Customer Reviews

Wild Young Hearts

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the album that Amy Winehouse would have made if she could sing (or stay straight, whichever came first). Unlike Noisettes' earlier releases, which emphasized the punk side of a punk-soul mix, Wild Young Hearts beats a path straight to Motown's door, stopping to pick up a Blondie wig along the way. A little bit schizophrenic, but jumping with unbridled joy, Wild Young Hearts beats a disco rhythm one minute ("Don't Upset the Rhythm") and Bristol-like stomp ("Never Forget You") the next. An unpretentious breath of fresh air, singer / bassist Shingai Shoniwa will snap up your eyelids and feet alike. Wild Young Hearts is simply irresistible.

This is such a cool sounding album, a little this, a little that. Some early No Doubt twisted with Classic Soul. I don't know what to call this album. Sultry Punk?, I am so in love

The lead female vocalist has a unique, very-rare sound. Her music is free flowing and almost sounds vintage. She is very similar in looks and style as Janelle Monae. When a reviewer of her album listens to the music and watches her music videos, they get a taste of what she wants to put out there to the world. Strictly listening to her album may make a listener think, 'what is she talking about.' Her music video for Never Forget You is briliant. She has fun with words and finds a way to play them without being mainstream. Her greatest on here Don't Upset the Rhythm (Go Baby Go) and Saturday Night. There is only one "3 star" song. The rest are four and above. Her talent is unique which gives her 5 stars in my book.

So the u s 'album' is bit different than the
u k version. Still, it's waaay better than most of the
current stuff out there. A throwback to old rock and roll.
Of coures, any band that gets on Letterman is usually
just great. I watch the show many times just to
help 'keep up' with 'new'music. Take it from an old DJ-
you will love this album.

I want to thank Sealinewuman for bringing this band to my attention when commenting on my review of V.V. Brown's `The Attic EP'. I had heard of The Noisettes, but I'd never really given them much attention. After devouring their latest album, `Wild Young Hearts', I'm ready to pounce all over `What's the Time Mr. Wolf'.

Once I do, I'll be sure to weigh in.

Grabbing at influences that range from funk to pop to R&B and hip-hop, to jazz and punk and even flares of country (Sometimes); The Noisettes have a deep pool to choose from, and while their influences may crop up here and there in subtle flourishes, they are recognizable and admirable, for they add layers of uniqueness to this album. I'm intrigued to get my hands on their debut album, for I have a feeling it may be even more diverse than this album (correct me if I'm wrong), and so I have this aching feeling I may even like that album more than I like this one.

But serious, I am dying to hear their stoned out take on `Hit Me Baby (One More Time)'!

The album opens strong, with `Wild Young Hearts' setting the tone and pace of the album (the funk throwback feel is the strongest influence on this album). I love the playfulness of the track. It lets you know right up front that this is a happy album. The band even made mention in interviews that this was an album about being young, no matter what you age, by the way you act; enjoying your life and having fun. `Wild Young Hearts' is a beautiful way to introduce that morale. `Don't Upset The Rhythm (Go Baby Go)' comes next, screaming 60's and proving even more exciting and engaging than `Wild Young Hearts'.

Pure disco brilliance.

The best track on the album, without any hesitation whatsoever, is `Never Forget You'. The sensual jazz undertones are brilliantly matched by lead singer Shingai Shoniwa's flawless vocals. The way she slinks into the verses is just impeccably entrancing. The song is on constant replay in my i-pod and I don't foresee a time when I'll grow tired of it.

I love the disco flare brought to `Saturday Night', even if I find the way she actually says "Saturday Night" to be rather annoying. It's still a great song with great character. Probably my second favorite track on the album is `Atticus'. It has a much softer and gentler flow to it, reminiscent of soft rock. Shingai's vocals are just flawless here. I love the lyrics here, so deep and meaningful and provocative.

Both `Every Now and Then' and '24 Hours' are great examples of two shade of the band. `Every Now and Then' is a much more mellow track, feeling aged yet modernly refreshing. '24 Hours' is much bouncier and evokes a more uplifting and happy atmosphere. They way they layer their approaches to musical genres is stunning to listen to. Both tracks obvious borrow from similar pools of influence, yet they allow each track to speak for itself.

