Stereophonics | ||
| Allmusic Biography : A bright new noise in U.K. alternative rock in the 90s and into the new millennium, Stereophonics were comprised of vocalist/guitarist Kelly Jones, bassist Richard Jones, guitarist Adam Zindani, and drummer Jamie Morrison. They were formed in Cwmaman, South Wales, originally as the teenage cover band Tragic Love Company and with the late Stuart Cable on drums. Early reviews cited the Manic Street Preachers as their most obvious influence, and their initial batch of singles struggled to disabuse cynics of this notion. Yet in Jones, Stereophonics possessed an able writer as well as a singer of some distinction, a fact that was only truly acknowledged following the release of their debut LP. One of the first bands on Richard Bransons new V2 label, they were signed by chief executive Jeremy Pearce in August 1996 before the label was officially up and running. They made their debut in November with "Looks Like Chaplin" b/w "More Life in a Tramps Vest," which later became a single in its own right. They entered the charts for the first time with "Local Boy in the Photograph" and didnt look back. Each of their subsequent singles sold progressively better, culminating in a U.K. Top Ten placing for their debut album, Word Gets Around, and Top 20 honors for "Traffic." The latters resigned themes provided the perfect platform for Jones plaintive vocals. A reissue of "Local Boy in the Photograph" also made the Top 20, in the same week as they received a Brit Award for Best New Group. As a singles band, they seem overburdened with riches -- "The Bartender and the Thief" duly became a British radio staple through the closing months of 1998, followed the next year by the full-length Performance and Cocktails. The bands third studio effort, Just Enough Education to Perform, was initially slated to go by the abbreviated J.E.E.P.; however, Daimler-Chrysler objected to the plan and claimed ownership of the actual word Jeep. In September 2003, Stereophonics returned with their most honest material to date on You Gotta Go There to Come Back. Not even a month after the long-players domestic release, the band announced the departure of founding member Cable. Frontman Jones said Cable had had issues committing himself to the band ever since Just Enough Education to Perform. Stereophonics planned to carry on as a duo while ex-Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman sat in on drums for several tour dates. Language. Sex. Violence. Other? appeared in 2005. It also marked the debut of drummer Javier Weyler. The bands first live album, Live from Dakota, arrived in spring 2006. After an extensive tour, including performances in Moscow and Latvia, the group returned to the U.K. and released three formats of the single "It Means Nothing" two weeks before Pull the Pin hit store shelves in mid-October 2007. The compilation Decade in the Sun: The Best of Stereophonics arrived in 2008, followed by the all-new Keep Calm and Carry On in 2009. Following a supporting tour for Keep Calm and Carry On, the group once again changed drummers, swapping Weyler for Jamie Morrison. This new lineup was unveiled on 2013s Graffiti on the Train, an album that featured the hit single "Indian Summer." Graffiti on the Train was certified platinum -- the previous two albums only went gold -- thanks in part to "Indian Summer" and the title track. Two years later came Keep the Village Alive. Stereophonics returned in the summer of 2017 with their tenth studio effort, Scream Above the Sounds. The record was released in time to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Word Gets Around. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 13 Title: Word Gets Around Released: 1997-08-25 Tracks: 16 Duration: 57:10 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 A Thousand Trees (03:02) 2 Looks Like Chaplin (02:32) 3 More Life in a Tramps Vest (02:21) 4 Local Boy in the Photograph (03:22) 5 Traffic (04:54) 6 Not Up to You (04:37) 7 Check My Eyelids for Holes (02:43) 8 Same Size Feet (03:59) 9 Last of the Big Time Drinkers (02:45) 10 Goldfish Bowl (03:02) 11 Too Many Sandwiches (05:03) 12 Billy Davey’s Daughter (03:50) 1 More Life in a Tramps Vest (02:33) 2 A Thousand Trees (03:15) 3 Traffic (05:37) 4 Local Boy in the Photograph (03:32) |
