“Recreational Love:” the quintessential indie pop album of the 2010s

“The Bird and the Bee’s” fourth studio album delivers subtle flare.

Julia Mogen, Co Arts & Culture editor|March 3, 2016

Following the release of their 2015 album “Recreational Love,” “The Bird and the Bee,” which features artists and couple Inara George and Greg Kurstin, toured across the U.S. including The Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Or. The mix of upbeat sound, honest lyrics and George’s nonchalant essence made “Recreational Love” one of the most ideal pop albums of the last year.

Photo Via: thebirdandthebee.com

Following the release of their 2015 album “Recreational Love,” “The Bird and the Bee,” which features artists and couple Inara George and Greg Kurstin, toured across the U.S. including The Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Or. The mix of upbeat sound, honest lyrics and George’s nonchalant essence made “Recreational Love” one of the most ideal pop albums of the last year.

Sure, the last five years have gifted us with albums from masters of pop like Justin Timberlake and Adele, as well as indie newcomers like Lorde and the band “Haim,” but it’s time a different kind of charming dance album shined on the pop charts. With its vibrant sound and lyrical charm, “Recreational Love” by “The Bird and the Bee” is a pop record to remember.     

While the band has performed on various late night shows and have songs featured in films and television, the indie-pop duo, and couple, Inara George and Greg Kurstin, deserve more praise for their cute and crisp take on upbeat love songs.

The fact that the couple met in the music world and have created over 30 songs together takes the adorableness of their albums through the roof.

Their single for “Recreational Love,” “Will You Dance?” is obviously the most dance inducing hit, but other songs like “Doctor” and “Young and Dumb” feature the happiest choruses all while giving off a laid-back vibe that travels through the whole album.

It’s no wonder “The Bird and Bee” released “Recreational Love” in the summer of 2015, because there is no better time to listen to it than when you’re hanging out at the beach or driving with the windows down.   

The modern whimsicality that radiates from the album is thanks to George’s pretty and strong tone on top of subtle layering of synthetic sounds. The beats behind George’s vocals aren’t anything foreign to pop, but each song feels so contemporary that the overall delivery of “Recreational Love” is shiny and new.