2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Moments of genius, 15 Jun 2008
This review is from: Twenty One (Audio CD)
The Cure, Tears For Fears, The Cars, Duran Duran...if there's one thing this album is guaranteed to do it's to remind you of the 1980's.
Recent single Two Doors Down was one of those classic divisive pop hits. Some would appreciate it for what it is (a catchy pop hit) whilst others would probably be unable to look past the obvious 80's sound (complete with gratuitous sax solo) that it undoubtedly represents. Those of you who land in the "hate" category for this one might as well steer clear of MJ, which almost transcends into parody.
Lead single, Young Love, was, on the other hand, criminally overlooked by most, but is one of the better songs on the album. Laura Marling pops in to lend a hand and whilst it may be very much one of those "boy meets girl" style songs, it's one of the better examples of that mini-genre. It's got feeling, which is rare in a modern day pop song and, like the other standout tracks on the album such as Half In Love With Elizabeth and Veiled In Grey, it is completely devoid of cliche.
It's not a trick that they can completely keep up for the entire album and towards the end there is a definite lull. It's not to say that the lesser tracks are awful, but they are overshadowed by the brilliance on display elsewhere.
Still, a good album with a handful of excellent tracks is certainly worth the investment in my opinion.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Mystery debut, 23 Jan 2009
This review is from: Twenty One (Audio CD)
I was given Twenty One and was blown away with what I thought was a debut from a new group. I should have realised that the production, confidence and just outstanding quality was too good for a debut album. Like KM I hear Talking Heads in this album which is high compliment indeed. But there is range of styles here which is just plain showing off as each track is a complete package. Standout tracks are Young Love, Half in Love, Two Doors down & Umbrellahead (can you hear Clap Your Hands here?). Surely MJ are about to really break into the big time (Zane is a fan) - they deserve to.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Solid Effort, 3 April 2008
This review is from: Twenty One (Audio CD)
They've tightened their sound and Blaine's voice has never sounded better - leading the band into wildly catchy tunes, feeling more like a complete album then their previous. Fans of their first will find this second effort greatly welcomed.
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