9

Released in 2017, '9' serves as the debut full-length studio album from Norwegian producer Magnus August Høiberg, better known as Cashmere Cat. Following the success of his EPs 'Mirror Maru' and 'Wedding Bells,' this album represents a pivot toward a more collaborative, pop-centric sound while maintaining his signature experimental 'glitch' aesthetic. The record is notable for its high-profile guest list, including Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, and Selena Gomez, yet it avoids the pitfalls of generic pop by treating these vocalists as instruments within Høiberg's intricate digital landscapes. The production is characterized by its 'crystalline' quality - exceptionally clean high-end frequencies and sharp, percussive transients. Critically, the album was seen as a bridge between the underground 'future bass' scene and mainstream R&B, showcasing a producer who could manipulate pop tropes into avant-garde shapes. It remains a landmark for its use of vocal manipulation and its influence on the 'hyperpop' and 'sophisticated pop' movements that followed.