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THE REVIEW
Three years after the success of "Comin' Up" and two after the b-sides collection "Sci-Fi Lullabies", in 1999 it was time for Suede to release their fourth studio album, titled "Head Music".
Recorded between '98 and '99 and produced by a big name like Steve Osborne (The Happy Mondays, Curve, Placebo, Doves, New Order, The B-52's), the album represents a sought-after and strongly desired shift by Anderson and company compared to the excellent predecessor.
Suede, in fact, strive to integrate what are now their distinctive sounds with a more aseptic and electronic approach. The involvement of Neil Codling's keyboards is, therefore, more prominent in the structure of the tracks compared to Richard Oakes' guitar, who, however, had earned respect while replacing a key element like Bernard Butler. Codling even tries his hand at songwriting with the rock-nursery rhyme "Elephant Man", the only track not produced by Osborne, but by Bruce Lampcov instead.
Not that Oakes hides away, of course: just listen to the leading single "Electricity", which combines the usual guitar approach with a pleasant dose of well-balanced electronics, maintaining the melodic charge that was prominently featured in "Comin' Up". "Savoir Faire", exclusively penned by Anderson, combines the synthesizer with a captivating and glam melody, then makes way for the robotic pop rock of "Can't Get Enough". "Everything Will Flow" is a beautiful linear, epic, and engaging ballad, as are the other more introspective tracks of the album, among which the best is undoubtedly "Down", evocative and splendid in its simplicity. Brett, then, delivers one of his best vocal performances ever. Mid-tempo tracks like the hit "She's In Fashion" or electric episodes like the title track instead bring the mind back to the more typical Suede of their earlier works. The closing track, "Crack In The Union Jack," also penned entirely by Brett Anderson, is polemical and scathing from its title.
In the end, this "Head Music" may not be the most beautiful album, but certainly the most complete and interesting of Suede's career, and will be their third LP to reach the top of the UK charts. The subsequent "A New Morning" and the best of "Singles" would (definitively?) draw the curtain on this great band.
Key tracks: Electricity, Savoir Faire, Down
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Summary by Bot
Released in 1999, 'Head Music' marked Suede’s shift toward integrating electronic sounds with their distinct rock style. Produced by Steve Osborne, the album highlights Neil Codling's keyboards and Richard Oakes's guitar. Key tracks like 'Electricity' and 'Down' demonstrate a balance between electronics and melody. Although not their most beautiful album, it remains one of their most complete and interesting works, topping the UK charts.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Suede
Suede are an English rock band associated with 1990s britpop, known for glam-leaning alternative rock and Brett Anderson’s theatrical frontman role. After disbanding in 2003, they reunited and released a well-regarded run of albums including Bloodsports, Night Thoughts, The Blue Hour and Autofiction.18 Reviews
