American glam rock band Scissor Sisters, fronted by Jake Shears, have been on the music scene since 2001, strangely finding more success in the UK than in their home country. Their albums, including Ta-Dah and Night Work, have received critical acclaim from numerous publications and spawned many catchy dance singles. With every new effort comes a reinvented sound, and that is exactly what happens on their fourth studio album, Magic Hour, released May 29. The band teamed up with Calvin Harris, Azealia Banks and Diplo to create a fun experience preceded by two great singles, “Shady Love” and “Only the Horses.”
The album’s strong opener, “Baby Come Home”, impressively mixes the 70s disco and rock genres while still containing the Scissor Sister’s unique and charming vibe. The dominant piano and addictive hand claps keep a listener’s attention while they rock their head to the beat. The entire track is sweet while carrying a deeper meaning of romance. The music video perfectly explains exactly what it is all about.
A tribal beat explodes as “Keep Your Shoes On” comes up. The drums are loud, the vocals are deep and I am completely drawn in for some weird reason. The lyrics are clever and catchy and the dance, club-ready vibe will please anyone that comes across it. The track features the fun, carefree, campy energy that fans have come to expect from the band. Glad it was included.
The album takes a softer turn for the ballad-like “Inevitable”, produced by the genius mind of Pharrell Williams. The track is really a shocker, seeing as it comes from the hands of The Neptunes. It is a really laidback song incorporating a great deal of soul and funk. The highlight is the use of Shears’ beautiful falsetto, I was wondering when it would come into play. Great track.
My first taste of the new album was the spectacular, perfect “Only the Horses”, produced by Calvin Harris, the man who should get all the credit for Rihanna’s “We Found Love.” Harris works his magic once again on the uplifting song of love. The beat is great, the writing is cute and it carries one of my favorite lines ever: “if you don’t know the way to hold me let me show you how.” Amazing.
“Year of Living Dangerously” is a song that takes the album down a whole new route. Right out the gate, the track seems to carry a darker, serious tone. The chorus is what makes the entire track, describing how someone takes control of their own life. I enjoy the fact the band can write a great song without any gimmicks or silly beats. I would consider it a highlight. After a hilarious telephone intro, the positively received “Let’s Have A Kiki” comes through the speakers. The song has impressed many critics, myself included. The phone conversation lasts more than a minute and then the dirt begins. Many may not know what a “kiki” is exactly, but I’m sure the LGBT community is having a ball with this fun track, perfect for a drag queen battle.
She may not be credited for her feature on “Shady Love”, but rising rap starlet, Azealia Banks, gives the song some much needed hip-hop cred. Released as the album’s first offering, the track showed the band experimenting with new sounds and it paid off well. Shears sing/talk vocals are interesting and work well with Banks’ tough attitude. Name-checking both Obama and Madonna doesn’t hurt either.
Fans were able to hear “San Luis Obispo” before the album was official released and even though the song should not be classified as bad, it’s nothing amazing and a little boring. The song has a relaxing background beat, but I couldn’t find anything I truly liked about it except for the title. Shears’ vocals are good, never doubted that, but I’d probably skip this one.
For some reason the intro of “Self Control” reminded me a bit of Jennifer Lopez’ current hit “Dance Again”, this is certainly a compliment. I get an underground pop 90s vibe from the track and I really enjoy what I hear. Shears’ vocals are sultry and sexy and I cannot wait to dance the night away to the inappropriate track. One of my favorites from the effort.
The band cranks out another slow jam with “Best In Me”. The track is extremely cute and sweet, actually hurts my teeth. When you find the one right for you they do nothing but make you smile. Everybody has their flaws, but your love will always find the best in you. The lyrics are what make the track golden, I can relate to everything the band is singing about.
The most vulnerable track on the album is “The Secret Life of Letters”, the true ballad of the effort. A sense of hurt comes from the lead singer’s voice and they pack a powerful punch, drawing the listener in. I am happy to see a thoughtful track of emotion buried deep within a carefree, party album. The soft instrumentals throughout make it the perfect candidate for a film soundtrack.
The album closes with “Somewhere”, an upbeat message of hope. The song will get people up and moving but contemplating life as well. It is really a track only the Scissor Sisters could create and although it may not be the best cut off the album, it still needs to be applauded. Shears’ sings “diamonds in disguise” and that is exact how I would describe the song.
Magic Hour is a fantastic record, right on the same level of their previous releases. I must say that I am a new Scissor Sisters’ fan, barely coming across the fantastic group last year, but what I have heard has impressed me. Their fourth studio album buries its roots deep into the pop, funk and dance genres, creating a fabulous mix of memorable songs. The album is one of the most creative and smartest releases of the year, only found one “bad” song. I have nothing but positive comments for this masterpiece and it receives a high and well-deserved 90%.
Tracks to Hear: “Baby Come Home”, “Only The Horses”, “Self Control” and “Best In Me”
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