On October 5th, 1993, Hope Sandoval and David Robacks band Mazzy Star released their sophomore album: So Tonight That I Might See. They captured listeners with their mesmerizing vocals and beautifully dreamy instrumentals, accompanied by timeless themes of love, longing, heartache, and introspection.
The album immediately opens with a smash hit that only has grown in popularity recently: Fade Into You. After the first chord rings out from David Robacks peaceful and soft acoustic guitar the listener is immediately transported to a dreamy, ethereal world. Hope Sandoval’s vocals enter the track, haunting yet beautiful, instilling a deep sense of longing and establishing the tone for the rest of the album. Fade Into You dances with the theme falling in love and being entirely consumed by it. Sandoval’s lyrics explore the pain that comes with unrequited love and complete infatuation – to the point where you “fade into” them. Her voice invokes a deep melancholic feeling that only makes these themes more powerful.
As the album continues, the musical chemistry between the duo becomes undeniable. Sandoval’s hypnotic voice lulls in and out of Roback’s delicate strumming and pensive, almost sorrowful tone. The combination results in a beautiful blend of dream pop and folk that is truly timeless.
Further in the album, tracks like Bells Ring and Wasted continue to capture the essence of heartache and a desperate search for connection, which contrast tracks like Blue Light and Mary of Silence which focus on a deep introspection. Part of what has made this album so popular for so long is its vulnerability and almost frightening emotional depth. Anyone who listens to it the whole way through will see parts of themself in every track on the album. Its ability to convey such complex and human emotions through just one guitar and one vocal track, sometimes accompanied by a slow, waltz-like percussion section is a testament to the artistry of Mazzy Star.
Another part of what makes So Tonight That I Might See so timeless is the unique blend of genres that it draws upon to create its sound. Upon a first listen the inspiration from dream pop and folk are clear, and after a second or third listen the listener may find the psychedelic rock or blues influences. Particularly Five String Serenade and Into Dust capture these inspirations. Five String Serenade’s hollow guitar and soft tambourine capture a folk-esque sound, while still being distinct.
David Robacks guitar is a standout element of the album, perfectly capturing and blending the vast genres of influence, turning them into his own unique sound. This eclectic blend is another part of what keeps this album alive after so many years. The interplay between his guitar and Sandoval’s vocals create a sonic landscape that somehow soothes and haunts the listener at the same time.
To commemorate the milestone of 30 years, Mazzy Star have decided to release a limited-edition vinyl reissue of the album, accompanied by bonus tracks and a remastered mix. This rerelease gives both longtime fans and new listeners a chance to experience this album in a new light.
