The Kooks
Junk of the Heart


3.5
great

Review

by psandy USER (13 Reviews)
July 3rd, 2013 | 10 replies


Release Date: 2011 | Tracklist

Review Summary: The promise is back.

There are some albums that are just consistent with previous efforts. They play it safe and try not to stray too far from the original formula, usually bringing nothing new to the table. The Kooks tried this with their sophomore release, Konk, which was a subject of criticism if for no other reason than because it was lacking effort. The band had successfully crafted a remarkably ‘safe’ album that seemed to prove that the Kooks were ready to go nowhere with the sound that showed so much promise on Inside In/Inside Out. Instead, they rehashed it almost completely into a painfully long run-on album.

Following Konk, Junk of the Heart is a breath of fresh air. Despite frontman Luke Pritchard’s claim that the band went “stale” during their third release, this album is anything but. Junk of the Heart is an exciting change of pace from their original sound and a leap forward for the band as a whole. The tracklisting on this album is okay and, despite a minor hiccup, seems to flow very nicely. The album starts off strong with two infectiously catchy singles, “Junk of the Heart (Happy)”, followed by the piano-driven “How’d You Like That”, and seems to mellow out quite a bit, with few large standouts until “Is It Me”.

Although it may seem a bit forced, there is definitely some experimentation on the album. It is mainly seen in the written-in-an-airplane-bathroom string orchestra “Time Above The Earth”, and the out of place song that follows, “Runaway”, in which the band utilizes a synth line. While both songs are enjoyable, the order in which they’re presented results in an odd shift in mood that just doesn’t feel right.

Lyrically, quite a bit has changed. It seems as though much more effort was put into writing on this album, although at some points they seem a bit cliche and typical. While most of the songs have average lyrics, “Eskimo Kiss” may give the listener the impression that Pritchard is entering a middle school poetry contest. Vocally, Pritchard has stayed the same and, at times, can still sound a little too nasally and bouncy, which is showcased on the slow acoustic jam “Taking Pictures of You”.

This album adds some more memorable songs to The Kooks' discography, reignites the potential that Inside In/Inside Out once delivered, and will hopefully pave the way for bigger and better things from The Kooks.



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user ratings (101)
2.7
average

Comments:Add a Comment 
psandy
July 3rd 2013


280 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

I hope this isn't too grade school paragraph-y..

ZilbelPing
July 3rd 2013


6311 Comments


It's short, sweet, and too the point. I don't spot any mistakes so nice review, have a pos

I like their first better than this, but they, as a whole, are nothing special.

tommygun
September 9th 2014


27117 Comments


they used to be aight first album is good and they shoulda quit immediately after recording it

tommygun
September 9th 2014


27117 Comments


gallaghercore :D i like it

tommygun
September 9th 2014


27117 Comments


did i? heck!

tommygun
September 9th 2014


27117 Comments


LOL glad i could inject a giggle into your day

tommygun
September 9th 2014


27117 Comments


thought as much after hearing first single wtf happened to these idiots

psandy
September 21st 2014


280 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

Not a huge fan of the new album.. Did like this one though. Konk was garbage and inside in was okay. Nice review by the way arcade, thanks for reading

AmericanFlagAsh
March 13th 2016


13614 Comments

Album Rating: 2.0

Went back to this thinking "I was harsh, it's indie rock, it can't be THAT bad"



Holy shit I was wrong I dislike it even more

ZackSh33
March 13th 2016


735 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

It can, and it is



this band went downhill so freakin fast



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