
3."Enough Time"Kevin Hearn3:03
4."What Do We Need?" 3:03
5."Just Wait"
3:38
6."Waning Moon" 3:47
7."Fifty for a While" 3:11
8."Too Old" 3:00
9."See the Tower"Kevin Hearn3:33
10."Wake Up"
3:15
11."Clearly Lost" 3:06
12."The Dream Hotel"Kevin Hearn4:38
13."I Am Asking You To"
4:40
14."The Peace Lady"Kevin Hearn4:37
Total length:50:22

The vinyl edition includes two bonus tracks: "Hard to Do" and "Make Yourself Uncomfortable".[4]

Personnel

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Credits for In Flight adapted from liner notes.

Barenaked Ladies

  • Ed Robertson – lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, bass on "Wake Up", drums on "Enough Time" and "The Dream Hotel", claps and snaps
  • Jim Creeggan – bass guitar, double bass, ukulele, violin pizzicato, claps, backing vocals, lead vocals on "Just Wait" and "Wake Up"
  • Kevin Hearn – pianos, keyboards, continuum, organ, accordion, electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, melodica, loops, claps and snaps, backing vocals, lead vocals on "Enough Time", "See the Tower", "The Dream Hotel", and "The Peace Lady"
  • Tyler Stewart – drums, percussion, timpani, bongos, claps and snaps, backing vocals

Additional Musicians

  • Kendal Carson - fiddle, violin
  • Tom Moffett - trumpet
  • Ernesto Barahoma - trombone
  • Marc Hickox - claps
  • Kate & Pippa Boothman - claps and snaps
  • Eric Ratz - drum programming
  • Lyle Herbert-Robertson - backing vocals on "The Peace Lady"
  • Hannah You - backing vocals on "Enough Time"

Production

  • Eric Ratz - producer, mixing
  • Kenny Luong - engineering
  • Zachariah Pepe - assistant engineering
  • Jasper Terpstra - assistant engineering
  • Ted Jensen - mastering
  • Matt Barnes - photography
  • Doug Erb - package design

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "In Flight Out Now". Barenaked Ladies. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  2. ^ "Barenaked Ladies Bring Joy To Upcoming Album 'In Flight'". Wildfire Music. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  3. ^ "In Flight – Barenaked Ladies". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  4. ^ a b "In Flight by Barenaked Ladies". Apple Music. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  5. ^ "In Flight Review". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  6. ^ "Barenaked Ladies 'In Flight' review". Audiophix. Retrieved 30 April 2025.