Blur

13

(Virgin)

-Chris Kelly

Please stop identifying them as that "woo-hoo" band. Years after the release of their self-titled disc, which featured the ever popular "Song 2," Blur comes back with 13, their catchiest and most adventurous recording yet.

Beginning with the lonely strums of a banjo, "Tender" launches into full choir in less than minute. While being led by vocalist Damon Albarn, the London Boys Choir chants the chorus of this utterly beautiful tune, which clocks in at almost eight minutes; however, this gentleness does not last long. The next track, "Bugman," turns up the distortion, which lasts throughout both "Coffee & TV" and "Swamp Song."

While the volume is continuously being turned up and down on this record, there is not a single song that will disappoint. Blur has finally settled down and chosen 13 of their catchiest hooks yet, and the results are absolutely phenomenal.

RATING: 10

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