•
Rating:
THE REVIEW
The Kaiser Chiefs reach the critical third test with this "Off With Their Heads."
Various and interesting collaborations for this new studio effort: from Lily Allen (on backing vocals for the hit singles "Never Miss A Beat" and "Always Happens Like That") to the New Young Pony Club, from rapper Sway DaSafo to the great David Arnold.
The album arrives just a year and a half after the previous (and good) "The Angry Mob," marking an important step in the still very young career of the English band, which, on this occasion, plays it safe by choosing a top-notch producer like Mark Ronson (assisted by Eliot James) and launching the album with a catchy hit like the aforementioned "Never Miss A Beat," wonderfully rhythmic and fun.
The good impressions aroused by the single are confirmed with the full listening of the album: after a slightly more "heavy" interlude in terms of sounds and melodic lines like "The Angry Mob" (in which the band still showed decent writing quality), the Chiefs brilliantly demonstrate that they've recaptured the verve that had so impressed in their excellent debut "Employment." The opening "Spanish Metal" (vaguely "mouser-like") shakes and vibrates wonderfully, "Like It Too Much" (enriched by strings) recovers the playful and sly atmospheres of their first work. "You Want History" is all about dancing, and here Ronson really (and pleasantly) lays it on thick.
As always, there are numerous potential hit singles (the new "Good Days Bad Days," which exudes a rather pleasant funk-flavour, but also the wild "Half The Truth"), along with some nice tributes to certain '90s British sounds ("Tomato In The Rain," "Remember You're A Girl," and "Always Happens Like That," the latter with a nice Graham Coxon-style solo). "Addicted To Drugs," on the other hand, starts off great but then loses its way a bit too much.
In conclusion, the Kaiser Chiefs also convince with the third test and are on their way to securing a nice and solid position in the British music scene.
Oh yes, they never miss a beat.
Key Tracks: "Spanish Metal," "Never Miss A Beat," "Like It Too Much," "Half The Truth"
Loading comments slowly
Summary by Bot
Kaiser Chiefs' third studio album 'Off With Their Heads' is a confident step forward, featuring diverse collaborations and strong production by Mark Ronson. The album revives the energetic spirit of their debut, with catchy tracks like 'Never Miss A Beat' and nods to '70s British sounds. While not perfect, it secures their place in the British music scene with potential hit singles and notable musical versatility.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Kaiser Chiefs
Kaiser Chiefs are an English indie rock band from Leeds, fronted by singer Ricky Wilson, known for hook-heavy songs and chant-along choruses.15 Reviews
Other reviews
By salv
This time, however, the approach is different: the album is not as immediate as the previous two but requires more listens to be appreciated.
"Spanish Metal" presents an atypical structure, not having a chorus for the first time, but it constitutes the ideal intro.
By temi
It’s a breath of fresh air, containing very fresh sounds following those of the somewhat heavy ‘Yours Truly Angry Mob.’
The Kaiser Chiefs aren’t Blur, but they imitate them terribly well… I therefore recommend this album to those looking for a new ‘Parklife’ or ‘The Great Escape.’
