Album: Strange Desire
Artist: Bleachers
Release Date: July 11, 2014
Genre: Indie Rock
Length: 0:38:55
Label: RCA Records
Producer: John Hill/Jack Antonoff/Greg Kurstin/Vince Clarke
Hanging out underneath the Bleachers is more than fun.
After a successful stint as the lead guitarist of the group fun., Antonoff formed Bleachers. Peaking at #2 on both the US Billboard Top Alternative and Top Rock Albums, Strange Desire is an indie rock record that defined my summer of 2014.
As soon as the synth line comes in during "Wild Heart", followed by Antonoff's dreamy voice, only to build up with the contagious drumming, the explosion this track exudes gives the listener a sense of excitement for the following tracks on the album.
Following "Wild Heart" are the three singles released prior to the release of the full album, "Rollercoaster", "Shadow" and "I Wanna Get Better". The latter of these three, "I Wanna Get Better" peaked at #1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, solidifying the Bleachers as one of the most impressive groups to come out with a debut album. The catchiness of the lyrics could be seen as a bad thing in mainstream music, but with these songs however, the catchiness serves it perfectly as the songs sound new, but also comfortably familiar.
Each song is different from the last, especially in terms of the way Antonoff sings. Listening to this album for the first time is hard to tell that Antonoff is the same singer for each song. The way he changes his vocal performance to radiate a different feel for each song is beyond impressive. For example, the song "Shadow" is a jam about pumping up someone who has been feeling down. The way he sings is more direct and open, since the lyrics are about someone else needing confidence. Compared to the song "Wake Me", with lyrics discussing Antonoff's craving to spend time with his significant other, this song showcases a more dream-like, meaningful way of singing. Even though there is power towards the end, that power shows his pure emotions towards the topic at hand.
The way each instrument is played throughout every song perfectly radiates the feel necessary to make the songs great. The slow songs contain less intense patterns, but the more extraordinary jams produce a high-energy performance that gives this album a specific charm. While each song in my opinion is great, the only complaint I have on this album is the use of Yoko Ono. I am the first to admit, the Beatles are my favorite band, so this dislike could come from the feelings I have toward Ono, but her voice in the song "I'm Ready to Move On/Wild Heart Reprise" just turns me off to an otherwise great song. I cannot recommend this album enough. Some of the most entertaining bunch of songs in an album from around that time, Strange Desire gives me a huge sense of nostalgia and even though it is six years after its original release, this album still holds up to the indie albums now...
Favorite Songs: "Like A River Runs", "You're Still a Mystery", "I Wanna Get Better"
Least Favorite Songs: "I'm Ready to Move On/Wild Heart Reprise" (Yoko...)
Production Quality:
Mix = 9/10
Innovation = 7/10 (very unique sound, but not many innovative qualities)
Songwriting Quality:
Arrangement = 9/10
Lyricism = 9/10
Instrumentation Quality:
Vocal Timbre = 10/10
Instrumental Timbre = 10/10
Group Chemistry = 10/10
Overall Likability:
My Personal Rating = 9.5/10
Overall Rating: 9.2/10
Any confusion on how the rating is weighted/calculated, please look at my "About" page.
Remember this is all my opinion! Let me know if you agree, disagree or have any comments!