Stereophonics - Language, Sex, Violence, Other? reviewed by Cars

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I was so close to not bothering with this album & I'm certain had I not worked in a music store where I have to play new albums I probably wouldn't have listened to it at all. How glad am I then that I was forced to give it a go? This is the album that should have followed Performance & Cocktails. This shows just what Stereophonics are capable of. It's rocking, it's raw, it's fresh. A more mature sound than the first 2 albums yet remains along the same youthful vein as they did (unlike the grumbling You Gotta Go There To Come Back). The 'phonics are a fun band to like again! Sure Kelly still looks as miserable as sin but with lyrics like "you look like a monkey scowling at me, well suck my banana, suck it with cream" he can't be that po faced surely?? I was a HUGE 'phonics fan for the first 2 albums & even stayed loyal during the, at times very dubious, JEEP. They tried my patience with the  Handbags & Gladrags fiasco & then pushed me right over the edge with the 4th album (whose title I don't even think deserves to be repeated again in this review!) I'm so glad they're back. Did Stuart Cable make them old farts?? He always seemed quite jolly to me! Whatever the reason behind it they're definately on top form again. Starting off with the growling Superman (which could have quite easily been a track on Perfomance & Cocktails) & straight into the sneering Doorman, the upbeat Brother & then the fantastic Devil. It's then onto the first single to be lifted - Dakota which is without doubt the best single they've released since Mr Writer. Following that is Rewind which will hopefully be a future single. Pedal Pusher does start to sound like Kelly doing an impression of himself with the whining voice going into overdrive, but it has a great beat to it. Next song Girl is a track that Jet could only ever wish to write, whilst Lolita takes me back to the Word Gets Around years. Album ends with  tracks Deadhead (slightly forgetable for me) & Feel (good song - bit slow to end an album on for my liking but I'm weird about stuff like that!) I'm not sure the band realise (or would ever admit) this was a make or break come back album for them, but they make a come back they most definately have! Welcome back - I've missed you! 9 out of 10 Best tracks - Devil, Dakota, Rewind, Girl

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