Strange Days (studio album) by The Struts

Nov20. Okay, self-titled opening track going for the slow build-up. I can dig that. Pearl Jam used that to great effect at concerts. Not a bad start. 'All Dressed Up: With Nowhere to Go' builds a little more. It has a nice little stomp to it and you can't help but be singing along by the second time you hear the chorus. 'Do You Love Me?' has a fun feel to it and I am sure would be popular with the masses if that's where these got played.
'I Hate How Much I Want You' ups the catchiness. I love the fuzzed-out guitars, and especially bass, on 'Wild Child'. 'Cool' is also a bit of fun, but these are not hitting me as hard as Everybody Wants. 'Burn it Down' is a slow piano number that reminds me of The Black Crowes.
'Another Hit of Showmanship' reminds me of pop-rock 80s bands and does not do a lot for me. 'Can't Sleep' sounds like a Jet song and the last song wears thin with its saxophone. Not a strong second half. Still, there are some fun tracks here. 3.5/5

The Struts' latest album might not be their most creative effort, but it sure is an album filled with happiness and attitude. The radio-friendly power pop and glam rock with singalong choruses is exactly what we need in times like these. The band has collaborated with other artists for this album and that results in the strongest songs of the album, such as the lead single Strange Days (with Robbie Williams) or Wild Child (with Tom Morello). That being said, there are also messier and less memorable tracks on the album, such as Do You Love Me or Cool.

Overall, a solid album with a few fillers and loads of happy energy for dark autumn evenings.

1. 90
2. 80
3. 60
4. 90
5. 95
6. 50
7. 70
8. 80
9. 50
10. 80

From llibnanoon 10/21/2020 15:16

Another solid release recorded in only 10 days during lockdown. This generations Exile On Mainstreet. Rating (81.00)