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Track Listings
| 1. Spiralling |
| 2. The Lovers Are Losing |
| 3. Better Than This |
| 4. You Haven't Told Me Anything |
| 5. Perfect Symmetry |
| 6. You Don't See Me |
| 7. Again & Again |
| 8. Playing Along |
| 9. Pretend That You're Alone |
| 10. Black Burning Heart |
| 11. Love Is The End |
| 12. SPLASH SCREEN |
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
Would it be outlandish to suggest that wholesome rugby-shouldered ruddy-faced English piano-pop boys Keane have spent the best part of their two-album career fanning the impression that they exist somewhere between an easy Mothers’ Day gift and the album it’s ok to give your girlfriend back when you split up, just in order to blow everyone out of the water like 80s neon-pop commandos with the boldness of their third? You know, utilising the element of surprise? Probably, but even though their debut (Hopes & Fears) and its follow up (Under the Iron Sea) may have been broader creative successes than many care to admit, it is true that Perfect Symmetry is a synth-brandishing Tyrannosaurus Rex next to those trundlingly melodic Trojan horses. From the moment "Spiralling", the single that made a nation choke on its Yakult, erupts like a Top of the Pops volcano with flashes of David Bowie, Talking Heads, Erasure, Prefab Sprout and James, amongst others--with the "WHOOOO!" interjections impacting like lava hitting an LA swimming pool and sending cocktails flying--the album is generally as taut, bulky and bronzed as a teen Arnold Schwarzenegger. Old habits die hard and there is still much in the way mid-paced melancholy, but they are sung with clarity and the songwriting stays tight with some deep lyrics and turns of phrase to balance out the vague and which presumably reflect Tom Chaplin’s documented decent into addiction. "Playing Along", a beautifully arranged set of textures and gathering emotional bursts, is a particular high. --James Berry
Product Description
CD
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 45 people found the following review helpful
By K. W. Yam
Format:Audio CD
Perfect Symmetry moves Keane firmly out of the background and into the foreground.
A perfect blend of the few high tempo hits from `Under the Iron Sea' and the more relaxing ballad's of `Hopes and Fears'.
Almost a perfect album starting with the potential hits (Spiralling, Lovers are Losing and Better Than This.) followed by a string of complementary tracks; ending with a run of three very different, but wonderful tracks.
The title track `Perfect Symmetry' demonstrates perfectly how each element of the Band has evolved from the last album. Much has been made of the inclusion of the guitar, but its Tom's vocals that define the Music of Keane. If you are in doubt, listen to the demo tracks on the 2-disc edition.
The album has the overall feel of being `Very 80's' in tempo and while the music is still based around the piano, there is more integration between the drums, guitar and computerised samples.
The only thing preventing me giving this album 5 star is the slightly disjointed middle section.
`Again and Again' lifts the mood after the nice heart-felt ballad `You Don't See Me'. But the flow is again broken by the only disappointing track on the album `Playing Along' which, should have been replaced by the Bands other new slow tempo b-side/bonus track called 'My Shadow' or maybe a studio version of Early Winter.
But don't worry, the final three tracks provides the perfect ending, culminating with `Love Is the End'.
It must also be noted that the single version of `Spiralling' differs very slightly to the album version.
It's not Keane as we know them, but yet distinct and different enough to fill another gap in the market.... Read more ›
A perfect blend of the few high tempo hits from `Under the Iron Sea' and the more relaxing ballad's of `Hopes and Fears'.
Almost a perfect album starting with the potential hits (Spiralling, Lovers are Losing and Better Than This.) followed by a string of complementary tracks; ending with a run of three very different, but wonderful tracks.
The title track `Perfect Symmetry' demonstrates perfectly how each element of the Band has evolved from the last album. Much has been made of the inclusion of the guitar, but its Tom's vocals that define the Music of Keane. If you are in doubt, listen to the demo tracks on the 2-disc edition.
The album has the overall feel of being `Very 80's' in tempo and while the music is still based around the piano, there is more integration between the drums, guitar and computerised samples.
The only thing preventing me giving this album 5 star is the slightly disjointed middle section.
`Again and Again' lifts the mood after the nice heart-felt ballad `You Don't See Me'. But the flow is again broken by the only disappointing track on the album `Playing Along' which, should have been replaced by the Bands other new slow tempo b-side/bonus track called 'My Shadow' or maybe a studio version of Early Winter.
But don't worry, the final three tracks provides the perfect ending, culminating with `Love Is the End'.
It must also be noted that the single version of `Spiralling' differs very slightly to the album version.
It's not Keane as we know them, but yet distinct and different enough to fill another gap in the market.... Read more ›
24 of 27 people found the following review helpful
By C. Page
Format:Audio CD
Keane have once again proven their ability to make song writing seem easy. Their songs are crafted in such a manner that seems effortless. Tom's voice soars as ever and Richard's drumming is crisp and exciting. Tim has cemented his position for me as one of the best songwriters of our generation.
