Really loving the new record! The last couple have managed to have a few songs on each that I really loved, but as an album they just didn't do much for me. But this one's really fun from front-to-back. Not his best work, but it feels like the closest thing to a "return to form" he's had in a decade or so (as a full album/collection of songs, anyway).
Yeah, I see that a lot of people in this thread don't like it, this is clearly his best album since Positive for me. I even went back and listened to FTHC yesterday, which I really like, and I still think this is better overall. A few clunky lyrics for sure (Pandemic PTSD), but nothing that bothered me too much
You could put the lyrics of Do One over a picture of Thomas Shelby or Tony Soprano and boomers around the land would be sharing it on Facebook. The melody is ok but the lyrics just kill it for me. It puts the album on the back foot as soon as it starts.
I may be an idiot (although I have reasons not to be), but I don't see the lyrics as bad in the same way other songs that have been mentioned are (Sand in Gears, Going Nowhere, PTSD - no arguments here). I just went and read them again, and it's just sort of a cut-rate version of Get Better to me, one of his anthemic, self-help type songs that he does pretty well. I dunno, I like this type of Frank song I guess
Yeah it just feels like a much weaker version of a song he's already written. I think his vocals are weak in the song and the chorus melody is kind of grating. The "don't take anyone's shit" part is lame too.
I think Get Better is the much better song. It's rousing and on the nose but it works. Do One and No Thank You For The Music feel like they're lacking that self awareness that makes a Frank Turner song good. Both have terribly cringe worthy lyrics that feel like AI versions of Frank Turner.
Get Better came out 9 years ago when Frank's music still had a spark, was fresh, and felt purposeful. 3-4 bad albums later, I just feel bored listening to his music. Get Better (lyrically) also feels more personal in the sense of yourself picking yourself back up and overcoming your own shortcomings, which resonates with me much more than "standing up to haters" which does absolutely nothing for me. That type of lyricism is sooooo boring to me
I hate being negative about Frank too. I've seen him over 10 times now and he's been one of my favourite artists since seeing him support Green Day back in the day. I've just not enjoyed his modern output in the main.
I admit I only got through “Letters” on my first listen then got sidetracked with packing for a family vacation to Florida and now that I’m back from said vacation I wanna give the album proper attention. I did like most of what I was hearing up to that point tbh. Get Better is a top tier Frank song and the only song of that ilk that (imo) matches that same quality is “Punches”. That song rules.
Dragged my feet a bit on listening to this because I didn't love the first single or two, but I'm enjoying it quite a bit. Definitely some clunky lyrics here and there, but there are a few songs on here I really dig. Not top-tier Frank material, but I'm pleasantly surprised by it.
We’re never getting another stretch from him like Love Ire & Song through Positive Songs for Negative People, but I will say that I enjoy this album. Nevermind the Back Problems is probably the only track I’m really looking forward to live, but I really like Ceasefire and Somewhere Inbetween as well. It’s far from his best, but there’s nothing on here I overtly dislike (I’m clearly in the minority here, but I actually like Pandemic PTSD).