Whilst DJs has become popular since the mid-80s Hacienda revolution, it wasn't really until the 90s that they would put together commercially successful albums, with Norman Cook at the forefront of this. His crowd-pleasing hooks and big samples were just what the masses wanted, and you can see why it worked out for him. Take Santa Cruz for example, the second track on the album - the guitar is absolutely front and centre, and demands to be listened to at a loud volume. There is some subtlety too, such as on The Weekend Starts Here, with its slower, more blissed-out vibe.
The album does start to deteriorate as it goes on however, with weaker tracks at the end. First Down, a nice horn sample aside, is a bit too samey, and Punk to Funk relies on a slightly annoying vocal sample. Whilst these types of tracks may sound great in a club, with other tracks mixed in and out, as standalones at home they come up short.
The album is what I expected - it's full of accessible, danceable tracks, with some catchy samples. It is not particularly clever, although I appreciate it was probably more innovative at the time than it now sounds. Whilst I enjoyed it on the whole, I really can't see it becoming an album I will return to - it can't touch the variety and quality of its successor.
Chloe's album rating: 6
Chloe's favourite track: 1. Song for Lindy
Olly's album rating: 6
Olly's favourite track: 3. The Weekend Starts Here
Next week is 369. Heavy Weather by Weather Report.
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