Blood Orange - Cupid Deluxe

Released in 2013, Cupid Deluxe is Devonté Hynes’ second full-length release under the Blood Orange moniker. Marking a shift from the guitar-focused post-punk of his debut to a more expansive aural palette, the album is a lush "kitchen-sink-funk" exploration of 80s R&B, synth-pop, and blue-eyed soul. Inspired by Hynes' own transition from Brooklyn to Manhattan, the record captures the "unstable" beauty of city life, moving through late-night Soho grooves and the neon glow of the Bowery.

The album is a masterclass in collaboration, featuring an array of voices that broaden Hynes’ vision of queer love and urban community. Standout duets include the "feather-light" "Chamakay" with Caroline Polachek (Chairlift) and the disco-inflected "You're Not Good Enough" with Samantha Urbani. The record further benefits from the diverse talents of David Longstreth (Dirty Projectors), Skepta, Clams Casino, and Adam Bainbridge (Kindness), all while retaining the impeccable pop sensibilities Hynes has honed since his earlier days in Test Icicles and Lightspeed Champion.

This vinyl release from Domino Recording Co. is presented as a Double LP, ensuring the dynamic production—mixed by the legendary Jimmy Douglass—is captured with maximum clarity. The packaging features a striking front cover photograph by Bill Butterworth, taken in 1980s Times Square, and includes a full-color insert with additional photography by Hynes himself.