Once Upon a Time in the West

by

Hard-Fi

Edit

I was a big fan of Hard-Fi's debut album, "Stars of CCTV", which went to #1 on the charts in the U.K. I was worried that it would be all but impossible for the band to surpass its first effort. Fortunately, my fears were unfounded. Not only is "Once Upon a Time In the West" musically and lyrically the equal of the first album, I believe in many ways it is superior.

Back are the infectiously catchy hooks, the sing-a-long lyrics, and the head-bobbing grooves. Stylistically, the album borrows much from Clash influenced punk rock, the latest trends in indie rock, and Motown R&B. This is one of those albums you can listen from beginning to to end without skipping any tracks. While most of the songs are full of energy, the album does pause several time for slower music (songs which I personally love). Thematically, the album tackles the topics of loneliness, alienation, boredom, and yearning. The mixture of quick paced fun music with mostly melancholic lyrics creates a uniquely satisfying effect on the listener.

The album opens with the first single, "Suburban Knights" and doesn't miss a beat the rest of the way. There are several sing-along anthems: "I Shall Overcome", "Television", "Can't Get Along (Without You)", and "Little Angel". As well as some stripped down rock ballads: "Tonight", "Help Me Please", and the finale "The King". Each song is refreshingly unique without trying too hard to be so.

Hands down, "Once Upon a Time In the West" is one of the best albums I've heard all year - potentially, one of my all-time faves. As if that wasn't enough, it features the greatest cover art ever. Hard-Fi deserves to catch on in America as they already have in the UK. Buy this album! It does not disappoint.

Best Songs: Suburban Knights, The King, Can't Get Along (Without You), Little Angel

For Fans Of: Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight, Editors

Like the cover art, this album is pretty dull and quite boring - 2.5 stars.

Hard-Fi's first album was catchy and had a lot of good moments. But Hard-Fi have tragically fallen into the dreaded Sophomore slump. The single "Suburban Knights" has a catchy but played-out whoa-whoa-whoa chorus. Other than that, the song doesn't really lead anywhere new; musically or lyric wise. And the song "Watch Me Fall Apart" tries too hard to be a modern day version of "Cashmere" by Led Zeppelin

Not much needs to be said for the rest of the album because truthfully Hard-Fi hasn't really grown up (which was somewhat acceptable for their first album) or improved. Instead, we are left with an album that is quickly forgotten and eventually traded in.