Mac DeMarco's 'Cowboy' Album: Pretty But Labored

Mac DeMarco's new album, 'Here Comes the Cowboy,' presents a collection of often pretty, sometimes frustrating tracks. Recorded rapidly, the music nevertheless carries an air of being painstakingly crafted. This release continues DeMarco's subtle evolution, iterating on his established sound with nuanced adjustments to lyrics and melodies.

The album follows the endearing and open-hearted spirit of his previous work, 'This Old Dog.' DeMarco chose the title 'Here Comes the Cowboy' due to his fondness for 'cowboy' as a term of endearment. The music is characterized by a gentle melancholy, with notable tracks like "Nobody" and "All of Our Yesterdays."

However, the album's breeziness occasionally hinders listener engagement. Some songs, such as "Preoccupied" and "K," feel underdeveloped or lack the vibrancy of his earlier material. Tracks like "Choo Choo" are seen as potentially unserious or unfocused, missing the blend of humor and sadness found in his influences.

Compared to his earlier albums like '2' or 'Salad Days,' 'Here Comes the Cowboy' lacks distinct quirkiness or raw emotional depth. The overall impression is of an artist seemingly exhausted or in a creative holding pattern, hinting at a desire for new directions.