Released: Jun 9, 2009
Genre: Alternative rock
Label: Vagrant Records
Number Of Tracks: 13
While Battle For The Sun does have its moments, it often becomes mired in the monotonous lyrics of Brian Molko.
Battle For The SunFeatured review by: UG Team, on june 09, 2009 1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Sound: For their 6th album Battle For The Sun, Placebo has a few fresh faces added into the mix, namely drummer Steve Forres and producer David Bottrill (Tool, Muse). It’s pretty much a given that Bottrill’s production value is top-notch, so any concern that has arisen has revolved around Forrest replacing 10-year veteran Steve Hewitt. No one will argue that Hewitt has a unique style to his playing, but fans should be pleasantly surprised with Forrest’s ability, which stands out in its own right on Battle For The Sun. In terms of the core songwriting, however, Placebo is still fairly inconsistent. And as expected, vocalist/guitarist Brian Molko just loves to repeat the same lyrics over and over again.
If there’s one thing that Placebo does quite well, it’s book-ending their CDs with memorable songs. The opener “Kitty Litter” is precisely the kind of song that draws you in with its infectious, guitar-driven intro and energetic chorus. The closing track “Kings of Medicine” stands out in its own right with big, horn-filled sections that stray from the usual rock format. From its quirky, lighthearted beginning to the subtle Arabic flourishes that pop up while the title is being sung, “Kings of Medicine” is a pretty hefty undertaking as a whole and does show Placebo at its most creative.
Elsewhere on the album, the band still thrives on unusual keyboard lines that are at times more prominent than the guitars. Whether it’s the 1980’s-tinged synth of “Bright Lights” or the quietly introspective chimes in “Speak In Tongues,” there is no shortage of creative effects. The bass and guitar do have their moments, with “Kitty Litter” and “Breathe Underwater” being a few of the more traditionally rock-oriented tunes. You could also throw “Ashtray Heart” in that same category, but that particular one falls flat with its lackluster attempt at being a pop punk song. There are certainly moments when songs could have even used a few more bells and whistles, if only because Placebo tends to have a cyclical musical format.
There are probably plenty of listeners out there that do love how Molko uses the same lyrics over and over again in pretty much every song, but it does get tiresome on several tracks. The main offender is actually the title track, which is dragged down by Molko’s choice of words. “Battle For The Sun” would actually be a very cool song with its interesting use of percussion and steady guitar line, but it’s hard to enjoy those elements because of Molko’s predictable delivery. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: Molko does have some interesting ideas and every once in awhile does elaborate on those themes, but too often he gets stuck in a rut. “Battle For The Sun” was mentioned earlier, and Molko’s drawn-out delivery on that track drives this point home (“I, I, I, will battle for the sun, sun, sun; And I, I, I wont stop until I'm done, done, done; You, you, you are getting in the way, way, way; And I, I, I have nothing left to say, say, say”). Pretty much every song does follow a similar format, with key lyrics repeated several times over – and while it does work every once in awhile – it tends to get old by the 13th track. // 6
Impression: Battle For The Sun does have its moments, particularly when seemingly quiet, mellow tunes explode into big, epic compositions. Placebo gets it right in a few tracks, with “Julien” being the main example. Between its dark, moody intro that features a sonic thumping sound to the big, string-filled end, “Julien” is nearly a perfect song. There are standout moments within certain songs, but they tend to be sporadic. Battle For The Sun isn’t Placeb’s most forward-thinking album, but it does feature some interesting choices in instrumentation and more than a few dance-worthy tracks. // 7
Battle For The Sun
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on january 07, 2010 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Placebo have made an unexpected and rather successful come-back with their newest album, Battle For The Sun. We see some new faces, probably the most noticeable one being young Steve Forrest on drums, replacing former long term drummer Steve Hewitt. This change, no matter how disappointing to Hewitt's fans (myself being among them), did seem necessary after the torture-tornado that was the Meds tour, if Brian Molko's words are anything to go by. Forrest's drumming by itself is quite livelier than Hewitt's, which fits quite well with Battle For The Sun's lively atmosphere. Indeed, out of all of Placebo's previous albums, Battle For The Sun is the one that least ''wallows in pity'' and ''watches the bruises turn to yellow''. Instead it rages on and fights to be (like it or not) Placebo's most optimistic album to date. Unlike its predecessor Meds (or at least my impression of it) it isn't afraid to be loud and doesn't pretend to be better than it actually is, which already adds a fair amount of points. Placebo's unexpected use of brass and a fair amount of strings is executed very, very well executed, especially considering Placebo have had very little experience with it in the past. The keyboards and effects are also used to bring out the maximum in all of the songs, but that isn't anything new. The emotions vary, from the desperate desire of ''Kitty Litter'', over the beautiful and optimistic romance of ''Speak In Tongues'' ending with confessions and regrets of an alcoholic in ''Kings Of Medicine''. Most tracks begin calmly and slowly build up to be epic, dance/jump-provoking songs that fill stadiums in under a second with their contagious sound. I'm pretty sure you can already tell this album was pretty much designed to be played live. And truly, Placebo's live performances bring out the best in these songs. