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THE REVIEW
It's 2003, and after four years of silence, the English band formed back in 1989 returns to make its presence felt.
Much has changed in these four guys, and the times of "Country House" are now long gone; this album is a decidedly more "thoughtful" album and involved in the international situation. Indeed, it comes out at a very particular moment, both for the band in the musical field and for the whole world.
During these four years of absence, the genius singer Damon Albarn has had experiences (Gorillaz) and travels (Morocco) that strongly influence his way of composing music, and perhaps precisely because of this different way of seeing music, tensions arise with guitarist Graham Coxon who leaves the band (he participates in the album only on the last song, Battery In Your Leg); additionally, the global situation (with an imminent war in the air) leads the band to produce a "different" album.
The result is pleasantly surprising, the Blur have changed but they still know how to deliver good music and emotions. Head and shoulders above the rest of the album is "Out Of Time," slow and romantic, recorded in Morocco and accompanied by a video shot on a U.S. military ship; "Crazy Beat" is the most energetic and compelling song on the album, somewhat reminiscent of Song2, but heavily influenced by electronics (and by Fatboy Slim).
To remember is the punk-like "We've Got A File On You," reminding us of "Bank Holiday" from far-off 1994, "Good Song," "Sweet Song," and finally the compelling "Battery In Your Leg," which brings Planet Funk to mind.
Overall, a good album, unusual and decidedly out of the ordinary for Blur's style; in their seventh album, these guys have successfully completed the transformation that began with "Blur" and have given us this excellent musical product: what was it that Billy Corgan said? That they should break up after the third album? Naaaaaaaaaa
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Summary by Bot
After a four-year hiatus, Blur returns with Think Tank, a more thoughtful and internationally influenced album. Damon Albarn's external projects and travels shaped this new sound amid band tensions and global unrest. The album blends rock with electronic and punk elements, highlighted by standout tracks like 'Out Of Time' and 'Crazy Beat.' It marks a successful evolution for Blur, delivering fresh music with strong emotional impact.
Blur
English rock band formed in Colchester; core members include Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree. Rose to prominence during the Britpop era and later explored experimental and electronic sounds. Active from 1989 to present.49 Reviews
Other reviews
By Rivo
This album released on May 5, 2003, left me very puzzled.
I’ve always loved Blur. And I will continue to do so, even if this album just doesn’t sit well with me.
By Vivio
"If you don’t have patience, you’ll never be able to grasp and savor the dark and sweet atmospheres present in this work."
"Think Tank is anything but a commercial attempt, offering anguishing, dark, and gloomy environments."
By Boop7
"Out Of Time" is one of the most beautiful songs of the new millennium and the opening phrase as one of the GREAT QUESTIONS of our uncertain times: 'Where’s the love song to set us free?'
"Battery In Your Leg" puts a grand finale to an album full of hope. A finale to a friend, Graham Coxon, who had collaborated right on the last track.
By Ynamusic
The cover of Think Tank... depicts two people... in the act of embracing... an embrace that is thought to be a prelude to a kiss that will never happen.
Think Tank is a world of sounds where Blur reinvent themselves and put into practice their ability to alienate themselves from the world and transform this floating situation.