| Word Gets Around : Allmusic album Review : In the late 90s, a rash of Welsh rock bands emerged, among them Catatonia, Super Furry Animals, 60 Ft. Dolls, and the Stereophonics. On the surface, the Stereophonics gritty rock & roll seems relatively uninspired, but upon close listen Word Gets Around proves to be a very accomplished debut. Vocalist/guitarist Kelly Jones vocals are raw and rip the songs apart, as his loud, arena-ready guitar assault gives every track a gritty edge. Jones lyrics are also of note; highly poetic and meaningful, he writes about the underbelly of a small town. The anthemic opener, the outrageously catchy "A Thousand Trees," details how a respected high school athletic coach ruined his career through a lurid sexual encounter with a female student, and the quick, jagged "More Life in a Tramps Vest" displays the view of the world through the eyes of a supermarket bag boy. Word Gets Around isnt all about hard rockers, though; the hit "Traffic" is a beautifully constructed ballad that works marvelously when a juxtaposition is made between the music and Jones rough vocal styling. While Word Gets Around occasionally suffers from blandness, it is a remarkably accomplished debut LP. | ||
 | Album: 2 of 13 Title: Performance and Cocktails Released: 1999-03-08 Tracks: 13 Duration: 50:56 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Roll Up and Shine (03:58) 2 The Bartender and the Thief (02:54) 3 Hurry Up and Wait (04:40) 4 Pick a Part That’s New (03:33) 5 Just Looking (04:14) 6 Half the Lies You Tell Ain’t True (02:55) 7 I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio (03:50) 8 T-Shirt Sun Tan (04:04) 9 Is Yesterday, Tomorrow, Today? (04:02) 10 A Minute Longer (03:46) 11 She Takes Her Clothes Off (03:55) 12 Plastic California (04:30) 13 I Stopped to Fill My Car Up (04:29) |
| Performance and Cocktails : Allmusic album Review : In December 1998, the Stereophonics released the single "The Bartender and the Thief," which became an unexpected explosion on the charts, peaking at number three in the U.K. In March 1999, the bands sophomore effort, Performance and Cocktails, was released to impressive sales -- it was reportedly outselling Blurs 13 when that album was released. A second single, "Just Looking," also peaked within the U.K. Top Ten, making the first half of 1999 a very unexpectedly busy time for the Stereophonics. Never a favorite to become a hugely successful Brit-pop band, their noisy, raw hard rock came into favor after the more produced and calculated sound of Brit-pop had become passe. Unfortunately, however, this disc isnt quite as consistent as the debut. Part of the reason why Word Gets Around was so appealing is that there was a sense of urgency that, on this release, seems to have disappeared. There are more ballads than before, and some of the rockers dont burn with the intensity that they did on the last album. This doesnt make Performance and Cocktails a bad album, though; fans will be very pleased that the Stereophonics have released another slab of indie-flavored hard rock. Some highlights include "T Shirt Sun Tan," the acoustic "She Takes Her Clothes Off," and the poppy "Pick a Part Thats New." (Japanese versions of this album include three live tracks, but the quality is mediocre and the performances are unspectacular, making this version of the release for hardcore fans only.) | ||
 | Album: 3 of 13 Title: Just Enough Education to Perform Released: 2001-04-09 Tracks: 12 Duration: 55:40 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Vegas Two Times (04:29) 2 Lying in the Sun (04:31) 3 Mr Writer (05:19) 4 Step on My Old Size Nines (04:01) 5 Have a Nice Day (03:25) 6 Nice to Be Out (03:08) 7 Handbags and Gladrags (04:39) 8 Watch Them Fly Sundays (03:29) 9 Everyday I Think of Money (03:24) 10 Maybe (04:34) 11 Caravan Holiday (03:12) 12 Rooftop (11:24) |
