Howdy! Im a 6th form student from Wales studying Art Music Geography and Biology. Its amazing how m...
Howdy! Im a 6th form student from Wales studying Art Music Geography and Biology. Its amazing how many good reviews are out there. They set a target/goal for me, which I hope to equal in quality, by adding a little bit of my cheeky natural flair.
Member since:31.05.2001
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After only a quick listening to The Cardigan's latest album, Gran Turismo, it becomes quite apparent that they've been listening to more than a few Massive Attack and Portishead cuts. Best known for their super catchy hit 'Lovefool', The Cardigans have followed up their earlier pop success with a darker record.
This pop, downbeat electronic work blasts off with 'Paralyzed'. Grinding feedback buzzes along as a programmed drum beat and countless synthesized effects drift across the landscape. Such slow, downbeat work is the norm on Gran Turismo.
Nina Persson, the group's lead singer, is the really highlight of the album. Her sparse lyrical arrangements are delivered flawlessly. The majority of the album may be suspiciously electronic, but Persson's voice, as always, manages to cut through each song with incredible warmth and emotion. This time, however the prevailing emotions aren't happiness and love.
'Do you really think / that love is gonna save the world / well, I don't think so / I just don't think so' Persson states on 'Do You Believe'. Before long, the piece has gone into a tight and intense heavy metal-like jam, only moments later, vocals return the song to the ground and delivers another smooth is perfectly inserted.
Yes, The Cardigans, masters of the pop chorus strike again. Every song has the trademark, unforgettable line and, due to the seriously small content, it isn't rare to find yourself humming an entire song.
With uncharacteristically moody work, the Cardigans have shown a willingness to evolve and change, which is rare in music today. Though songs like 'Erase / Rewind' (widely played on the Radio) and 'My Favourite Game' (another popular radio selection) may sound like jumps forward, the works are, for the most part, unoriginal. Brilliant new soundscapes created by the likes of DJ Shadow and Massive Attack are packaged on Gran Turismo into quaint three minute pop songs.
If you're looking for good pop album, check out the latest offerings from Built to Spill and Apples in Stereo, if you're searching for dark, moody material (often known as 'trip-hop') check out better works by the real innovators: Portishead and Massive Attack. This latest effort is a little bit of both, but not quite enough of either. Nina Persson's slyly brilliant, smooth voice saves the album from the angst ridden album it was in danger of becoming at some points. Give it a try, but take a listen before purchasing.
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Jun 14th, 2001
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