The release of Crowded House’s latest album was always going to create a buzz. Time On Earth is their first since the band split in 1996, and their first without their late drummer Paul Hester. However, the album itself is a rather subdued affair, removed from the hype its release brings with it.
All the classic Crowded House elements are here. The melodies are flawless and the arrangements superb. The upbeat “She Called Up” and cruisy first single “Don’t Stop Now” are highlights.
Yet, as the album progresses it starts to fade further and further into the background. “People are Like Suns,” “Walked Her Way Down” and “English Trees” are pleasant and unobtrusive, but far from groundbreaking.
For that reason, Time on Earth isn’t an altogether triumphant return for one of Australia’s most loved bands. However, there’s certainly enough here for us to be glad that Crowded House is back.
Crowded House is NineMSN Music’s current featured artist, allowing fans to listen to Time On Earth for free. Click the link to hear Crowded House’s latest offering.
Image source: Wikimedia; feature image by Mick Muise – originally posted to Flickr as 100_6063, CC BY 2.0