Furious Angels

Rob Dougan | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 3, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 2
• ASIN: B00009V3OB
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,890 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From URB Magazine

(Cheeky/Warner Bros.) Best known for the classic "Clubbed to Death," two versions of which feature here, London-based Australian Rob Dougan’s debut LP mines a similar groove without ever re-hitting such anthemic heights. Still, while the lack of further masterpieces is a predictable disappointment, Furious Angels remains a diverting listen, showcasing Dougan’s unique take on what we often wrongly call dance music. More in the mode of compatriot Baz Luhrmann than close associates Faithless, Dougan’s LP pitches itself firmly toward the movie theater rather than the dance floor. Hence expensive-sounding strings abound on most of the 14 hugely intense, densely produced cuts here, Hitchcock-style. Surprisingly, the majority also feature Dougan’s own, very distinctive, vocals — a sort of pained, Bob Dylan-like, bluesy rasp. Not the most pleasant noise in the world, it‘s either supreme confidence or slight egomania that lets it dominate so heavily. The also-available instrumental version is thus a less interesting, but much easier listen. Choose your weapon.

Simon Hawkins

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of My 5 Favorite Discs of All Time., July 12, 2003

By 

the enlightened one (under the tree of enlightenment) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Furious Angels (Audio CD)

Let's face it, we're currently in an age when pop music is progressively getting worse and new ideas are fast running out...

Ever since the Rob Dougan track 'Clubbed to Death (Kurayamino Variation)' was featured on the original Matrix soundtrack, I've been waiting for the day when I could hear more of his work. Plain and simple, it's been worth it. Dougan spent eight years, maybe even more, working on this album. On 'Furious Angels', Rob Dougan is the composer, the solo vocalist, and the entire orchestra all in one. This man is INCREDIBLY talented. I can't believe the instrumental string parts were all entirely written by him. And at the same time his obvious influence from Electronic music allows him to be modern-sounding enough to capture the attention of today's audience. One thing I really enjoy about his music is that he doesn't allow the percussion to become repetitive or to distract the listener from the actual music.

The best thing about Dougan's music is probably his voice. Some reviewers have commented that his vocals don't fit the instrumentals, but I strongly disagree. I think his voice is what makes his songs so strong, dark, and emotional. Perhaps there is no better example than on 'Left Me for Dead', a song that seems to be about a hit-and-run accident. Dougan beautifully captures the pain and anguish that such a situation could cause. On 'There's Only Me', he howls out in vain on a song that could be themed around loneliness and isolation.

Another reviewer didn't like how track 13 is silent, and claims it's a copy of John Cage's famous 4'33". I don't consider this CD to be a copy of anything, really. If you look at the structure of the album as a whole, it's almost as if Dougan is inviting you in on a private concert. There's the Prelude at the very beginning, the actual meat of the performance in the middle, the silence towards the end where the applause would take place, the Coda to wrap up the show, and then the encore track 'Clubbed to Death 2' to win the audience over.

Best track on the album is easily 'Clubbed To Death (Kurayamino Variation)', the record that broke Rob Dougan into the public's consciousness. I don't even have to explain why this song is so good. It's an awesome attempt at taking two styles of music that you would NEVER expect to work together (the strings of Classical and the beats of Hip Hop), and putting them together well enough to create something totally fresh. The result is nothing short of a masterpiece. I also enjoy the title track 'Furious Angels', 'Nothing At All', and 'Speed Me Towards Death' very much. All in all, every song on the CD doesn't disappoint. The album is very well balanced and each track beautifully flows into the next.

>>> A perfect 5 stars. An epic masterpiece. This album is flawless. Gorgeous art direction and album design as well.

* BEST ELECTRONIC ALBUM OF 2003. Yes, I know the year isn't over yet but I dare you to find me a replacement.

- the enlightened one

If you enjoyed 'Furious Angels', I would strongly suggest such albums as Robert Miles' 'Dreamland' and Chicane's 'Behind the Sun'. They both seem to capture the same artful taste as heard in Rob Dougan's music.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A haunting debut from Rob Dougan, January 4, 2004

By 

gac1003 "gac1003" (Long Beach, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Furious Angels (Audio CD)

Australian-born Rob Dougan injects some much-needed originality into the 2003 music scene. His debut album, "Furious Angels," is filled with haunting music and intelligent lyrics, all backed with full orchestra, that show of his talents as both a singer and a songwriter. His smoky, Leonard Cohen-esque voice blends in with his music and adds to the emotion on such songs as "Furious Angels," "Left Me For Dead," "One And The Same," and "I'm Not Driving Anymore." His instrumental songs are equally praiseworthy, including the tracks "Will You Follow Me?" and "Clubbed To Death," to name a few. Their mix of traditional orchestra and electronics give them a cinematic feel.

The second disc contains instrumental versions of many of the songs, as well as the videos for "Furious Angels" and "Clubbed To Death." A fantastic album. One of the standouts of 2003.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An impressive debut, February 23, 2005

By 

Clarissa "MoonGoddess" (Ontario, California) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Furious Angels (Audio CD)

I have but one thing to say, really: FURIOUS ANGELS IS INCREDIBLE! I, however, completely agree with almost every review written here. It takes more than one listen to let the brilliance of this album fully reveal itself in all its glory but once it does sink in you'll find yourself unable to take it out of your stereo! I honestly didn't like it at first, and my initial thoughts were: this guy cannot sing ... WHAT IS HE THINKING?! But after playing it through a couple times, I couldn't imagine this music without his voice accompanying it. The soft electronic beats are set to emotive orchestrations, so when you add his raspy Bob Dylan-esque vocals with his bittersweet lyrics, the end result is a raw intensity that'll leave you speechless. And that is why I don't enjoy the instrumental versions quite as much as the originals because the melodies are missing something vital: HIS VOICE!

"Nothing At All" is probably one of the most heart-wrenchingly gorgeous songs ever, and an equally beautiful tune is "One And The Same (Coda)". He at times sounds like David Gray on this particular piece, which can be found on any of the imports I especially recommend getting for that and another bonus track, "Speed Me Towards Death." Another favorite of mine is the fiercly dynamic "Left Me For Dead" where I hear a slight resemblance to David Bowie...

I am so, SO glad I found a used copy of 'Furious Angels' for an irresistible price since I almost made the terrible mistake of not buying this because of the poor samples provided here, which only serve as an injustice to this album!

I don't know much about Rob Dougan's musical past but if this is any indication of the undeniable talents this artist possesses, I see nothing but a bright future ahead of him and can only hope he gets the kind of recognition he rightfully deserves.