The Ballad Of Darren (Deluxe)

Damon and boys have still got it. Love this album, very early Bowie sounding guitars on it. You wont be disappointed if you're a Blur fan.

I have been a Blur fan since the beginning and this really is an excellent album. Britpop was and still is the best genre for me and the most defining era of British music and culture.

After Blur's last 20th century album, 13 in 1999, Damon Albarn then concentrated more on other projects - particularly Gorillaz - so all the three 21st century Blur releases have been a delightful bonus despite the lengthy hiatuses. While it is not agreeable that the previous record, 2015's The Magic Whip, is their finest ever - despite what some critics and Paul Weller lauded it as - it was a very decent summation of their career up to that point with songs sounding like they could have been on any of their previous albums. It was after all lyrics added to jams recorded in a week off during a tour in 2013 so while only half of the material was amongst Blur's best the other half was at least good though not outstanding. While The Magic Whip was slightly overrated the first post-13 album was underrated. While Graham Coxon only featured on one track and Albarn's guitar playing ability was definitely not on the same level he put in a lot of effort and largely pulled it off. Also, it is admirable how on Think Tank Blur's music yet again did not remain stagnant and they incorporated some of the Gorillaz influences to make an album of rhythmic and electronic experimentation. Although there were a couple of low points, largely it was an exciting effort with plenty of highlights.Although Blur's three albums between 1993 to 1995 are all of high quality, it is their post-Britpop records that have been their most consistent and innovative which brings us to this year's The Ballad of Darren. Thematically, it is clearly a break-up album like 1999's 13. But while 13 sounded distraught and like Albarn was struggling to move on, this sounds more resigned, reflective and like he has come to an acceptance which is an interesting alternative. Another theme seems to be about ruminating on other people he has lost on life's bittersweet journey.Musically, The Ballad of Darren reflects mostly the album title. It is for the largest part comprised of sad songs with beautiful, soaring strings that are all really melodic. Renowned producer, James Ford, fresh from producing synth-poppers/electro-rockers Depeche Mode's last two records must have probably contributed to Blur incorporating an electronic sound to some of the tracks that adds to the atmospherics. Other tracks widen the sonic palette and enhance the soundscape further by including some tender acoustics (The Everglades and Far Away Island) and even some gently booming brass on Avalon. Although unlike The Magic Whip - which included a couple of songs that gloriously harked back to their Britpop imperial phase (Lonesome Street and Ong Ong) - this release is mainly comprised of ballads they are all very strong, dreamy efforts. Also, yet again the band has re-invented their sound and matured it into their fifties and the finest of these quieter songs is the sumptuous opener The Ballad.However, there are a few other songs that are particularly special like the opener and vary the style and make the record more well-rounded. Sometimes an artist can make poor choices for their singles to advertise their album, but Blur have got all the decisions right for The Ballad of Darren. St. Charles Square is a unique number on the album because it is the sole rocker on which Coxon really lets loose. It features growling guitars and a snarling vocal from Albarn and is a highlight. There is a definite earlier Bowie punky influence but if compared to previous Blur material it is reminiscent of the louder tracks on 1993's Modern Life is Rubbish. Barbaric was the correct choice for the next single due to its repeated keyboard hook during the chorus line that is a gorgeous earworm and Coxon's tuneful guitar and is another top moment. However, the finest is The Narcissist which harks back to the production style of Think Tank - particularly in the propulsive rhythm section of bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree - but expands it into a spectacular song with chiming/crunching guitar work from Coxon that harks back to noughties alternative/indie rock. It was absolutely the correct selection as lead single while closer The Heights with its crisp acoustic verses and louder electric guitar parts has dynamics that make it quite anthemic too. It is another new Blur song at the recent concerts that has been well received due to its power and is another standout.There are two bonus tracks on this deluxe edition CD that are like a gig encore and extend the length to ensure that The Ballad of Darren is not overly concise. The Rabbi - along with Barbaric and The Narcissist - is one of only three songs that increases the tempo slightly and is quite jaunty thus making the album feel more complete. Although The Heights is the most thrilling of the two closer songs, The Swan ends The Ballad of Darren on an elegiac, subdued but high point too.The Ballad of Darren is yet another very strong "bonus" record from Blur in the 21st century and a pleasant surprise given how fast it was recorded and announced after their latest reformation (though they never really split up to be fair). The musicianship from all four band members is excellent and the production pristine while it is a tighter collection than The Magic Whip. It completes an impressive Britpop revival summer - although the bands' musical styles have largely moved on from that sound - with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' excellent new album and Pulp's touring return. Hopefully, this is not the last time we will hear new Blur music but if it is the white noise that finishes the album proper before the bonuses is a dramatic way for them to finish and The Heights feels like a suitable reflection on their triumphant 30 plus years career so far.

What’s not to like?

Really good

I love, love, love this album. I signed up to the streaming of Blur performing this new album. When I play the album I can now see them in my mind performing. Damon in great voice and the band enjoying playing together again. Excellent.

Full disclosure, I'm a Blur fan, but this is their best album in years. I like them all, but this one has really got to me. Every song has been stuck in my head at some point. I can't think of another recent album I've played so much. Even my kids are humming the tunes from hearing it in the car so much. Well done guys!

If you were a Blur fan back in the day and have aged with them this is an okay/good piece of work. If you are starting from scratch you may wonder what all the fuss was about then meh! Lots of references, even Lou Reed - have fun searching for this one.

This a fantastic album, that I enjoy more with each listen.The "deluxe" version is only a few dollars more than the "regular" edition.It contains two extra songs:- The Rabbi- The SwanThese are really great songs, and I cannot understand why they are not on the regular edition of this cd.The deluxe edition (even with the two extra songs) is still only 42.5 minutes. The regular edition is a very short 36 minutes. So why even bother to make two editions at all ?Don't short change yourself - it's a great album, and you will want the deluxe edition with all 12 songs.

Can't stop playing it not a bad cut on this cd

Un disco precioso y elegante. Además esta edición incluye bonus Tracks exclusivos.

Ritorno alle scene pazzesco di una band che ha fatto la storia del britpop degli anni '90.

Dieses Album ist eine echte Entdeckung. Ich fand Blur in den 90ern nicht so interressant. Dieses Album hat aber einige Songperlen, die sich nicht unbedingt nach dem ersten Hören erschliessen. Hört nochmal rein und ihr wollt mehr. Richtig gut.