| Just Enough Education to Perform : Allmusic album Review : Prior to releasing their third effort, Stereophonics endured brief controversy under the albums title, Just Enough Education to Perform. Already having dealt with the critics views of this being a country or acoustic record, frontman Kelly Jones wanted the album to go by the abbreviation of J.E.E.P., which captures the bands opinions of the music industry. Of course, politics played the game and Daimler-Chrysler objected to the use, claming copyright and usage of the word "Jeep." Despite the media drama, Jones isnt entirely disenchanted on Just Enough Education to Perform and the album isnt heavy with needle acoustics or twangy licks either. Its another glassy cast of rock & roll rawness (with slight acoustics) thats made them indie darlings since their inception in the mid-90s. Performance and Cocktails (1999) was more abrasive with Jones signature scratchy vocals, and the rough poetics on 1997s Word Gets Around were impressive; however, Just Enough Education to Perform illustrates a more mature Stereophonics. Its a monolith of 11 detailed narratives, each playing with areas of soul, aggro rock, and moody pop/rock. The band from Cwmaman, Wales is trying to be more comfortable with the gradual process of feeling out their own place. The debut single "Mr. Writer" scowls at music journalists for their quick-witted opinions, and twitching riffs carry Jones heartfelt aggression. The gospel-tinged "Vegas Two Times" is one of the albums more ruffled tracks, but its the old-fashioned "Step On My Old Size Nines" that makes for an enjoyable transition from rock tune to classic ballad. Its quite endearing, similar to older cuts such as "Hurry Up and Wait" and "Traffic." The Stereophonics appear to be achieving a much-welcomed calamity. Changes within their personal lives shaped the sounds found on this record, most notably "Maybe" and "Watch Them Fly Sundays." Crafted around blues-rock guitars and shimmering percussion, these swan songs reflect the demise of Jones relationship with his longtime girlfriend. Theyre gorgeously haunting with emotional depictions, and the Stereophonics are okay with that. No longer into the destructive side of rock & roll, Just Enough Education to Perform exudes a peaceful sect; a charming side is more visible even though Jones has had his row with the press. He can laugh about it while wholeheartedly believing that the Stereophonics have shaped their latest work into their most stunning material yet. | ||
 | Album: 4 of 13 Title: You Gotta Go There to Come Back Released: 2003-05-28 Tracks: 13 Duration: 59:14 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Help Me (She’s Out of Her Mind) (06:55) 2 Maybe Tomorrow (04:34) 3 Madame Helga (03:55) 4 You Stole My Money Honey (04:18) 5 Getaway (04:08) 6 Climbing the Wall (04:55) 7 Jealousy (04:26) 8 I’m Alright (You Gotta Go There to Come Back) (04:36) 9 Nothing Precious at All (04:20) 10 Rainbows and Pots of Gold (04:11) 11 I Miss You Now (04:51) 12 High as the Ceiling (03:19) 13 Since I Told You It’s Over (04:42) |
| You Gotta Go There to Come Back : Allmusic album Review : Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones was still licking some serious wounds due to the breakup of his 12-year relationship with his girlfriend and a fallout with a best mate. The bands 2001 release, Just Enough Education to Perform, briefly touched upon his broken heart; however, Jones darkest period came later as the band played countless sold-out gigs across Europe throughout late 2001 and 2002. Jones found himself personally and professionally isolated -- emotionally distant from his bandmates and best friends, drummer Stuart Cable and bassist Richard Jones, and creatively exhausted. However the fire that had made this band a major force in the post-grunge English rock scene still burned. Stereophonics fourth album, You Gotta Go There to Come Back captures Jones soulful journey, and the bands classic rowdy rock style is as sultry as ever. While their three previous albums exuded cockiness just for the sake of being cocky, You Gotta Go There to Come Back doesnt care to be so snide. Sure, the bands classic swagger remains an integral part of its overall appeal, but moving beyond that silly behavior has somehow affected Jones and his band. Cable became a father during the recording of this album while Richard Jones settled down and got married. Perhaps Jones craves a bit of stability as well? His confidence is on par throughout these 13 blues-rock-tinged songs as his life unfolds through words. "Jealousy" and "You Stole My Money Honey" are the albums more vexed moments. "Climbing the Wall," layered in acoustic guitars and horn and string arrangements, and "Nothing Is Precious at All" continue Stereophonics psychological sifting with warmth. "Madame Helga" is the punch in the face Jones has been waiting to