This album is packed full of melodies, and while it deals with serious issues it's in many ways a more fun album than 'Under the Iron Sea'. The songs are very much about war and social problems and our failing as a human race, whereas the last album was more about their troubled friendships.
'Hopes and Fears' had an intimate feel about it with the songs predominantly about love and friendship. For me it was an almost perfect album, with a continuity of sound that they have not matched on the following albums. This is not a criticism, as bands must progress musically. If they served up more of the same each time they would get stale, and probably get criticised for it.
But one of the things I loved about 'Hopes and Fears' is the fact that whilst being quite 'retro' in instrumentation, it was incredible unique. I could barely find any musical influences anywhere on the album (except the keyboard riff in 'Untitled 1' is uncannily like Abba's 'SOS'!) This originality of sound largely applies to 'Under the Iron Sea'.
But 'Perfect Symmetry' yields obvious influences, not least some strong 80's and Bowie influences. 'Lovers are Losing' has flavours of Bowie's 'Heroes' and 'Better than This' bears a striking resemblance to 'Ashes to Ashes'. And of course the '80's' feel of 'Spiralling' has been well documented. 'You haven't Told me Anything' is an unusual but still very melodic song, and continues with the '80's' feel.... Read more ›
This album is packed full of melodies, and while it deals with serious issues it's in many ways a more fun album than 'Under the Iron Sea'. The songs are very much about war and social problems and our failing as a human race, whereas the last album was more about their troubled friendships.
'Hopes and Fears' had an intimate feel about it with the songs predominantly about love and friendship. For me it was an almost perfect album, with a continuity of sound that they have not matched on the following albums. This is not a criticism, as bands must progress musically. If they served up more of the same each time they would get stale, and probably get criticised for it.
But one of the things I loved about 'Hopes and Fears' is the fact that whilst being quite 'retro' in instrumentation, it was incredible unique. I could barely find any musical influences anywhere on the album (except the keyboard riff in 'Untitled 1' is uncannily like Abba's 'SOS'!) This originality of sound largely applies to 'Under the Iron Sea'.
But 'Perfect Symmetry' yields obvious influences, not least some strong 80's and Bowie influences. 'Lovers are Losing' has flavours of Bowie's 'Heroes' and 'Better than This' bears a striking resemblance to 'Ashes to Ashes'. And of course the '80's' feel of 'Spiralling' has been well documented. 'You haven't Told me Anything' is an unusual but still very melodic song, and continues with the '80's' feel.... Read more ›
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Contrary to the ads on TV and the comments of some critics, this album is not a "stunning reinvention"...
I have always held a certain fondness for the music of Keane. They have been mocked for their looks, and for being upper class, and the singer's spell in rehab was scorned by many (the comment that he was in there for an addiction to port was a sick joke) but their music has almost always been solid and enjoyable, and when they play live they are surprisingly good as I found out earlier this year.
For some reason, Keane changed their sound with this album. Some of the tracks hark back to the 1980s, and one appears to sample David Bowie, and for me it doesn't really seem to work that well. Don't get me wrong - there are some great tracks here, such as "Spiralling", "The Lovers Are Losing", "Perfect Symmetry" and "Again and Again" really seem to work - but then others have jarring sounds and elements that are almost a step too far from a successful formula. As an album it's alright, but not the masterwork some have made it out to be.
I have always held a certain fondness for the music of Keane. They have been mocked for their looks, and for being upper class, and the singer's spell in rehab was scorned by many (the comment that he was in there for an addiction to port was a sick joke) but their music has almost always been solid and enjoyable, and when they play live they are surprisingly good as I found out earlier this year.
For some reason, Keane changed their sound with this album. Some of the tracks hark back to the 1980s, and one appears to sample David Bowie, and for me it doesn't really seem to work that well. Don't get me wrong - there are some great tracks here, such as "Spiralling", "The Lovers Are Losing", "Perfect Symmetry" and "Again and Again" really seem to work - but then others have jarring sounds and elements that are almost a step too far from a successful formula. As an album it's alright, but not the masterwork some have made it out to be.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By T. Baker
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Dark, brooding lyrics, soaring vocals, cleverly-crafted melodies that work their way into your head & stay there - it can only mean a new Keane album, and this, their 3rd studio effort, proves, to me, at least, that they are masters of their craft, operating at a different level to their contemporaries.
Track by track analysis:
SPIRALLING - Powerful, if uncharacteristic, opener. Spoken section ("did you want to be a winner...etc?") somewhat reminiscent of ELP's "Still you turn me on" (from 'Brain Salad Surgery' album).
LOVERS ARE LOSING - More typically melodic, this would not have been out of place on the 1st album - a superior track.
