Shake the Spirit is the second studio album by American singer Elle King, released on October 19, 2018 by RCA Records. It was recorded in Denton, Texas.
Commercially, Shake the Spirit peaked at No. 9 on the US Top Rock Albums (Billboard) and No. 6 on the US Top Alternative Albums (Billboard).
Upon the album's release it received critical acclaim from music critics. Many stated since King's global success with "Ex's and Oh's" it proves that she has much more to offer, stating it is infused with "divorce, self-doubt, medicinal drinking, and PTSD," all of which King suffered in her personal life after being in the spotlight.
Music Variety described Shake the Spirit as "confessional rock and roll". Billboard said it is "a cathartic, rough-edged diary entry of a project that couldn't be more personal".
Critical reception
Chris Willman of Variety called the album "a first-rate second album that deals frankly with a rough year or two the singer has had since "Ex's and Oh's" took her big-time. It's infused with divorce, self-doubt, medicinal drinking, PTSD and, well, more divorce." Eric R. Danton of Paste said the album "plays like a kind of musical revue, with nods at muscular rock, old-school spy movie songs, vintage soul, '60s girl groups and tunes that blend elements of all four", but that they do not "hang together as a group, which gives Shake the Spirit a scattershot feel. It's an Elle King album, to be sure—her voice is what stitches these songs together, though what is probably supposed to be evidence of her range often feels like she's trying on musical costumes. The result is a lack of cohesion that turns Shake the Spirit into a series of genre exercises."
Track listing
Personnel Adapted credits from the liner notes of Shake the Spirit.
Vocals Lead vocals – Elle King, Cameron Neal Background vocals – Denton Choir, Paul DeVincenzo, Jesse Gibbon, Joey McClellan, Cameron Neal, Cherish Robinson, Dave Scalia Gang vocals – Tim Pagnotta, Brian Phillips
Instruments
Alto, Tenor, Flute and Clarinet – David Monsch Bari Sax – Mike Morisson Bass – Paul DeVincenzo, Elle King, Greg Kurstin, Brian Phillips, Paul Unger Cellos – Shawna Hamilton, Buffi Jacobs Drums and percussion – Elliott Jacobson, Elle King, Greg Kurstin, Dave Scalia Guitars – Elle King, Greg Kurstin, Rebecca Lovell, Joey McClellan, Cameron Neal, Tim Pagnotta Keyboards – Jesse Gibbon, Brian Phillips Lap Steel – Elle King, Megan Lovell Trombone – David J. Piere Violins – Catherine Price Allain, Anne Bonnett, Arthur Busby, Ordabek Duissen, Steven Li, Amy Faires Lin, Swang Lin (Concertmaster), Florence Wang
Production
A&R – Keith Naftaly Engineering – Julian Burg, Paul DeVincenzo, Greg Kurstin, Alex Pasco, Brian Phillips Mastering – Ryan Smith, Stephen Marcussen ("Baby Outlaw") Mixing – Neal Avron, Michael H. Brauer, Tony Hoffer, Dave Rowland, Mark "Spike" Stent Mixing assistant – Micheal Freeman, Scott Skrzynski, Steve Vealey Producer – Elle King, Greg Kurstin, Tim Pagnotta, Matt Pence
Imagery Art director – Meghan Foley Creative producer – Tyler Morgan Hair – Marwa Basihr Makeup – Michelle Clark Photography – Dennis Leupold Stylists – Dani + Emma
Charts Chart (2018) Peak position
References