The Last Broadcast

by

Doves

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The Doves sophmore release, The Last Broadcast, bucks the traditional sophmore slump and takes it's place as a stunning version of Brit-pop. While not as dramatic, moody and brooding as the debut album, The Last Broadcast is definitely the Doves' chance to shine as songwriters and as musicians.

In comparison to their earlier release, Lost Souls, The Last Broadcast is definitely a happier and more accessible album. What the album lacks in dark honesty, it makes over tenfold in perfect songwriting.It almost reeks with pop motifs and has definite brit pop sound. A song like "N.Y." feels like a Blur song with Oasis pop, and "Satellites" is just riddled with gospel-influences, which instantly reminds me of Sting's last album. Those are just a few examples, at least. This doesn't detract from any of the songs (all of these influences are good), but it's not as groundbreaking or mood-setting as the debut. A song like "Pounding," which is my favorite track, has fairly basic guitar playing and musicality, yet has all the perfect hooks to draw the listener closer into the music.

While I am a devouted fan to their debut, The Last Broadcast is an ideal follow up and a perfect way for the Doves to become one of the focal points of the new brit-pop movement. Their songwriting and lyricism is still up to par, and any appreciator of just good rock and roll would immensely enjoy this CD.

I bought this album with my eyes closed (without listening to a single track, a big mistake) after falling in love with the group's first album "Lost souls". Guess I was expecting too much. The second album is nowhere close to the debute one! Such a disappointment! It lacks the "soul", it has no striking and memorable tunes at all, very monotonous and leaves the impression that the band was just in a rush rush to put out a new recording... Lost Souls was a milestone, this album is a step down. Having said that, I would not rule out the band's capabilities. They have a potential to write much better music. Perhaps album number three will be better?..