Aqualung, Still Life
The follow up to Aqualungs self titled first album, 'Still Life' continues exactly where Ivor Novello-nominated songwriter Matt Hales left off on the first album, with songs about life, love, and ticking clocks! – 'Another little hole'. The first single to be released off the album, 'Brighter than Sunshine', is a happy, feel good opener, to a very chilled out, soft sounding, melodramatic album, which strikes of emotion, and is sharp enough in places to really make you sit up and take notice.
The outstanding tracks on this album are definitely 'Left behind' – one of the more lively songs, 'You turn me around', and the soft and sublime 'Extraordinary thing' which you know is going to be something very special simply from the harpsichord introduction juxtaposed with the dark piano melody throughout, combining to make a truly emphatic love song. This track in particular is followed by 'Breaking my heart again', helping to consolidate the feeling that this album is like a roller coaster ride; taking you up to one end of the emotional spectrum, and then plunging you right down to the other.
Instrumentally the album is very subtle – the piano undertones throughout helping to contribute to the mood. A definite must for Aqualung fans, and those who enjoyed the first album. The only complaint is that due to its subtlty some of the songs can sound similar, and if you're not paying attention, seemingly merge together, sometimes making the album lose much of its character and attraction.
Loading ...