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are noticeably simpler and much more subtle than on their previous albums and use very little cheap tricks to make you listen. The lyrics are overall well written and don't lack Molko's skilled use of metaphors. At moments they can be lazy and slightly predictable (''Come Undone'' for example) and not to mention repetitive (''Happy You're Gone''), but despite that Molko never fails to hit that tender spot in your heart if you let him. It will be hard to get used to the lyrics being so subtle, and as the slowest person alive it took me 5 months to realize ''Julien'' was completely about drug abuse, and that's just because Molko got on stage and actually said it. Fortunately it's not the kind of subtleness that barely makes you get it even when told the subject, but more like making you slap your forehead and say ''Of course!''. The lyrics overall give each song a personality and theme of its own and don't just try to impress you with long words and names of different kinds of medicine. Molko's vocals also sound much more passionate than before and definitely impress. // 8
Impression: In all honesty I loved this album, it's not the most amazing album Placebo ever created, but an improvement to the lifeless attempt at ''maturity'' that was Meds. It's simple, honest and simply what music should be. Highlights being the story of a young man who experimented with narcotics, ''Julien'' and its amazing use of strings, ''Speak In Tongues'' and the new-born classic ''Kings Of Medicine''. It is not without its flaws, one being the complete lack of slower songs and the sometimes slightly irritating anthem-y sound. However I definitely do not regret buying it. As Brian Molko said it himself, it is the flip side of Meds, its complete opposite, so if we're going to generalize, I'd say that if you absolutely loved Meds, you're not going to be too fond of Battle For The Sun. I, however, like the direction my now favorite band is heading. // 9
Battle For The Sun
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on july 13, 2009 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: The sound of this album is quite a departure from Placebo's previous albums, a style bound to bemuse some and thrill others. Where we once had the raucous distorted guitars of the first three albums, the dancey beats of Black Market Music and Sleeping with Ghosts, and the anaethetised sensitivity of Meds, Placebo have finally combined all these varying styles to produce a sound that to me, is a culmination of all their fantastic work to date. Battle For The Sun features elements of all these albums, while still carving out it's own niche in their back catalogue, perhaps thanks to the exquisite use of strings and a subtle brass section. The production work of David Bottrill has definitely impacted the sound of this album, conveying the passion and energy that Placebo have always been famed for in a live capacity. Indeed, if you turn it up loud enough you can imagine yourself at a gig! // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Brian Molko's lyrics have always been a drug to some, and a repellant to others. I am part of the former camp, a person who can really relate to Molko's tortured words. On this album he has struck a perfect balance between the dark and the light, at times elevating you to an optimistic high ("Speak in Tongues"), to drop you straight back down to something darker ("Devil In The Details"). While on occasion the lyrics can seem slightly lazy ("Come Undone" being a prime example), overall they fit perfectly with the rollercoaster of emotion that is "Battle for the Sun". // 9
Impression: Placebo have always been a band that you cannot compare to anything else. However, if I had to draw influences, I would say that Sonic Youth play quite a part in this album. They have always been a strong influence, especially on Brian Molko, and never is this more evident than in the opening track "Kitty Litter", a song with a bemusing title but almost unexpectedly fantastic music and melody. The album begins brilliantly, and other stand-out tracks include the title track's motivated perseverance, the dark introspection of "Devil In The Details", the uplifting romance of "Speak In Tongues", the cautionary string symphony of "Julien", the frustrated sadness of "Happy You're Gone", and the retrospective brass tune of "Kings Of Medicine". A must for any fan, new or old, and anyone who wants to investigate the true variety that this band is capable of. // 10
Battle For The Sun
Reviewed by:
Confetti, on june 09, 2009 0 of 5 people found this review helpful
Sound: So Placebo is back with their sixth studio album and a huge step into a different direction from what they were during the album Meds. First of all there was a chance in lineup with Steve Hewitt left the band due to personal and musical differences he had. And now he is replaced with Steve Forrest that what is a big disapointment for me because when it comes to style I have always loved Hewitt and the way he comes out in the records even though he never has been someone you would call a genious. Forrest has a little something similiar but most of the things he does are just a part of the Placebo sound an quite frankly he isn't that creative. Other chances that has happened is that there is more electronic ticking around that like in Meds are not maid for the background but to smack you straight in the face. The best way I could descrive the sound is generic indie pop electronica. After hearing the record I'm not at all supprised that Hewitt left the band. // 5
