2007 release of the band's sixth studio album was previewed to fans when BBC Radio 1's Chris Moyles played the song "Bank Holiday Monday" on the May 1st 2007 broadcast of his show.
2007 release of the band's sixth studio album was previewed to fans when BBC Radio 1's Chris Moyles played the song "Bank Holiday Monday" on the May 1st 2007 broadcast of his show.
"Stereophonics return with what to me is their best album. It's already topped the UK album charts too, giving them their 5th chart topper.
Filled with shimmery, upbeat rockers, "Soldiers make good targets" (dealing with the ills of war), "Pass the buck" (reminiscent of REM, and one of my favourites), "Bank holiday" (with great pulsing/squealing guitars), next single "My friends", "I could loose ya", "Lady luck" and "Crush".
Where they really shine though is on the more downtempo songs. My favourite Stereophonics song is "Maybe tomorrow", and there are loads of songs in that vein on this album.
Lead off single "It means nothing" is an anthemic lighters aloft ballad with lyrics finding Kelly Jones singing about appreciating family and friends more after the London bombings of 2005. Other standouts are "Daisy lane", the stripped down acoustic "Bright red star", the U2-esque "Stone" (with pulsing guitars), and closing is the lovely psychedelic epic "Drowning".
Pull the pin and get ready for a blast!
"
Finally the stereophonis are back!!
R. Vincenzo | Caserta, Italy | 10/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Finally the Stereophonis have published an album that is worth every cent that you pay for it. It is a typical Brit-sounding rock album. It has a sound that is typical of the stereophincs but has a shade of Oasis and some of the sound that can come close to some of the Brit group that are dominating the scene today. This album shows a come back to the strength of the album "Just enough Education...". I must say I enjoy every single track. It's worth the buy!"
Pulled the pin....no explosion!
Trevor Grafflin | Florida | 12/10/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"So I finally got the new CD from the boy's with great anticipation. I have now gone through it seven eight times and.....well still waiting to get excited. It is a good effort, with some good intentions, but just misses that Stereo's magic. It seems to be somthing left over from Sex and JEEP. I am not going to say I hate, because I don't but I am sad to say that this one does not leap out at you, but when your a fan, as I am, it is still the Stereo's and I will gladly wait for the next one with great anticipation."
Disappointing.
A.N. | Auckland, New Zealand | 06/10/2008
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Sorry Kelly Jones and boys, I expect a lot better. I think you guys tried too hard to pull the magic twice over from the last great record you made. When I heard the single, I thought "uh-oh" I hope it is not another "You Gotta Go There To Come Back". What happened? However, being a fan and focusing on the Phonics strong merits: Self-titled, Performance & Cocktails, JEEP, Language, Sex, Violence & Other, I am hopeful that your next album will be more thought out. Personally speaking, it sounds as if you re-worked a bunch of b-sides from the last album and failed miserably to achieve the success you as a band are very capable of. Oasis must be laughing their head's off right about now when listening to this!"