The genre of pop is truly a fascinating aspect of music. Featuring catchy songs and pleasurable arrangements, pop can have completely different meanings for certain people. Some of the greatest pop out there is gorgeous and alluring, offering a wonderland of sound that can delight the listener. Abrasive elements can be found in pop as well, as elegant rhythms can turn into challenging attempts with truckloads of dissonance. Despite the various directions that pop music can go in, its core is centered around tunefulness. Pop can be an instantly rewarding adventure for someone to dive into, and it stresses the joy that music can have. So much can be found from the genre, and one album that shows the possibilities of pop is XTC's 'Skylarking'.

'Skylarking' gave a new dimension to pop music when it was released in 1986. XTC graces the listener's ears with bright songs that have a wonderful bliss to them. 'Skylarking' emanates with a cheeriness that livens up its sound, and much of the album is akin to sunshine raining down on a spring day. XTC integrates psychedelic elements into 'Skylarking' as well, and the album applies vivid touches to its luminous mood. 'Skylarking' mixes the fantastical with the marvelous, and it shows how great pop music can be.

The vocals and lyrics are striking, as well. XTC greets their songs with whimsical vocals that possess a sense of confidence to them. The drawn out singing croons their audience's eardrums effortlessly, and the sumptuous harmonies burst with color. The lyrics are full of humor and intelligence, as they blend descriptive imagery with realistic sensibilities. 'Skylarking' brings a thoughtful element to pop music through its humble aspirations, and desperation finds its way into the stories that XTC weaves. 'Skylarking' gives an amusing atmosphere to its vocals and lyrics, and the pleasing sound gives way to genuine doubt.

XTC also bring out the merriment in pop. 'Skylarking' expresses the exuberance of the genre, as it has exciting structures and lavish melodies. XTC shimmers wherever they go, and they infuse the genre with genuine surprise. From the idyllic relaxation of "Grass" to the contemplative "Dying", XTC goes through a number of stylistic changes in 'Skylarking'. The experimentation is poised and carefully detailed, and XTC demonstrates the unpredictability of pop. 'Skylarking' is a diverse affair that remains fun and subversive.

Overall, 'Skylarking' is a great demonstration of what pop can do. The album has upbeat arrangements that are outstanding in the wonder that they inspire, and the psychedelic portions bring an off-kilter vibe to the album. The enjoyable vocals brim with assurance, and astute lyrics juxtapose reality and fear. XTC also brings experimentation to the table, as they can entertain and incorporate surprises into the genre. 'Skylarking' is a wonderful addition to XTC's discography, and it's an excursion into the best aspects of pop music.