Haven't been here for years... all new and shiny these days.
Haven't been here for years... all new and shiny these days.
Member since:31.10.2000
Reviews:148
Members who trust:101
Hard Candy is a showcase of sublime songs from a masterfully talented band at the pinnacle of their creative powers and musical ability; sumptuous guitar riffs, shimmering piano lines and poetic bittersweet lyrics delivered by Adam Duritz’s distinctive and emotive vocals all combine magnificently on this outstanding album. In an age where the music scene concerns itself with the superficial, vacuous pop stars singing vacuous pop songs, it is more than a touch refreshing to find a band shunning the commercial limelight to stay true to the art of crafting truly meaningful and memorable music. But who and these champions of such a noble cause and why haven’t I heard of them I hear you cry… Well the chances are that you have.
The Counting Crows shot to fame in 1993 with the release of their hugely successful debut album August and Everything After, which has now deservedly achieved classic status. Since then two studio albums and a Double CD live album have been spawned to general critical acclaim if not commercial success. Hard Candy is the bands fourth studio album and is a wonderful mix of familiar Crows sounds with some innovative new musical directions. Historically the
band have not devoted a lot of their time to the studio, preferring the allure of live gigs, which has meant that albums are generally laid down in short amounts of time quick time. For Hard Candy though, Adam Duritz and his crew have ensured that every track is lovingly crafted and a more rich and textured sound is the result. The Counting Crows are a guitar based rock band at heart, sharing similarities with the kings of the genre, REM, and whilst they have expanded their range this is still the most apt description. One criticism often aimed at the band, or more specifically at Adam Duritz, are the depressing nature of his lyrics. With Hard Candy the general feeling can hardly be considered upbeat, the themes of loss, regret and loneliness thread their way into almost every song to some extent. Admittedly the melancholy nature of this album could prove too much for some, but for me the feelings captured in the magical lyrics add a depth so noticeably absent from most music released these days. Additionally the excellence of the musicians and the upbeat last two covers mean it is not an album that will leave you feeling down.
Rather than wade through a track by track description, which I must confess, I find I can rarely devote my full attention to when reading album reviews and, more relevantly, I’ll struggle to keep you’re here. Instead I’ll just give an overview of the album, highlighting the stand out tracks.
Hard Candy starts with two fantastic up tempo rock tracks that are quintessential Crows, superb 12 string guitar lines supply catchy riffs, Duritz’s lyrics are a marvel and his distinctive voice less whiny than in the past. With the titular Hard Candy and American Girls out of the way, we are introduced to some of the more adventurous tracks on the album all recipients of distinct and varied influences. Good Times has a soulful feel with it’s R n’B theme; If I Could Give All my Love is steeped in the bands Southern Rock roots, and in New Frontier the band has even ventured into 80’s synth with bent guitar notes becoming the order of the day.
The award for most creative has to go to the unusual Butterfly in Reverse though. This song seems to combine elements of Burt Bacharach easy listening with a definite Broadway musical quality, if it were a film the word epic would be screaming for use. The end result is impressive and enjoyable but I must admit not my favourite song on the album.
The magnificent Carriage, is a truly beautiful song, augmented by the delicate yet powerful trumpet of Andre "Don" Carter, it is the start of a sensational last few songs on the album. The highlight of which is the dazzling Up All Night. If ever proof was needed of the talent and ability of Durtiz as a singer/songwriter and the band as consummate musicians, it is here. The opening piano line is slowly built up to an initial crescendo, characterised by a screw-your-eyes-shut Mark Knopfler-esque guitar solo, a lull follows before piano, guitar and vocals compete and complement in a sensational finale. Truly a breathtaking song.
A vintage Counting Crows number wraps up the thirteen songs on the official album release with the contemplative Holiday in Spain but far from leaving you down the Special Edition UK release has two bonus tracks in store. The last is contains a wonderful rendition of Joni Mitchell’s Yellow Taxi, and after the 65 minutes of sublime music the only thing left to do is hit play again and indulge yourself once more.
Hard Candy is quite simply a sublime album, the promise shown in August and Everything After has already been shown in the Counting Crows previous two releases but has now developed into something truly special. Musically this is more adventurous and more impressive than their previous releases, and far from being detrimental to the album, the addition of songs with vastly different influences ensures that this album avoids that ‘samey’ and dated feel that plagues many bands who refuse to venture into new ground.
Hard Candy is undoubtedly the finest album I’ll buy this year and it is already firmly set on the path to immortal classic in my eyes. If you consider yourself a fan of guitar driven rock music and feel like trying something new then for just £8.99 from www.cd-wow.com you too could soon be marvelling in the musical genius that is the Counting Crows.
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'Rain King' will always be my favourite from Counting Crows - although it sounds like this album might well be worth a look.
Silverback 17.12.2002 22:22
Great to see someone giving such a band the attention they deserve. Brilliant op. I'd lost touch with Counting Crows despite loving their first two albums. Thanks for reminding me about them. Paul
pixiedon 09.10.2002 14:37
If its anywhere near as catchy as their other stuff then I guess it's well worth a listen
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