I'm a bit late with this review, as MIKA's seventh studio Album, Hyperlove, was released on January 23rd, 2026. I really wanted to let this album marinate before I posted my full review, especially because the vinyl and CD version differed from the streaming version. This was an interesting choice by MIKA, but the only way MIKA could truly surprise me at this point is by not surprising me.
The album also represents a new sound from MIKA, and I wanted to settle into its new sound before I made any decisions about how I felt about it. While a new sound did take some getting used to, I'm used to MIKA experimenting and pushing himself past musical boundaries, even at times when his fans, critics, and the general public might disagree with his choices. Just writing all of the songs by himself at his piano was a new move that I appreciate and that made me extra curious to hear what he had in store.
Hyperlove is really meant to be listened from beginning to end, as it includes a dreamy introductory track without a traditional song structure as well as three interludes that feature a radio-DJ styling. Now that readers know that the whole album needs to be digested as a single piece of art, I will proceed with my typical review of my absolute favorite songs and what makes them stand out.
1. "Science Fiction Lover"
"Science Fiction Lover" is one of the coolest songs I've heard lately, both from MIKA and from artists in general. I prefer the streaming version over the physical version, although both are worthy of a listen. The otherworldly beats and production style give it a dreamy quality while also adding to the futuristic vibes of the song and album as a whole. Interpolations of Tears for Fears' "Mad World" make this piece feel comfortingly familiar amid its uneasy tale of a love affair with a futuristic robot. I'm still not quite sure if MIKA thinks this love affair is good or bad, but you can bet I'll listen to it 100 times more to find out.
2. "Take Your Problems With You"
This track was written from a conversation between MIKA and his sister, which seems to have given it a emotional and authentic feel. Much like with "Science Fiction Lover," the production style adds to the song's emotions, but in a more acoustic way this time--although the atmospheric instrumentals are reminiscent of some of my favorite more futuristic Moody Blues tracks. MIKA's newfound deeper register shines here, adding a richness to the song that makes it quite special. Simply put, this track feels like a warm hug.
3. "Nicotine"
This song's sunny atmosphere and guitar strums leave the listener as serene as MIKA in his nicotine dream. However, deeper listening reveals a unique production style that's so different that I'm still questioning what's going on in the opening notes. MIKA's newish vocal style is especially earnest here, and this freshness keeps me listening again and again.
4. "Dreams"
The awesome synths and bass of this track make it feel both delightfully creepy and addictively fun at the same time. The whispering tones add to its dreaminess. The final result makes being a dreamer feel cool and remind me how amazingly adept MIKA has become at creating dance and electronic tracks.
5. "Bells"
A MIKA album wouldn't be complete without at least one euphemistic track, although MIKA makes it very clear what his bell euphemism stands for this time. This track is similar to "Nicotine," but even more uplifting and three times as rousing. It leaves me smiling even with its rather explicit message, which feels open and happy in a way that only MIKA could make it feel.
Overall, this album is unique to MIKA but unique in a way that only he could accomplish. As with his previous releases, this one makes me astonished at his ever-changing talent and excited about what will come next.
Find out more about MIKA and where to buy and stream the new album on his website.
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