Album Review: American Slang - The Gaslight Anthem (2010)

I missed The Gaslight Anthem when last they toured (apparently it is one of my worst decisions to date, thanks KM), so when given a copy of the new album American Slang, I was eager to make up for lost time.

American Slang feels like a little bit of a nod to the last few years, and a reflection on what has brought lead singer Brian Fallon and band to where they are today. Rising from a promising new sound with the bold and brash debut Sink or Swim (2007), to early EP Senor and the Queen (2008), and the more restrained and refined The '59 Sound (2008), The Gaslight Anthem has come a long way from their hometown of New Brunswick, New Jersey, and I reckon American Slang is their way of taking stock and paying tribute to where they have been, and those who got them there. The comparisons to Bruce Springsteen's quintessentially American lyrics and voice have been made time and time again, and the influence is clear. Yet the growth and progression of the Gaslight has shown that they have the perseverance and originality to make it their own, without losing the sincerity. Standout tracks include The Queen of Lower Chelsea, Orphans and the soulful closing track We Did it When We Were Young, but you could easily give honorable mentions to the rest of the album. Overall, it doesn't quite have the same sparkle and excitement that the first two offerings possessed, but this does happen with a 3rd album, especially one following a successful second album (no, that isn't an oxymoron).

Most importantly, this album, like its predecessors, is for driving. Put it on, play it loud and head for the horizon.It will inspire and spur you on to adventure, with visions of muscle cars, dirty roadside bars, friends and foes and the 'American dream'. Whatever you decide that should be.

(album art care of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:TheGaslightAnthem-AmericanSlang.jpg)