On my voyage through all the Sparks albums, some of which I haven’t heard in 20 or 30 years, here is my review of ‘Introducing Sparks’.
1. A Big Surprise
This record sounds good; better than the last one. It has a kind of sixties feel to it, which I like. What is the big surprise? What is the ace that she holds? I have no idea. The song is mostly chorus, but it’s a hooky, memorable chorus, and I like the horns. 7/10.
2. Occupation
Can’t not think of that dumb video with all the dumb costumes. Speaking of dumb, this is definitely not the smartest song out there. It’s not bad though, and there’s a couple of funny lines. Russel is into it. 7/10.
3. Ladies
It’s fine. Probably the weakest one so far. I don’t have much to say about it. 6/10.
4. I’m Not
Yeah, they were really going for a sixties vibe with this record. This song is kind of frightening to me; I’m worried about the protagonist. This is a well produced song (hate the fully cocked wah sound on the guitar again). But great piano, great background vocals. 7/10.
5. Forever Young
Really good song. Anthemic, driving, the drums are finally playing a role moving the song. Great lyrics that can be viewed in two entirely different ways. I could listen to this any time. 8/10.
6. Goofing Off
Best song on the album for me by far. Love the gypsy violin in the beginning, fantastic piano part, I like the chops on the guitar. If a person can hear the gradually increasing tempo and not want to dance the kalinka, I don’t know what’s wrong with them. 10/10.
7. Girls on the Brain
And then after the previous song, they put this which couldn’t possibly be any slower. It’s fine, the lyrics are pretty funny, even though this is a dumb song. 6/10.
8. Over the Summer
I feel like I should hate this, and that it’s probably blatantly copying a bunch of songs that are probably better, but I kind of love it anyway. Like the background vocals, lyrics, production. 8/10.
9. Those Mysteries
Very fun, tongue in cheek song. Very funny juxtaposition of Russel singing VERY seriously about all these mysteries, all of which are very easily explained. ‘Why am I sore whenever I’m hit?’ Ha ha haha! 8/10.
This is another album I hadn’t heard in ages, and I remembered it as being a little lightweight. And honestly it is but…it’s still very enjoyable. Album rates 7.3/10. Next up: ‘No. 1 in Heaven’.