The Darkness: Different, Dynamic, and Dramatic
Jan 05 '06
Pros
Some outstanding songs, great production quality, impeccable vocals...
Cons
Not consistent, not as good as their debut, doesn't make me dance like a monkey-girl...
The Bottom Line
If you enjoyed Permission to Land, you may like One way Ticket to Hell. It's not perfect, but there are some really good things to check out.
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Donning spandex outfits reminiscent of Steven Tyler and a voice all his own, Justin Hawkins leads the hilariously tongue-in-cheek yet still incredibly talented British band The Darkness. Along with his brother Dan (guitar), Frankie Poullain (bass guitar) and Ed Graham (drums) they have become one of the least likely and most refreshing musical success stories of the last few years. While the whole “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” theme is apparently throughout the music, it is not meant to be taken entirely serious. The Darkness presents an original, creative, and bombastic homage to everything arena rock of the 1970s.
After the success of 2003’s excellent Permission to Land, fans wanted more. The Darkness toured a ton, released some singles (which included b-sides) and promised that in the near future they would be returning to the studio to give the world a whole new crop of new tracks. The resulting album was 2005’s much anticipated album One Way Ticket to Hell…and Back. While I definitely enjoy most of the disc, I think that much of the band’s novelty has worn off. On their first album they were loud, boisterous, wild, and unpretentious. This album has a very different feel. It’s softer, more melodic, and much more self important. It seems that maybe Justin Hawkins got a bit too big for his britches. He’s always had an ego, but to so incredibly change things up on a second release is foolish.
Horns, pianos, guitars, and various other dramatic elements make One Way Ticket to Hell…and Back a pleasant experience but it lacks the fire that attracted me to Permission to Land. There are definitely songs I love, but the overall product lacks soul and humor. I do appreciate the diversity and the pure and strangely controlled quality of Justin’s voice. This isn’t a wonderful or awful album, rather it’s painfully mediocre. I can think of no worse way I could describe any kind of music. At least if it were akin to the wretched spawn of Ricky Martin and Amy Lee I would at least have a distinct opinion.
Clocking in at just over thirty-five minutes, the ten track album is at least concise. What filler exists comes and goes so quickly that it is of little concern. Fortunately, the party begins with the kinetic One Way Ticket which is easily among the best on this disc. It is loud, wild, and energetic and represents all the things I loved about The Darkness debut. The song leaves me hyped up and hoping (and half way expecting) the rest of the release to live up to expectation. Alas, not all my dreams can come true. Knockers comes next and while I love the ridiculous boyishness of the song—it’s about sex, but to call a woman’s mammaries “knockers” is hilarious. The problem, though is that that the mid-tempo track doesn’t really get under my skin. I appreciate that the band tosses in some blues for good measure, but it really doesn’t work.
Is It Me? is a return to form though it lacks the grit that I usually enjoy in my rock music (and for that matter from The Darkness). That said, it is definitely one of the better tracks. The next time I’m at all moved is with the power ballad Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time. The strings and piano mix nicely with Justin’s soaring vocals. Despite the hokey necessity of this kind of song on any late 1970s or early 1980s rock album, it works. Heck—the band sounds absolutely brilliant here. The same thing certainly can’t be said for the odd (though vaguely entertaining) Celtic rocker Hazel Eyes. I’m also unimpressed though not offended by Bald. Fortunately, the jazzy, sparkling disco style of Girlfriend is unexpectedly rewarding.
As One Way Ticket to Hell…and Back comes to a close, listeners are presented with two very different pieces of music. The first is the deliciously tacky yet wholly fabulous English Country Garden. If there is any time when a comparison to Queen comes to mind, it is at this very dramatic and dynamic moment. Blind Man is certainly intended to be a delicate and creative but in the end it comes off as stale and insincere.
This album will certainly sate some appetites, but I’m left ravenous. I love what The Darkness does on One Way Ticket, Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time, Girlfriend and English Country Garden but the rest of the album is rather forgettable. One Way Ticket to Hell…and Back isn’t going to win over any new fans. If you really, honestly want to explore The Darkness I suggest you pick up Permission to Land. If you really, honestly enjoy that album then turn to this one for a bit more joy.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. One Way Ticket
02. Knockers
03. Is It Just Me?
04. Dinner Lady Arms
05. Seemed Like A Good Idea at the Time
06. Hazel Eyes
07. Bald
08. Girlfriend
09. English Country Garden
10. Blind Man
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Related Reviews:
Permission to Land
http://www.epinions.com/content_113079586436
I Believe in a Thing Called Love (single)
http://www.epinions.com/content_210085056132
Recommended:
Yes
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