deliver. Heart-pounding musicianship from the band itself makes this swanky gospel number an album standout and a career staple. Its a song that Stereophonics have been wanting to make for years, and the overall fierce presentation finds the band at its best. Stereophonics are consistent with their craft, and You Gotta Go There to Come Back highlights the bands growing talent as musicians, but the fact is that theyve only made good records up to this point. They have yet to make a really great record, but thats not to say Stereophonics dont have what it takes. You Gotta Go There to Come Back is a solid rock effort, and in due time, the band will have its epic. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 13 Title: Language. Sex. Violence. Other? Released: 2005-03-09 Tracks: 11 Duration: 43:30 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Superman (05:07) 2 Doorman (03:49) 3 Brother (04:04) 4 Devil (04:41) 5 Dakota (04:57) 6 Rewind (04:46) 7 Pedalpusher (03:18) 8 Girl (01:59) 9 Lolita (03:26) 10 Deadhead (03:34) 11 Feel (03:44) |
| Language. Sex. Violence. Other? : Allmusic album Review : Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones roars "Cuz all I wanna do/Is make a mess outta you" on "Doorman," one of many white-hot blowouts from the bands fifth album, Language. Sex. Violence. Other? The album title borrows from the classification code used on the backs of DVDs, and its blunt display instantly pulls listeners toward Stereophonics nonchalant chutzpah. Jones and bassist Richard Jones have never sounded more brash. The punk-inspired spark that made their 1997 debut, Word Gets Around, so impressive is rekindled. This 11-song set, which features quick and curt one-word song titles, is matched with sex appeal and an unshakable confidence. Argentinean-born Javier Weyler, who replaced founding drummer Stuart Cable in 2004, is a great fit with Stereophonics wicked yet sensitive personality. Songs such as the smoldering bass funk of "Brother," the crunchy drop-kick of "Girl," and the glossy guitar hooks of "Dakota" find Stereophonics second coming to be a convincing one. Jones signature vocal grit saunters around the bravado of "Superman" and slow wax of "Pedalpusher" particularly well. This is the studio record theyve been dying to make. While their previous four albums all showcased great moments, Stereophonics never fully realized their full-throttled power until Language. Sex. Violence. Other? Previous singles like "Madame Helga" and "The Bartender and the Thief" were mere glimpses into what this Welsh rock threesome could do if they just built upon their thick, merciless riffs and Jones rough-edged vocals. Language. Sex. Violence. Other? is such an intense studio record. Stereophonics could not have nailed it any better. | ||
 | Album: 6 of 13 Title: Live From Dakota Released: 2006-04-03 Tracks: 20 Duration: 1:32:12 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Superman (05:02) 2 Doorman (04:01) 3 A Thousand Trees (03:25) 4 Devil (04:46) 5 Mr. Writer (05:31) 6 Pedalpusher (03:20) 7 Deadhead (03:16) 8 Maybe Tomorrow (04:24) 9 The Bartender and the Thief (03:49) 10 Local Boy in the Photograph (04:03) 1 Hurry Up and Wait (05:12) 2 Madame Helga (03:50) 3 Vegas Two Times (03:54) 4 Carrot Cake and Wine (04:48) 5 Im Alright (05:11) 6 Jayne (04:08) 7 Too Many Sandwiches (06:31) 8 Traffic (05:07) 9 Just Looking (05:18) 10 Dakota (06:26) |
| Live From Dakota : Allmusic album Review : Live from Dakota captures Stereophonics 2005 world tour in support of their fifth album, Language. Sex. Violence. Other? The double-disc set marks the bands first live album and its an appropriate look back on what Stereophonics has achieved in the last 10 years. While they havent impacted American audiences like they have their British followers, Stereophonics live performance is what makes them come alive as a unit. They attract millions of U.K. fans for a reason. Frontman Kelly Jones has definitely matured as a vocalist since Word Gets Around. His best moments are when hes tough and brash; his raspy, gritty vocals fit the Stereophonics blistering, guitar-driven sound like a glove. Theyre an unapologetic and swaggering band either way. If their last album didnt make that impression obvious, Live from Dakota should definitely do the trick. Stereophonics not only run through some of their biggest career-spanning hits such as "The Bartender and the Thief," "Madame Helga," "Maybe Tomorrow," and their number one U.K. favorite "Dakota," but new song, "Jayne" and the rare b-side, "Carrot Cake and Wine" add to the intensity of this 20-song set. Live from Dakota is a celebration for Stereophonics. Theyve grown into a reliable band after a decade together. Despite personnel shifts and media gossip, theyve survived much like Oasis has. If you havent discovered Stereophonics live show yet, Live from Dakota is a good place to start. | ||
