Night Thoughts by Suede

Back in 2010, alt-rock act Suede became one of the many brit-pop bands to get back together since the turn of the decade. 2013 saw the band release their first album since returning, as Bloodsports hit the market. The album received what was perhaps the best critical reception the band had seen since their first three releases. With a line-up consisting entirely of members who've had a hand in the creation of at least one of their first three albums, it wasn't that surprising that the group still had the same magic touch. Now, 6 years after reuniting, the group has came through and released a follow up to Bloodsport. Can their seventh full-length release manage to reach the high standards that the London based band have already set for themselves?

The biggest selling point for Night Thoughts, and Suede in general is the lush, ambient, soundscape the group is able to create with their sound. On this project, the incorporation of a full string section is an addition that really adds some beauty to the groups already very rock-opera flavoured sound. The string section is immediately put on display during the opening track When You Are Young, a cut that begins with an absolutely fantastic, yet quite brief, arrangement, before making way to electric guitars. The strong opener sets the pace for the album, and gives you a very good preview of what's to come.

The highlight of the album for me, comes quite early on in the track listing. No Tomorrow certainly stands out , thanks in large part to the catchy guitar work and explosive sing-a-long chorus. Night Thoughts stays strong with the next track, the darker, more ambient Pale Snow, as well as the 6 minute I Don't Know How to Reach You, a song that does at time border on being generic, but really separates itself during the final two minutes thanks to once again, some very nice guitar work.

There's a lot of good things to praise the band for on Night Thoughts, but unfortunately, even with all the things I love, there's something I can't get passed. Each time I listen to the album, I can't help but feel like it drags in certain parts. There's quite a bit of unnecessary moments that I personally believe could have been completely left off the record. The songs' aren't particular long, and there's only twelve tracks in the listing, but the songs aren't different or unique enough to always hold my attention. A track like I Can't Give Her What She Wants for example, seems as if it's taking forever to build to something bigger, but all you really get is the sparse use of chimes and booming drums as the track wraps up, and I find the near 5 minute run-time has me begging for the track to be finished.

Even with that being said, the majority of the album is very well crafted and quite enjoyable. If you're familiar with Suede's earlier work, you know exactly what to expect coming into this album. If you haven't listened to the band, I suggest their earlier material be your introduction instead of this.

Favorite Tracks: No Tomorrow, I Don't Know How to Reach You, Learning to Be,

Least Favorite Tracks: I Can't Give Her What She Wants

Rating: 3.5/5