Search - Whitest Boy Alive :: Rules

Letdown (Somewhat) From Dreams

Reviewer | USA | 04/02/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"To preface, I am a big fan of WBA's first album "Dreams." In many respects, Dreams can be played start to finish with ease. Most of the songs gel together well, despite the minimalistic/bare-bones nature of the music. Dreams had a number of catchy songs including "Golden Cage" and "Fireworks."



Unfortunately, Rules fails on many of the levels where Dreams works. Rules is less stripped down, more disco-y, the songs don't flow well together in sequence, the lyrics are somewhat forgettable, and the songs are not as catchy. "High On The Heels," and "Rollercoaster Ride" are poor efforts and weak enough not to purchase as individual tracks. "Gravity" is the worst of the bunch--the so-called chorus in the middle of the song adds nothing. That being said, Rules has some winners--"1517" and "Island," have that addictive quality that made me appreciate WBA's first album. 1517 in particular has the numerous harmonic changes and neat hooks that remind me of what WBA can do so well... It's no surprise these two songs appear in full in the band's Myspace page--and similarly no surprise why some of the other songs aren't promoted.



What is most frustrating is that Erlend Øye is masterfully talented--Kings of Convenience never got the respect in the States that it should have--and overall I still think WBA has great potential. Their new album just doesn't work well. I'd buy the tracks selectively but not the album as a whole."

This album is a real treat.......

Quentin R. Self | Addison, TX USA | 04/04/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I totally disagree with the 2-star review. Rules adds on to the raw sound that Dreams gave us with a nice polished-off disco sound. I loved every second of this album, and I think it transitions well from the sounds of Dreams. Erlend Oye and his crew have done it again. BUY THIS ALBUM."

Takes you on a Jazzy rollercoaster ride!

Nse Ette | Lagos, Nigeria | 04/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The whitest boy alive" are a German based quartet with singer/guitarist Erlend Øye from the band Kings of Convenience. Their sophomore disc "Rules" is a calm breezy Folk/Pop/Jazz affair, remniscent in places of Øye's alumnus, Michael Franks, or even long forgotten eighties Swiss Pop duo Double.



Much of the album comprises laid back grooves with jamming instrumental breaks, like opening cut "Keep a secret", the groovy "Intentions", the stunning ballad "Rollercoaster ride", and the similar "Gravity". "Dead end" is a bouncy Pop affair.



The other songs are upbeat, funky, Disco-tinged songs, similar to what Jamiroquai does: the piano sprinkled "Courage", "High on the heels", "1517", "Promise less or do more", and "Island" (with a light Latin feel and a lengthy instrumental break).



The songs are so simple, yet grow maddeningly addictive each time you listen to it. Incredibly groovy and hugely enjoyable!"