[title size=”1 to 6″ style=”options: default, sidebar”]Album grade: A[/title]
When listening to The Fratellis new album We Need Medicine, the first thing that popped into my head was “Why don’t these guys put out albums more often?” Five years since their last release is far too long to go without the scottish rock stylings of The Fratellis. True, one could argue that putting out albums too often would likely lead to a dip in overall quality, and if that be the case, then bravo. The Fratellis have managed to release a record that not only meets, but devastatingly exceeds any expectations put forth from their previous two albums. Featuring all the soulful passion that fans have come to expect, “We Need Medicine” is a model in stylistic progression that other ensembles may want to take note of.
The great thing about We Need Medicine is that it is so influenced by a plethora of different musical styles. The track “Whisky Saga”, while still maintaining the band’s classic European rock feel, features a very country, almost hillbilly rock chorus that would feel right being played at any old rock concert to even the most cowboy of bars. Now, while some people may be put off by the idea of a country twang to the song, I would advise those individuals to take a good hard listen to this track. It’s pure delight wrapped up in a tight three minute song.
Other tracks, like “Halloween Blues” and “Shotgun Shoes,” are so beautifully bluesy with their guitars, and how could that ever be a bad thing? Rock and roll is the child of the blues, and the blues will never go out of style. Many bands may resort to more punk progressions in order to break away in an attempt to innovate, but let’s be honest, which one actually sounds better? The answer is the blues, and blues guitar will forever be the greatest guitar style for rock, which is why these two songs are just plain fun. They’re rock songs that you can dance to. Not just bang your head, but really get into the mood and just groove. On top of that, “Halloween Blues” incorporates a stellar brass section that is so underutilized in popular music. It’s the kind of song that can just put a big stupid grin on your face.
Without a doubt the most soulful song is the title track “We Need Medicine.” Beginning with a rhythmic clap accompanied by vocalist Jon Fratelli singing “We need medicine, we need it now,” the song quickly progresses into a jazzy foray into The Fratellis true potential. While it doesn’t boast too much diversity lyrically speaking, it doesn’t need to. The song’s message is simple and to the point, and there is a real beauty in simplicity here.
To sum it up briefly, which is quite difficult to do, We Need Medicine reminds us what rock and roll used to be, and shows us what it still can be. Both reminiscent and forward thinking, The Fratellis outdid themselves by putting out one of the purest yet innovative rock albums in recent memory. If I could, I would write a separate article for each track on the record, but lo, there is not enough room. Do yourself a favor and listen to We Need Medicine again and again for forever and ever.
