Album Review: Asia Argento by Asia Argento (2008)
Released in 2008 under the Italian label Antibemusic S.R.L., Asia Argento is an audacious, genre-defying album that feels like a fever dream of pop, electronic, and rock influences. With styles ranging from chanson to trip-hop, indie rock to techno, it’s clear this isn’t your average music project—it’s deeply personal, raw, and unapologetically experimental. And who better to steer such a chaotic yet cohesive ship than Asia Argento herself? Not only did she compile the tracks, but she also handled the artwork and illustrations, making this a true labor of love.
The album sprawls across 40+ tracks, which might sound overwhelming at first glance. But trust me, once you dive in, it starts to feel more like flipping through a scrapbook of someone’s wildest artistic impulses. Two tracks, though, stood out enough to stick with me long after the playlist ended: “Kill Myself” and “Hot On The Heels Of Love (Carl Craig Re-version).”
“Kill Myself” hits hard right outta the gate. It’s moody, brooding, and dripping with emotional weight. The lyrics are stark and confessional, almost uncomfortably so, while the production blends bluesy guitar riffs with haunting synths. There’s something about the way Argento delivers her lines—half-sung, half-whispered—that makes you feel like you’re eavesdropping on a private moment. You can tell she means every word, and that sincerity cuts deep.
On the flip side, “Hot On The Heels Of Love (Carl Craig Re-version)” is where things get groovy. Carl Craig’s remix injects the original track with pulsating beats and hypnotic rhythms, transforming it into a dark dancefloor anthem. This one lingers because it’s impossible not to move to—it’s sexy, edgy, and kinda sinister all at once. If you’ve ever wanted to strut down a dimly lit alleyway feeling mysterious AF, this is your jam.
What strikes me most about Asia Argento is how fearless it feels. Sure, some tracks don’t land as well as others, and yeah, there’s probably too much going on for casual listeners. But honestly? That’s what makes it so compelling. It’s messy, ambitious, and refuses to fit neatly into any box—and honestly, isn’t that kind of refreshing?
As I wrapped up my second listen, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the sheer audacity of including both a cover of “Across The Universe” AND a track called “Fried My Little Brains.” Like…what even IS this album? A chaotic masterpiece? An avant-garde mixtape? Whatever it is, it’s unforgettable.
Final thought: If David Lynch and Björk had a musical baby, it might sound something like this. Or maybe not. Who knows. All I know is, I need to lie down now.