Lyrics and Singing: Seems that Molkos writing pen has dulled during these couple of years. Many song lyrics on this record are just pale shadows of their earlier material and mostly the songs are really repeative. Why does it always is like this with Placebo that they make an more electronic album they forget to really make an effort with lyrics? Through out years Molko has been on of the best lyricists in the alternative rock wave but even the best of us can do pretty shitty job when time takes it's toll. Not only the lyrics have suffered but even Molkos voice just sounds tired and uninspired. // 6
Impression: Sad that one of the best alternative rock bands of all time sink so low materia wise. It couldn't be that bad if this record would be their last if they are going to continue with this path they have chocen. If you would want a junction to a nother Placebo album then it would be Sleeping With Ghosts. Even the things that worked on that album don't work on this one. Only song that actually sounds pretty damn good is Come Undone but just on song doesn't make any album a good one... Or maybe if the song would be 45 minutes long or something. At least the last 2 songs leave a good taste in your mouth but I bet it will disappear when you give the album a second spin. This record is something that you would assume to be some sort of a B-side collection. Not a full lenght album. If I would lose this album I wouldn't even notice because I wouldn't put in on my record player anymore. // 5
Second review was hard to read. If english your first language, shame on you. Some of the lyrics are worthwhile, though I agree, most are reaaally cliched. |Nothing else to say| how many times has that been written?
I was disappointed they played so much from this album when I saw them live in Bournemouth. I have only heard one track from it, and it's not as good as the lesser tracks from other Placebo albums.
from what i´ve heard, this album is pretty good. I heard the five free listens on their mainpage, and hope to recieve the album tomorrow.
I remember that there were a couple of tracks that stuck out as really good in my ears, battle for the sun was one of them.
First of all Brian is a genius... second... come on the album is amazing... i really didnt though critic will be that hard on the album and specially with brian... Ashtray + battle 4 the sun + 4 what it worth r the new future clasic songs from the band! he still been an inspiration!!!!!
Second review was hard to read. If english your first language, shame on you. Some of the lyrics are worthwhile, though I agree, most are reaaally cliched. |Nothing else to say| how many times has that been written?
i admit that i made many mistakes. Mostly things that i could have spotted myself. But right that moment i didn't care that much. i just wanted to review this album because it was such a huge disapointment to me.
and english isn't my first language.
This album's okay and has 3 stand out tracks (Ashtray Heart, Battle For the Sun, and Kings of Medicine) and the rest of the songs are at least decent. But if I compared this one to any other album they made, it's not too good.
Placebo is an awesome band and I've been looking forward to the release of this album for over a year, but I feel incredibly disappointed. Brian Molko is an incredible lyricist, but this album is a mess of redundancy. Its almost like the band had writers block or something. This is hands down the worst Placebo album ever.
Its an alright album. Its no black market music or without you i'm nothing but its an improvement on the rubbish that was meds. The new drummer is abit of a beast aswell!
Despite being a shadow of predecessing albums, I quite like this one because placebo always breathe fresh air into the industry and it's always what my music collection needs. I enjoy songs that make you think from time to time
Second review was hard to read. If english your first language, shame on you. Some of the lyrics are worthwhile, though I agree, most are reaaally cliched. |Nothing else to say| how many times has that been written?
if English IS your first language...lol, your full of yourself, aren't you?
Now i´ve been listening to the album a lot, and though (and maybe because) i never really listened to other placebo albums prior to this one, i really like it. I think it´s a solid rock album, with quite a few standout tracks, and the rest is okay. Theres no bad songs imo. The standout tracks: Battle for the sun, devil in the details, the never-ending why, julien, breathe underwater and kings of medicine. I´m very satisfied with my purchase, and can´t wait to dig into placebos previous titles
Maybe not the best album released by Placebo, but c'mon, It's not that bad, Battle For The Sun has a couple of really good songs and overall is a good album. Of course we all huge fans of the band are a little dissapointed of their latest works, but how on earth are albums like Sleeping With Ghosts or Without You I'm Nothing going to be surpassed? That's a hard duty to achieve. In the end, they are a great live band, I'm actually expecting to go see them again this summer.
