Amazon.co.uk Review
Seven albums in, and if Groove Armada show no sign of handing in their chill-out crowns,
Soundboy Rock suggests London's popular downbeat alchemists are more eager than ever to branch out. As the title suggests, this is an album that plays down Groove Armada's cocktail-supping Balearic side in favour of a more robust sound inspired by hip-hop, house and dub reggae. Immediate highlights are "Song 4 Mutya (Out Of Control)", which could almost be a long-lost Madonna single of the '80s, but for the fact it features ex-Sugarbabe Mutya Buena on vocals; and the title track, a simmering reggae skank that sees Groove Armada joined by their MC, MAD, and Hard-Fi's Richard Archer on melodica. It's a surprisingly guest heavy record also on board is Alan Donohue of The Rakes, soul queen Angie Stone, Tony Allen of The Good, The Bad, And The Queen, and Simon Lord of Simian Mobile Disco. Being old hands now, however, Groove Armada are wise not to let this celebrity cavalcade distract them from the matter at hand that is, making bouncy, unpretentious dance music that balances a crate-digger's taste with maximum mainstream appeal.
--Louis Pattison
CD Description
'Soundboy Rock' is the fifth studio album by dance giants Groove Armada. Featuring a raft of guest stars including Hard-Fi's Richard Archer and ex-Sugababe Mutya Buena, the album has been described by the band as "their best yet". Includesthe singles 'Get Down' and 'Song 4 Mutya (Out Of Control)'.