Daft Punk’s 2023 release of “Random Access Memories” drumless edition is just awkward. PERIOD! I grew up with the original version released in 2013, where nearly every single song was backed up by an ongoing beat. But in this particular case, there were none. And that’s what’s weird about it. And please, allow me to go further into context here. We’re used to hearing a drum beat that’s being backed by a song, trying to grasp you towards the groove of the music. And without it, there could be a chance that you’re either lost, or feeling a sort of awkwardness. As for me, I didn’t feel any of those, because as odd as the music got, surprisingly it was great! At the beginning, even before listening to the record, my expectations for this record were that it was going to be bland, and boring. As a society, we are used to Daft Punk creating a sort of mesmerizing drum beat, backing nearly each, and every song, which makes them go above and beyond our expectations. And I’ll be honest here, I’m the type of music aficionado where I’ll know that a great beat is being dropped. It’s the backbone behind every song. And without one, well there are chances that I won’t really enjoy it, and probably will be bored out of my mind until the next song comes up. Most of the time we hear it within jazz music where the majority of the time, if there is no drum beat, then either it would be backed by a melody being plucked on a double bass, or the musician is backing it themselves. But to me, this was a great record, because even without a backbeat, you still got the impression that it’s there, and surprisingly some of the songs didn’t even need one, just the melody was more than enough to get you into their vibe.

“Random Access Memories” drumless edition’s songs are a copy and paste from the original version, just without a back beat. The record kicks off with “Give Life Back to Music,” where you’ve got this grandiose beginning, where it’s giving you the impression that something wild is about to drop. But then segways into Nile Rodgers guitar lick, and both robots singing over and over again “Let the music in tonight Just turn on the music Let the music of your life Give life back to music.” Interesting, and surprisingly great! “Within” immediately impressed me, because the beginning of the song started off with a simple piano melody, that’s a mix between pop, and classical music. But then the melody kicks in, where one of the robots is singing to the melody. It struck me not only behind the production, but the lyrics reflecting on the idea behind being lost as a person. And what struck me was how it’s even better than the original version. Just this taught me this lesson. Music does not always need a backbeat, just within its simplicity can leave you with an unexpecting, yet surprisignly great impression.