Dev Hynes has been on the scene for many years and his first release with the dance-punk band, Test Icicles, in 2005 sounds quite different than Blood Orange in 2013. Devont̩ Hynes, aka Blood Orange, has cultivated a distinct style and is now an established musical genius.

I have meditated on Cupid Deluxe for about two weeks and each time I play a song, I pick up on new instruments and layers. The overall tone of the album maintains the Blood Orange ’80s feel, but adds a disco and funk perspective. Cupid Deluxe proves Hynes‰’ ability to incorporate multiple styles in one cogent album. I did not know what to expect when I read that he collaborated with David Longstreth of Dirty Projectors, Clams Casino, Skepta, Despot, Caroline Polachek of Chairlift and Samantha Urbani of Friends for Cupid Deluxe. And when I first listened to the album, I thought Hynes was trying to do too much. After a few listens, I realized he successfully integrated his heartfelt vocals with an array of artists and genres.

Cupid Deluxe resembles a collection of short stories. Each song represents a different narrative and series of events. “Uncle Ace‰” opens with a guitar solo followed by disco-esque synthesizer, and later, a saxophone slides onto the track. It is a song that includes abstract sentiments: “Unholy trip to God, my sweet and careful friends, waiting for April‰’s men,‰” followed by conversation “Does this feel easy? ‰Cause it‰’s all you get from me.‰” Hynes delves deep into his psyche and uses different storytellers to convey his message. Recurring themes on Cupid Deluxe include issues with stress, feelings of inadequacy, drug use, love, loneliness and money problems.

The mÌ©lange of voices diversifies Blood Orange‰’s usual synth-y rock sound. “High Street‰” is a fantastic collaboration between North London-based rapper Skepta and Blood Orange. Skepta‰’s lyrics focus on mediating daily struggles with a desire for fame and success. “High Street‰” is a real departure from Hynes‰’ lovesick anthems. “Clipped On‰” is the other rap-oriented song and it features the Queens-bred artist, Despot. Hynes smoothly combines jazzy guitar riffs, 80s synthesizer beats with rhymes on both tracks. He takes risks on Cupid Deluxe and stands apart from the traditional indie bubble.

Funk and soul oozes from the vocals and backing sounds on tracks like “It is What it is‰” and “On The Line.” I wrote about “Chamakay‰” in a previous piece and it still impresses me. There is not a weak moment on the album and Hynes navigates new musical territory with ease.

If you are partial to honest, brave music, check out Cupid Deluxe.