"Nine Types of Light" is the fourth studio album by American rock band TV on the Radio. Released on April 12, 2011, the album is a testament to the band's maturing sound. It gained widespread acclaim upon its release and was named "Universal Acclaim" by Metacritic. The entire album can also be experienced as an hour-long film that visualizes each song separately.
The album consists of 10 tracks, including notable songs like "Second Song", "Will Do", "Keep Your Heart", and more. A notable aspect of this album is the impressive blending of various genres like indie rock, art rock, experimental rock, creating a unique and engaging sound. The band's lead singer Tunde Adebimpe said, "It’s less about things being immediate and more a mellow record".
Interesting to note is "Nine Types of Light" marks the last album featuring their bassist, Gerard Smith, who sadly passed away from lung cancer nine days after the album's release. His contribution to this album made it an essential piece in TV on the Radio’s discography.
The album art was created by band member David Sitek and the artist Julian Gross. The art might seem a bit abstract but it reflects the band's experimental nature. The band chose the "Eye" symbol on the cover which created a deep connection with the listeners who followed the band throughout the years.
The album was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Recording Package. Despite its length and musical themes, it was both commercially and critically successful, leaving a significant mark in the indie music scene.