 | Album: 7 of 13 Title: Pull the Pin Released: 2007-10-15 Tracks: 12 Duration: 46:23 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Soldiers Make Good Targets (04:37) 2 Pass the Buck (03:24) 3 It Means Nothing (03:48) 4 Bank Holiday Monday (03:14) 5 Daisy Lane (03:38) 6 Stone (04:17) 7 My Friends (03:35) 8 I Could Lose Ya (03:17) 9 Bright Red Star (03:39) 10 Ladyluck (03:45) 11 Crush (03:56) 12 Drowning (05:08) |
| Pull the Pin : Allmusic album Review : Ten years in, Stereophonics sound appropriately settled on their sixth album, 2007s Pull the Pin. Then again, Stereophonics were never the liveliest of rock bands even in their youth. They beat out the likes of Travis to be perhaps the stodgiest of all the post-Oasis bands, aspiring to nothing more than being a solid stadium rock band, borrowing some of the sweeping sonics of U2 but relying more on the revivalism of Oasis with a slight hint of the epic scale of fellow Welsh rockers Manic Street Preachers. Stereophonics soldiered through album after album, aided considerably on their march to popularity by the cinema star good looks of guitarist/vocalist/all-around nice guy Kelly Jones, who was undeniably attractive in photos but not quite forceful on record. Nowhere is that soft center in sharper relief than on Pull the Pin, which sounds bigger and slicker than anything theyve ever done -- a large-scale album suited for their large popularity in the U.K. -- but Jones seems to be carried along by the sound instead of driving it. Its not as much that hes overwhelmed as he is...settled. Stereophonics have achieved the maturity theyve aspired to all these many years, easily mimicking Oasis on "Bank Holiday Monday" while they wash out Nirvana and mellow out the Manics elsewhere, turning out music thats louder than Coldplay (or even Travis 2007 album) but feels less rock & roll, as everything here is immaculately manicured and manipulated; its a stadium rock album in form, but not sound. As the trio are professionals -- something theyve always planned to be -- this is hardly bad but it sure sounds as if the band has gone out of their way to be inoffensive to all audiences...which is pretty remarkable given that there are songs that explicitly confront the London bombings of 7/7. | ||
 | Album: 8 of 13 Title: Best of Stereophonics: Decade in the Sun Released: 2008-11-07 Tracks: 20 Duration: 1:18:12 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Dakota (04:57) 2 The Bartender and the Thief (02:54) 3 Just Looking (04:14) 4 Have a Nice Day (03:25) 5 Local Boy in the Photograph (03:22) 6 Maybe Tomorrow (04:34) 7 Superman (03:52) 8 Pick a Part That’s New (03:33) 9 My Own Worst Enemy (03:35) 10 I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio (03:44) 11 You’re My Star (04:29) 12 Mr Writer (04:27) 13 Step on My Old Size Nines (03:56) 14 Devil (04:41) 15 It Means Nothing (03:48) 16 A Thousand Trees (03:02) 17 Vegas Two Times (03:39) 18 Traffic (04:54) 19 More Life in a Tramps Vest (02:21) 20 Handbags and Gladrags (04:39) |
 | Album: 9 of 13 Title: Keep Calm and Carry On Released: 2009-11-16 Tracks: 12 Duration: 45:10 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 She’s Alright (03:27) 2 Innocent (03:40) 3 Beerbottle (03:53) 4 Trouble (03:03) 5 Could You Be the One? (03:52) 6 I Got Your Number (03:21) 7 Uppercut (04:15) 8 Live ’n’ Love (03:45) 9 100MPH (04:15) 10 Wonder (03:44) 11 Stuck in a Rut (03:06) 12 Show Me How (04:44) |
