Angry Sex - Chavs (The)

Advantages: Gwen
Disadvantages: none.

...The perfection of Gwen Steffani sums up all that is brilliant about this entire album. I could just say that, but I know that I have a word limit to fulfil, I also know that technically it is not really true. That although she is a superb frontwoman/lyricist and all round sex goddess, there are innumerable factors which conspire to make this album absolutely outstanding. There is firstly the all consuming power and passion of the band, evident from first to last track. "Spiderwebs" grabs with its amalgamation of steel drums and trumpet along with angry shouting Steffani and really loud guitar accompiament. The use of unusual musical instruments is evident throughout this album, whilst I would not go as far as to describe No Doubt as a Ska-Punk band, their Orange County roots and Madness based inspiration is obvious. They combine... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Something to annoy your neighbours!
Disadvantages: you'll want to buy the first album too!

...The sound of this album is much more mature than that of their debut, 'Paranoid and Sunburnt', and contains some of their most powerful songs to date. Opening with the acidic, Yes It`s ******* Political, there`s no doubting this is a 'wrock' album. If one with a surprisingly large amount of ballads, though they are, naturally, angry ballads. One of the best is 'Hedonism (Just Because You Feel Good)' though even this is overtaken by the brilliant 'Twisted (Every Day Hurts)'. I also think that this album is not quite as anti-political as their debut ~ it's mostly making a statement about social attitudes like 'We Love Your Apathy' and personal relationships like 'Infidelity' and 'All I Want'. Musically, it has a lighter tone than before, even having some happy songs like 'Glorious Pop Song'. The mix of softer and the more tuneful... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic

Advantages: some great melodies which strangely dont seem to annoy no matter how many times you listen to it
Disadvantages: A few of the songs lack the same magnetism as 'thank you' and 'here with me'

...No angel by Dido is one of the best albums from a solo female artist in a long time. After a long and somewhat painful list of blonde, teen pop singers like Britney, Christina and Billie, it is a refreshing change. Due to the drought of other strong female artists like Jewel and Lauren Hill it is nice to hear somebody who is stronger in their vocal talent than their sex appeal. With Dido's range similar to that of Alanis though seemingly less angry and more gentle, her songs have a haunting quality that leaves you wanting more. If you like the current single 'Here with me' and even her contribution to Eminem's Stan then this will be an album which you will grow to love. The pictures of her inside do make her come across as possibly a bit vain but the enhanced CD makes up for it showing that she does have an air of elegance about... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful