Razorlight - Razorlight

I was surprised to find, despite anticipating this album, that it had been released a few months ago. Clearly it made a big impact. But I’ve got it now and I must say it’s a pretty intriguing record. In terms of sound, it’s largely the same as before. It still features the same standard guitar sound and a mix of upbeat and slower songs. But what is most important, to this record and to their sound in general, is that Johnny Borrell’s vocals, which personally I enjoy, are still central. Though this could just be due to my limited experiences, he sounds really unique to me and I always find their music fresh and interesting. And when I say central, I mean it, if his vocals annoy you, this album is not for you. Because ultimately Razorlight = Johnny Borrel. This also applies offstage, and it just so happens that he is one of the most obnoxious rock stars Britain has ever produced (that’s saying something). Between putting down every rival band to claiming to his own band to be the “best ever”, you could say he’s little outspoken. It’s up to you whether to brush such antics off or hold his music responsible. But what is clear with the second album is it definitely gives the impression that the band has matured. While the first was an ambitious hit-and-miss collection of rock anthems, this is a more restrained effort, as if they’re trying to justify themselves as respectable musicians. This works both for and against them. In cleaning up their act, Razorlight have removed the extremities from their music. While this means you won’t find any of the duds or excessive dragging on that plagued their debut, it also means it lacks the hits required to make it a truly great album. It will be loved by some, hated by more and forgotten by most.

America – This song often sounds rather awkward and yet I’m continually drawn to it. I think it highlights how their songs don’t have to be perfect to be enjoyable.

Fall To Pieces – And now for an upbeat number….this song is similar to some of their earlier work, the catchy, fast-paced pop music, though it fails to reach the same level

Previously - Stumble & Fall – This song was far and away my favourite off Up All Night and is even up amongst my favourite modern songs. It features great vocals and its intensity makes it quite exciting.