| Keep Calm and Carry On : Allmusic album Review : Awakening from the slick slumber of 2007’s Pull the Pin, Stereophonics team up with Jim Abbiss for 2009’s Keep Calm and Carry On, hoping the producer of Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, and the Music can liven them up a little bit. Abbiss does strip away the gloss that mummified Pull the Pin, guiding Stereophonics toward something a little more straightforward, where their Oasis obsessions are upgraded to a declawed Monkeys, the U2 swapped for Coldplay. While the relatively stripped-down setting winds up accentuating Kelly Jones’ status as a pretty boy frontman -- he sings with precision, not aggression -- it does let the rockers of the album’s first half latch in, particularly the rather propulsive “Trouble,” the nimble “She’s Alright,” and rolling “I Got Your Number,” and does keep the succession of anthems and ballads on the second half from seeming too languid. Stereophonics still wind up seeming a little too content to live up to their title -- if any band could use an adrenaline shot, it’s them -- but when a band is this placid, the little steps forward seem larger, as they do here. | ||
 | Album: 10 of 13 Title: Live From Rehearsals Released: 2013-02-08 Tracks: 3 Duration: 14:39 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 In a Moment (05:30) 2 Violins and Tambourines (05:04) 3 No-Ones Perfect (04:05) |
 | Album: 11 of 13 Title: Graffiti on the Train Released: 2013-03-04 Tracks: 10 Duration: 43:09 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 We Share the Same Sun (03:44) 2 Graffiti on the Train (05:03) 3 Indian Summer (04:27) 4 Take Me (03:50) 5 Catacomb (03:14) 6 Roll the Dice (04:04) 7 Violins and Tambourines (04:59) 8 Been Caught Cheating (04:20) 9 In a Moment (05:25) 10 No-ones Perfect (03:59) |
| Graffiti on the Train : Allmusic album Review : Continuing in the sober vein begun on 2009s Keep Calm and Carry On, Stereophonics manage a nifty trick on 2013s Graffiti on the Train: they sound simultaneously massive and intimate. Arena rock remains their specialty, as theyre adhering to the tradition articulated by U2 and refined by Coldplay, two bands whose influence echoes throughout Graffiti on the Train, but Stereophonics never sound as massive as either group. Instead, as led by Kelly Jones, the band seems preoccupied with smaller issues, either matters of the heart or sundry mundane issues of existence. Theyre at their most distinctive when they bend big music traditions a bit -- the strings are a nice touch to the title track, "Indian Summer" has some propulsion, "Catacomb" dilutes the Manics, and, best of all, "Been Caught Cheating" is an unexpected and successful stab at country-soul -- but Stereophonics seem loath to leave all that they know behind, so Graffiti on the Train remains distinctly earthbound for all its big aspirations. | ||
 | Album: 12 of 13 Title: Keep the Village Alive Released: 2015-09-09 Tracks: 16 Duration: 1:07:33 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 C’est la vie (03:41) 2 White Lies (03:56) 3 Sing Little Sister (03:26) 4 I Wanna Get Lost With You (03:50) 5 Song for the Summer (02:55) 6 Fight or Flight (03:41) 7 My Hero (03:48) 8 Sunny (04:20) 9 Into the World (04:03) 10 Mr and Mrs Smith (06:50) 1 Ancient Rome (04:43) 2 Let Me In (04:06) 3 Blame (You Never Give Me Your Money) (04:36) 4 You Are My Energy (03:59) 5 You’re My Star (acoustic) (05:22) 6 I Wanna Get Lost With You (acoustic) (04:17) |
| Keep the Village Alive : Allmusic album Review : Keep the Village Alive comes crashing out of the gates with "Cest la Vie," a dead ringer for the Manic Street Preachers at their anthemic best, a new wrinkle to Stereophonics parade of anthems. Elsewhere on this, their ninth studio album, they try on a few new styles for kicks -- notably, theres a bit of muted Cult to "Sing Little Sister," a hint of neo-disco on "Fight or Flight," a bit of baroque pop on "Sunny" -- but otherwise, the power trio still trades on the hybrids of Coldplay and U2 inspirational urgency and melodramatic introspection that fill out arenas across the U.K. and Europe. If there are no surprises, there are also no stumbles: Kelly Jones and his crew know how to craft big music, knowing that often the atmosphere matters more than melody. | ||
 | Album: 13 of 13 Title: Scream Above the Sounds Released: 2017-10-27 Tracks: 11 Duration: 46:35 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Caught by the Wind (03:38) 2 Taken a Tumble (03:36) 3 Whats All the Fuss About? (05:44) 4 Geronimo (04:15) 5 All in One Night (05:17) 6 Chances Are (04:45) 7 Before Anyone Knew Our Name (04:43) 8 Would You Believe? (04:07) 9 Cryin in Your Beer (03:48) 10 Boy on a Bike (02:17) 11 Elevators (04:22) |