Loved the new Stereophonics single "Dakota" so much I bought the whole album. The single has something for everyone: catchy New Wave keyboards, AOR guitars, and bittersweet lyrics of a lost love. One of the best songs by the band ever. However, as much as I enjoyed the album, I need to warn you that the bulk of it does not sound like the single, nor does it feature the breezy story telling of their second and third records, and that's a shame.
Stereophonics have created an edgier, darker, harder rocking, more personal album that improves on what they tried to do in their fourth album with better hooks and more electronic sounds. The resulting vibe reminded me of the Foo Fighters with a Rolling Stones/Oasis twist. It's more 90's sounding than the current New Wave resurrection, but there are brilliant retro touches on some songs.
The opener, "Superman," is jagged and menacing like a less grating Marilyn Manson as the singer condemns an arrogant star who thinks he's Superman, and lusts after teenage blondes even though he has a "Lois Lane." The next three tracks are more traditional hard rock. "Devil" reminds me of Foo Fighters' "Everlong" (whispered vocals, ominous building drums) combined with The Cult with the chorus "Be my devil, Angel!"
"Dakota" is followed up by the song "Rewind," a quieter but powerful atmospheric song that recalls classic "Joshua Tree"-era U2 with Bono-like lyrics like "Don't waste your time...you can't make it back. If you could rewind your time...would it change your life? "
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The final track "Feel" is an immaculate ending with just the right touch of piano and electric guitar effects. The calm after a storm. "Here it comes again, like the first time again...I can't see...I watch the rain...but I'm happy again. How can this be? How did this feeling creep up on me?" You wonder if the character has found peace or if he's just finally lost his mind.
The iTunes version I downloaded contained a free live version of
"Dakota" for track twelve. I'm not sure if it's on the regular CD release, but it's a killer live song if you can find it. Last time I checked, the song could be downloaded by itself. Don't miss it, lads.
"Performance and Cocktails" remains the definitive Stereophonics album, but this is fairly solid rock & roll.
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