"Free" is the eighteenth studio album by American rock singer Iggy Pop, released on September 6, 2019, by Caroline International and Loma Vista Recordings. The album features contributions from guitarist Noveller and trumpeter Leron Thomas. The title track was released alongside the album announcement. Additionally, a music video for the album's second single, "James Bond," was released on August 14, 2019. The album continues Iggy Pop's exploration of new sounds and collaborations, blending his rock roots with fresh influences.
Iggy Pop's album Free reflects a period of personal and artistic transition for the singer, capturing the exhaustion and introspection following his post-tour life. Describing the album as "uniquely somber and contemplative," Pop noted that after the tour for Post Pop Depression, he felt "drained" and sought freedom from the confines of rock instrumentation. This desire led to the creation of Free, which he views as a project where other artists, such as Noveller and Leron Thomas, have a significant voice alongside his own.
Pop first encountered Noveller and Leron Thomas through his BBC Radio 6 Music show, where he admired their work and eventually invited them to collaborate. Noveller had even opened for him during the Post Pop Depression tour. Pop's engagement with Thomas's music and his appreciation for Lipstate's work led to a blending of their influences into Free.
The album includes "We Are the People," which features lyrics by Lou Reed written in 1970 but published posthumously in 2018. Pop found the lyrics to resonate strongly with him, feeling they captured the essence of contemporary issues.
Another notable track is "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night," which is a reading of Dylan Thomas's poem. Originally recorded for an advertising campaign, Pop later reappreciated the poem and decided to include it on the album, with Noveller and Thomas providing improvised accompaniment. This track highlights Pop's interest in exploring different musical and poetic forms beyond traditional rock.
