Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this exceptionally well-played album is a bit one-dimensional and sleepy, but family-safe. Families listening together can talk about the difference between albums that present one person's artistic vision as opposed to the team spirit of being in a band.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Aqualung, AKA Matt Hales, delivers a dozen one-dimensional love songs with lush, sleepy arrangements on STRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL. Somehow, in spite of all the low-key and sometimes gooey sentiment, this album ends up sounding more interesting than it probably should. Hales' graceful persona and musicianship save the day.
A veteran of indie bands Ruth and the 45's, the 30-year-old British pop favorite sometimes evokes Radiohead, Brian Wilson, Coldplay, even the Beatles. But he's softer and sweeter, with an almost new-agey feel to many of the instrumental tracks, adding emphasis to honey-smooth vocals. You won't find any dance tunes or a lot of variation on the lovesick-lyric theme. It's probably just that the arrangements are so soft and spare that lyrical and thematic repetition are more noticeable than they'd be on full-tilt rock & roll. The music is more sophisticated than the lyrics; while there's nothing to worry about in terms of content, it's doubtful that younger children will relate to this artist at all.
Though not for hard-core rockers, STRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL is indeed exactly that -- strange and beautiful. For those who like their heartbreak songs on the ethereal side, there's no better pop music out there.
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ViolenceThere is one fleeting, metaphorical death reference. |
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Social BehaviorOne song talks about how "it's easier to lie" -- all others are gooey love stuff. |
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