Regrettably Alex or Taylor: Belle and Sebastian’s ‘Write About Love’
Dear music friends,
This week we bring to you a review of Belle and Sebastian’s newest release “Write About Love.” The release marks the end of a four-year hiatus of the U.K. band, and what a spectacular return it is.
Alex’s deposition:
The first time I heard of Belle and Sebastian was on Pandora shuffle. I fell in like with them. His gentle voice and the chill melodies of the music created a special fondness similar to having a crush. I listened to them on Pandora and after many months of soul searching, I finally committed to loving the band. When I heard that they had released a new CD, I jumped at the chance to listen to it.
As I put on my headphones and listened to the first track, I felt assured that my money didn’t go to waste. The catchy drum beat took me in and put me at ease. It’s hard to break the music down and see why it is so great, but the synergy of the parts create an experience that is different than anything else today. Everything seems to click together and blend seamlessly, enveloping you with an experience that seems to be lifted from the ’60s and ’70s British music scene.
The album starts out with up-beat songs like “I Want the World to Stop” and “I’m Not Living in the Real World,” with catchy bass lines and keyboards that invite one to dance. Then they are carefully balanced with beautifully slow songs like “Little Lou, Ugly Jack, Prophet John,” “Read the Blessed Pages” and “The Ghost of Rockschool.” “Write About Love” is an album that adds a layer to the perfect moment, a perfect work of art to add to the mood of a situation. All around, the album is very enjoyable where the music beams with the happiness and oozes with easygoing melancholy.
Bottom Line: “Write About Love” is an outstanding album that feels old, yet new and exciting. With catchy horn, bass and synth melodies, the album takes you along the poetic lyrics and mellow soundscapes. If you want an album that is easy to listen to and you haven’t heard of Belle and Sebastian, look into “Write About Love.” You won’t be disappointed.
Alex’s Score: 8.37/10
Taylor’s review:
Before this album I had never actually listened to Belle and Sebastian. I had heard about them – mostly from “500 Days of Summer” – but I had never actually set foot into their music. The first time I did lend them my ear I thought it was decently OK. There were a few songs that I could see myself listening to by themselves, but for the most part, the album “Write About Love” seemed to me more like a background album. Nothing more than just a supporting score for a nice conversation. It wasn’t harsh on the ears, there weren’t any boring moments and none of the songs sounded like they were just repeats of previous ones, but there wasn’t really any attention grabbing me throughout the album.
After this first listen, I stepped out of the musical home known as Belle and Sebastian and concluded it was a decent enough listen. Boy, was I understating this album. Giving it a second chance, this time listening through headphones, I let “Write About Love” take me on a second date. Instantly, it was like I found a friend that I had been missing. I don’t know why the album felt weak the first time, maybe because it was at a softer volume, maybe because it was while driving home, but this time around it was absolutely amazing.
Along with Alex, I also began to fall in like with this album, and as the second listen progressed, the crush only grew. I felt a ’70s influence especially on the second half of the album, but it was absolutely fitting. It was refreshing splash in the face from a world full of crappy hip-hop songs that are only good for dancing. Each song had its own special characteristic that made it great, whether it was a catchy melody line, a sweeter-than-sweet synth part or an overall feel-good supported by a happy drum beat.
I would have to say that the vocals are what got me hooked. Every song speaks to you as if you’re talking to that really cool kid at school that always says something interesting and always at just the right moment. It’s impossible to forget this kid, just as it is impossible to forget these songs.
Instead of the usual awkward second encounter, I felt like I could express myself through this album, and if “Write About Love” were a girl, I would write her a sappy and romantic love letter.
The line below the bottom line: This album is fantastic. There isn’t a moment throughout the whole album that I thought detracted from the overall experience. You might say they overuse the fade-out ending, but even that is just a blemish that makes it more interesting. This album is worth purchasing whether you are a fan of Belle and Sebastian or not.
Taylor sees Alex’s score of 8.37 and raises him by .16.
Regrettably yours,
Alex or Taylor