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THE REVIEW
It has been 12 years since Pulp’s “Common People” and “Disco 2000”, sung by this character who has remained in the shadows for years. Jarvis Cocker, after writing lyrics for Charlotte Gainsbourg’s latest work, returns with his first solo album, composed of Pop sounds and, of course, that Brit Pop which so characterized the English music scene of the nineties. This can be immediately understood from the second track “Don’t Let Him Waste Your Time.”
But the album contains two masterpieces, which, as always, come at the end. “Quantum Theory” is a piece that impresses right from the first listen. Acoustic guitars, Cocker’s deep and low voice, pronouncing the only hopeful words of the album:
“Somewhere gravity cannot reach us anymore, somewhere we’re not alone. Everything is gonna be alright”
Sounds never heard from him before. At some points, it seems more like a Nick Cave piece, but the ending seems to seek a glorious way out in a society led by bastards, as the English singer says. This thesis of his is relegated to the back of the album, in the ghost track and first single extracted “Running the world,” another masterpiece. With this track positioning, Cocker wants to tell us that the best things are always done at the end, when you don’t realize what you have done in a period of your life when you wouldn’t expect anything exciting.
Jarvis Cocker’s album is a good album and stands out from other musical releases of this period, which are few and, many, very poor (sorry for the pun : D).
The remnants of Pulp are especially heard in “Heavy Weather” and “Big Julie,” while in other tracks, the English singer becomes familiar with very different sounds: “Black Magic” seems like a late nineties pop piece. “I Will Kill Again” and “Disney Time,” slow and disturbing at the same time. Instead sweet “Baby’s coming back to me” and “Tonite”, a song dated in the sounds “From A To I” and an Indie Rock piece that surprises everyone: “Fat Children.”
Nothing new on the English front then, just a collection of very good tracks reminiscent of bygone times and capable of creating very contrasting sensations in just over an hour. Jarvis Cocker’s maturity is to be praised, both in terms of music and what he wrote in the lyrics, in which he opened up and wanted to describe especially English society.
“Jarvis” is worth listening to anyway, given that in these years finding a noteworthy album is really very difficult.
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Summary by Bot
Jarvis Cocker's first solo album reconnects with his Britpop roots while exploring diverse sounds and mature lyrics. Highlights include 'Quantum Theory' and 'Running the World,' both praised as masterpieces. The album stands out amid a sparse music scene of the time, demonstrating Cocker's growth and ability to evoke complex emotions throughout its hour-long runtime. Fans of 90s Britpop will appreciate the familiar yet fresh approach.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Jarvis Cocker
English singer, songwriter and frontman of Pulp, Jarvis Cocker launched a solo career with Jarvis (2006), followed by Further Complications and collaborations such as Room 29 with Chilly Gonzales. Known for sharp, socially observant lyrics and a wry stage presence.02 Reviews
Other reviews
By Targetski
"In this album, Cocker, bitter and disillusioned, sings the story of a chilling disillusionment, with very few or almost no hopes or ways out."
"He warns on the surface of the CD that the album 'should not be used as a sedative,' writes verses of extraordinary finesse and wit, and, most importantly, still writes great songs."