I absolutely ADORE `Beat of My Heart'. The song is just, well, STUNNING.

I'm less impressed with the albums closing tracks. I admire the bluesy take on `Sometimes', which evokes a southern rock, country feel to it. It was a risky and commendable attempt, but for me it just doesn't stand out as well as it could have. I love that these guys are not afraid to try new things and incorporate many genres in their own style (although the funk/R&B tone is predominantly their forte). For me, the closing track `Cheap Kicks' is the worst song here. It's not because it's `bad' but because it's uninspiring. It just doesn't bring anything new or exciting to the album and doesn't scream `LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM AGAIN'. Vocally, amazing, but aside from that it's forgettable.

Overall I'm very happy with this album. I'd totally recommend it, and I thank Sealinewuman for giving me the heads up!

I love this album. I have had it for 4 days now, and I cannot stop listening to it! Highlights for me are "Sometimes", "Wild Young Hearts", "Atticus", "Cheap Kicks"...Okay, the entire album is a highlight! One of the top 3 of the year for me along with Fleet Foxes and Grizzly Bear.

Entire album start to finish, filled with catchy, joyous pop/punk! Lead singer is a breath of fresh air. Intelligent lyrics and sing along melodies! Cant stop playing this, my favorite new group!

After "What's the Time, Mr. Wolf?" I was not expecting an album like this from the Noisettes. It is a bit of a departure from the more raw and loose feeling of their debut with songs that are much more refined and filled out. Personally, I loved the debut album, so I was a little disappointed there weren't really any songs in the same vein as IWE (my favorite of theirs) on this album, but I am very pleased that they are exploring other styles in an effort (hopefully) to create a more complete sound for their 3rd album, whenever that will be.

My least favorite song from the album is "Don't Upset the Rhythm" because it is a bit too bubblegum sounding, but it is in keeping with their exploration on the album, so I'll take it. The rest of the album is solid and is definitely worth the purchase.

Now if they would just make a stop in Chicago for a show I would be a very happy fan. Their show here in August was canceled.

This CD is a mix of the 60's mixed with a modern style and bluesy at times. The song 'Never Forget You' is what drew me to the album. Though it remains my favorite the whole CD is entertaining. For $10 it was well worth the purchase. I know they have made other CD's but not sure if I would purchase those since this album is the 'breakthrough' album that put them on the Ellen show and David Letterman.

For what it's worth, I first heard this album being played as bumper music behind a segment on NPR back in August. I was so intrigued by what I was hearing because it hit so hard and came instantly as the freshest and most mesmerizing music that I've heard in a long time. After I made a few phone calls, I was sent my very own copy and had it almost the next day. I've been listening to this almost constantly. And be warned it's so catchy, that you might think it a bit too catchy. I found myself hearing several songs in my head long after I had gone to bed. Unexplainably good.

What's probably the most obvious thing to say about this band / this record is that with the incredible amount of garbage floating around in the musical void they stand out so far that it's almost embarrassing how good they are, and all while doing it in a simple and natural manner. It's the first time I ever thought I'd ever hear a perfect blend of Diana Ross and The Sex Pistols. The sexual frustration on every track is almost palpable, too. So it's no mistake Shingai sings: "Damn this Wild Young Heart" and it's being fronted as the cover track.

My favourite cuts on the album are just about all of them. You can listen to this from start to finish and never think of hitting the forward or back buttons. You may find yourself obsessing on anyone of the songs though, without doubt. `Cheap Kicks' and '24 Hours' are my absolute favourites, even though the radio hits are brilliant all by themselves. I often have to censor my thoughts when I'm listening to `Don't Upset The Rhythm' as Shingai is honestly doing her best to seduce the listener.

The best album I've heard in a very long time and what's even better is the fact that they're incredible live - which is becoming more and more rare with some of these `musical' offerings as of late.

And like Paul McCartney ... she plays bass ...

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