Just Enough Education To Perform - Stereophonics > Reviews > Change of direction

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money

Advantages:	More tuneful than previous offerings, Kelly Jones's voice still in top gravelly form !
Disadvantages:	A few songs which distinctly lack a chorus .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I've read many reviews of this album and a lot of them have been saying how poor it is. I'm sorry, but i strongly disagree, the album is not poor, it is just very different from anything the stereophonics have done before.

The album opens with crashing drums and guitars on the raucous 'Vegas two times'. This isn't a particular favourite of mine, but there are better things to come.

The next track 'Lying in the sun' is totally uncharacteristic of the stereophonics, but it's an absolute treat. A lovely relaxing, acoustic track with a chorus that grows on you like an absess.

Next we have the top 5 single 'Mr.Writer'. Others may call this a dirge, but i think it's one of the best things they have ever done. The lyrics signal a bitter atack on music critics. ("I'd like to shoot you all"). It may be unconventional, but to release this as a single is a brave step and i applaud.

More unconventionalness comes next in the shape of the country tinged 'Step on my old size nines'. This is an irresistible little ditty and really makes you wonder if this is the stereophonics or someone doing a not very good impression.

'Have a nice day' and 'nice to be out' revolve around good solid melodies, which are more in the vein of pop than rock.

I have to admit that the rest of the album is a slight dissapointment with the acoustic 'Caravan holiday' and more upbeat 'Watch them fly sundays' providing the remaining highlights.

I think it's very possible that the other tracks could grow on me (and everyone) in time, as i make the point that i wasn't particularly fond of 'Mr.Writer' the first time i heard it.

I think it would be unfair to compare this album to their previous two. It's just a completely different style of music. More melancholy and gentle.

They've been brave by producing an album which could be described as experimental. Don't expect another 'Word gets around'. It's hard to see how the same band could have produced these two contrasting albums, but in a way it's a credit to them that they can be so contrasting in styles.

Some tracks do let the album down, but i'm going to give this album 4 stars for not conforming with what people want from them and doing what they want. A good effort lads!