This album isn't like previous Placebo albums, they've chnged alot. At first I was super bleak, but after listening to it a couple of times I grew to really like it.
This album may not offer "instant grab", but if you write it off completely you will miss out on some awesome tracks.
"but just on song doesn't make any album a good one... Or maybe if the song would be 45 minutes long or something."
haha you're a jokemaster... the second review sucks.
I'll never understand why are people so angry about every their new album that they recorded since Sleeping With Ghosts... Of course, every their new album is different... However, Battle For The Sun is pretty interesting and I love it.
Alright, I'm a huge Placebo and was really looking forward to this album,so much so that I was too nervous to listen to it for like two days after I bought it.
Anyways, when I first listened to it I was disgusted...I turned it off when Brian sang ''No one cares when you're out on the street, picking up the pieces to make end meet.etc'' It just got so cringe-worthy and cliched.
So, I went back and listened to Meds to remind myself how excellent Placebo can be.
That was last week, fast forward 7 days and I can safely say I love this album.It's a different Placebo, yes, but songs such as Ashtray Heart,Battle for the Son,Speak in Tongues,Devil in the Details,Happy You're Gone and Kings of Medicine are worthy entries into Placebo's backcatalogue and live set.
The drummer's awesome.Most of Brian's lyrics are good and the production is top quality.
And plus, critics have never given Placebo any praise - mainly because of their image in the late 90s.
i also really enjoyed this. Yes the lyrics in this album can be very repetitive but i think some ppl just come to terms with their new and weird style of music
Placebo has always being a band able to capture emotions into their songs and this album is not the exception! The experimentation with all the new instruments is just GENIOUS! I love the way they play with our adrenaline through all the album, arising these strong and "naughty" feelings with "Kitty Litter" and "Julien", but finally reminding us their essence and soul with "Come Undone" and "Kings of Medicine". For me Battle For The Sun is a BRILLIANT album, quite different for their previous work, yes, but completely worth it! I can barely wait to hear them live!
UG team could have made a greater effort to hide it's personal tastes from that review.. make it less partial. seemed more of an opinion than a review.
What they say it's not good in the album, is, most of the time, what Placebo fans love.
This album was good. it is so opinionated in that review i stopped reading it because it was so biased. Placebo is a great band in itself and molko is brilliant. you guys hate it, placebo fan's love it. if you wanna talk about a bad album, try talking about lil waynes rock album and stop talking about a great musical endevor. if you hate the new placebo album, turn it off. you've got two arms and a heart beat don't you?
this is a great album it has many powerful songs. this is a strong album just like meds. ashtray heart is a very catchy song that has grown on since player the album. and if you don't like the album then listen to another cos i think it is one of the best albums of the 21st centry
Ok, I'm new to this site BUT..what i think some of you are forgetting is that musicians are just human beings who do a job. A job that sometimes they love and sometimes they struggle with, like everyone. I have been a Placebo fan since their very beginning, and whilst i realise that BATTLE FOR THE SUN may not have been what everyone was quite expecting, that does NOT make it a bad album. It is in fact their most musically-technical album to date. Note comments re string and brass arrangements...brass section not something you'd automatically think of when you think PLACEBO, but all additional arrangements are SO well written, arranged and thought through that how can they do anything BUT enhance Brian Molko's natural gift for writing brilliant songs. The band are human beings and, like us all, they grow and change with time...The replacement of Steve Hewitt with Steve Forrest is a very wise one (although i had no issues with Hewitt's musical ability) and a very natural progression for a band who wanted to do new things, break new ground...My god, they work hard enough, it's surely up to them to write / produce what they want. Perhaps when Molko "repeats" lyrics he is simply saying what HE wants the song to say...ok, so sometimes the lyrics ARE slightly predictable, but if all you are listening to is the words and not the song as a whole creation then you shouldn't call yourself a "music" fan. Placebo will probably never write another "Without you i'm nothing"...A brilliant album in it's own right, but they ALL are. If on sound is all you ever want to hear then that's your choice, but don't shut your ears and minds to new dimensions. The band certainly don't, and that is one of the reasons i will always be on their side!. x
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For What It's Worth is a brilliant song. So is Come Undone.