It’s been three years since the Yeah Yeah Yeahs released its debut album, Fever to Tell. Now their latest effort, Show Your Bones, has been claimed as this year’s most anticipated release.
While the sounds on this album may be slightly different than before, Show Your Bones is a warm, slickly produced, yet organic art rock album that shows creativity and maturity. Show Your Bones kicks off with the current single “Gold Lion.” At first, this song will make you nervous, but it’ll surprise you in the end. It starts out acoustic with a marching drum beat and then it leans into dusty rips from electric guitars.
The second track, “Way Out,” is almost like a sequel to their hit “Maps” minus the sadness. This song instead has more sentiment and energy, yet it’s just as catchy. Nick Zinner’s guitar shines with smooth and sweet tones.
The next song, “Fancy,” is a fierce number with deep drums as well as fuzzy guitar and vocals. As for mellow songs – “Dudley”, “Sweets” and “Warrior” – they are beautiful, dreamy and cozy.
Standing out is the sassy, psychedelic song called “Phenomena.” The song starts with sexy gasps of air and a hard drum beat. The guitar comes in like a bomb. The lyrics are ambiguous. Singer Karen O blows out,
“Don’t fall asleep with the motor running/She’ll make you sweat in the water.”
The chorus is reminiscent of David Essex’s 1974 hit “Rock On.”Even if it sounds like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs is pulling ideas from obscure 70s rock and LL Cool J, “Phenomena” is hot and delicious.Show Your Bones ends with the dreamy “Turn Into.”
The guitars and piano will make you want to smile, weep or do both. It’s the sort of song you would sway to with your friends at graduation. It makes for a perfect ending.
