Music — Consumed

2010 · Mark Ronson

Record Collection finds Ronson stepping out from behind his producer's curtain to craft a cohesive album of original material. The record walks a tightrope between reverent throwback and forward-thinking pop, pulling from Motown, new wave, and yacht rock without ever feeling like pastiche. Lead single "Bang Bang Bang" with MNDR hits immediately with its driving bassline and urgent vocal delivery, while deeper cuts like "Somebody to Love Me" featuring Boy George show Ronson's ability to recontextualize classic sounds.

The production is meticulous without being precious. Ronson layers live instrumentation with programmed beats, creating a warmth that's rare in electronic-leaning pop records. D'Angelo's appearance on "Glass Mountain Trust" anchors the album's more introspective moments, his vocals floating over Ronson's characteristically tight arrangements.

What makes this record work is Ronson's understanding of song structure and his willingness to let hooks breathe. There's restraint here that's often missing from producer-driven albums. He knows when to pull back, when to let a sample ride, when to cut to silence. It's an album that rewards repeated listening, revealing new details in the arrangements while maintaining immediate accessibility on the surface level.