Jet
Shaka Rock

After the positive debut with "Get Born" and the questionable "Shine On," on August 27, 2009, Jet released "Shaka Rock." For those like me who love rock n roll, they'll appreciate this album. It's clear that "Shaka Rock" (and also "Get Born" to some extent) draws inspiration from the sound of fellow countrymen AC/DC and the Rolling Stones.

"Shaka Rock" opens with "Killed in Action", a track that can be listened to without any expectations, though the overly simplistic chorus is a bit disappointing. Let's skip track 2 and we're led into "She's a Genius", the first single released; the intro recalls a piece by RATM, only to prove us wrong as it continues. Let's move to "Black Hearts", where the "AC/DC-esque" vibe is noticeable—a standout track on the album. We skip a couple of tracks and find "La Di La" no... it's the Beatles with Obladì Obladà, they've just added a couple of riffs... those Jet guys, they sure are clever, huh?!? (But I like it, dammit). After "Obladì Obladà" there's "Goodbye Hollywood", a typical track to listen to in the car, perhaps on a summer evening. "Walk": after 3 calm tracks, Jet return to their roots with "Walk", another standout song on "Shaka Rock". The chorus is energetic again, which can only make us happy. We skip another couple of tracks and we stumble upon "Start The Show", the track starts with Bon Scott's (RIP) scream: STAART THE SHOOW!! this passage is fantastic, and the track itself is the best fit.

The album concludes with "She Holds A Grudge", a final song we could have done without; I don't understand this final ballad. Slow, melancholic, sad, and this track is a disaster—it closes the album on a real downer, what a shame.

In conclusion, "Shaka Rock" can be listened to quite decently, especially (I repeat) for those who don't have many expectations. I don't consider it a useless album given the current times; hearing genuine rock n roll is always a pleasure, it's definitely much better than "Shine On." I hope there will be a bit more creativity in the next album, I don't ask for anything else from Jet.