BETTER THAN THIS - Jerky, quirky little song, with nice falsetto touches from Tom. Grows on you.
YOU HAVEN'T TOLD ME ANYTHING - Pleasant, without being particularly outstanding.
PERFECT SYMMETRY - Unmistakeably Keane, both lyrically & musically: "Everything is better when you hear that sound.." Quite. Excellent, but do I detect shades of Mike & Mechanics (or even Abba) in the "Spineless dreamers" chorus?
YOU DON'T SEE ME - Beautiful - must rank as one of their finest-ever pure melodies.
AGAIN & AGAIN - If you enjoyed HOPES & FEARS, you'll love this, a sort of reprise to "This is the last time."
PLAYING AROUND - Echoes of Paul Simon's 'Have a good time,' Tom sounding remarkably Sting-like.
PRETEND THAT YOU'RE ALONE - Expands on the primeval theme of Nik Kershaw's 'Monkey business,' only here we are urged to "tear off your clothes & be born again." Love (which takes a bit of a bashing throughout the album) is "just a way of looking out for ourselves when we don't want to be alone." Mmm...
BLACK BURNING HEART - To my mind, THE standout track.... Read more ›
Track by track analysis:
SPIRALLING - Powerful, if uncharacteristic, opener. Spoken section ("did you want to be a winner...etc?") somewhat reminiscent of ELP's "Still you turn me on" (from 'Brain Salad Surgery' album).
LOVERS ARE LOSING - More typically melodic, this would not have been out of place on the 1st album - a superior track.
BETTER THAN THIS - Jerky, quirky little song, with nice falsetto touches from Tom. Grows on you.
YOU HAVEN'T TOLD ME ANYTHING - Pleasant, without being particularly outstanding.
PERFECT SYMMETRY - Unmistakeably Keane, both lyrically & musically: "Everything is better when you hear that sound.." Quite. Excellent, but do I detect shades of Mike & Mechanics (or even Abba) in the "Spineless dreamers" chorus?
YOU DON'T SEE ME - Beautiful - must rank as one of their finest-ever pure melodies.
AGAIN & AGAIN - If you enjoyed HOPES & FEARS, you'll love this, a sort of reprise to "This is the last time."
PLAYING AROUND - Echoes of Paul Simon's 'Have a good time,' Tom sounding remarkably Sting-like.
PRETEND THAT YOU'RE ALONE - Expands on the primeval theme of Nik Kershaw's 'Monkey business,' only here we are urged to "tear off your clothes & be born again." Love (which takes a bit of a bashing throughout the album) is "just a way of looking out for ourselves when we don't want to be alone." Mmm...
BLACK BURNING HEART - To my mind, THE standout track.... Read more ›
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3.7 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not so Keane!
This is a good album but my least favourite (I have them all). Strangeland is the best album by far.
Published 9 days ago by Patrick
5.0 out of 5 stars
keane as !!!
Keane
As awesome & on top form as ever :)
Buy & love !!!
Also good to drive to with the top down - enjoy
Good supplier
As awesome & on top form as ever :)
Buy & love !!!
Also good to drive to with the top down - enjoy
Good supplier
Published 2 months ago by Jodi W
5.0 out of 5 stars
Never heard anything like it before Amazing from start to finish...
This is quite simply an amazing album from start to finish! I brought Perfect Symmetry on the day of release and for me is the best Keane album of them all I love it's 80s vibe and... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Craig G. Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars
A gift
This CD is a beautiful piece of work by a very talented young man. The recipient was very pleased with it, can't say any more than that.
Published 6 months ago by A. M. Lee
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great
This is my favourite Keane album, turn it up loud and play in teh car whilst singing along. Love the sound and the lyrics.
Published 10 months ago by SBLB1
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Music
This, the groups third studio album is a real listner.
Most ok Keanes music can be played in the background
but this one has to be listened too.
Most ok Keanes music can be played in the background
but this one has to be listened too.
Published 12 months ago by TightLines
5.0 out of 5 stars
keane
I didn't have to wait too long for it to arrive , top quality cd, sounds brilliant though I may be biased, would recommend this site to my friends.
Published 14 months ago by debs
5.0 out of 5 stars
A different Keane, but still Keane
I'm a late comer to Perfect Symmetry having only just purchasing it. To be honest I feel like I've missed out on 3-4 years of quality Keane time, if you understand what I mean. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Dan
3.0 out of 5 stars
Getting worse
Sometimes it's hard to know whether bands get worse or else the band is not any worse but the freshness and the newness in their sound as no longer present. Read more
Published 17 months ago by D. Lawry
5.0 out of 5 stars
possibly one my favourite albums, ever
I hated Keane from the first and second albums, generic wishy washy music. This couldn't be further from that sound. Perfect pop tunes, bouncy uplifting and fun. Read more
Published on 22 July 2010 by mje
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