Album Review: anamē – Hopes & Fears
As a long-time fan of melodic house and progressive sounds, I was excited to see a promo copy of anamē’s sophomore album Hopes & Fears land in my inbox a few days early. Having followed Marcus Schössow’s career for years, I was curious to see how his collaboration with Thomas Sägstad under the name anamē would evolve in this latest release. Without hesitation, I hit play and dove into the album’s journey.
From the start, Hopes & Fears sets an atmospheric and melodic tone with “Cloudwalking,” an instrumental opener that feels like a moment of calm before the vocal-driven narratives unfold. With eleven out of the twelve tracks featuring vocalists, anamē clearly leans into collaboration, crafting an album that balances introspection with energetic highs.
One of the early standouts, “It Can Be Better Now” with Welt, grabbed me immediately with its beautiful piano intro and heartfelt vocal delivery. It’s easy to see why this was released as a single—it’s emotionally charged, perfectly paced, and has a build-up that sticks with you. It’s a track I’ll be returning to frequently.
Not every song left the same impact. “Colder” with Moyka, for instance, didn’t quite click with me. The vocal structures felt a bit forced, making it one of the less memorable moments on the album. Similarly, “Astronauts” with Lydmor had lyrics that felt a little too on-the-nose, preventing it from reaching the emotional heights of some of the stronger tracks.
But then, Hopes & Fears delivers some true gems. “Break The Silence” with Bri Zoli is an example of anamē at their best—deep, progressive, and emotionally gripping. The energy continues to build with “Seraph” featuring Biishop, a powerhouse track that finally gives the album the lift-off I was hoping for. This one will be making its way onto my personal playlist for sure.
The album’s pacing is well thought out, and its ability to shift between euphoric and melancholic is one of its strongest aspects. The emotional depth of “What About Me” brings a sense of vulnerability, particularly in the fragile yet powerful vocal performance. And closing track “Hopeful” provides a fitting sendoff—optimistic, light, and reflective.
Overall, Hopes & Fears is a solid album that showcases anamē’s signature melodic sound while exploring themes of personal struggle and resilience. Some tracks shine brighter than others, and while the lyrics don’t always leave a lasting impression, the production quality and vocal performances make up for it. The radio edits I listened to were already strong, and I’m looking forward to diving into the extended versions when the full release drops.
For fans of melodic house, this album offers some great moments, even if not every track is a standout. Personal favorites? It Can Be Better Now and Seraph—both capturing the essence of anamē’s best work. With an overall rating based on my listening experience, Hopes & Fears earns a 4/5. Definitely worth a listen!
Hope & Fears is out now on Anjunabeats. Listen on Spotify:
