Here We Stand

Second album from across-the-pond rockers The Fratellis is out, and after their debut "Costello Music" I have high hopes. And you know what? I'm on the verge of saying that this album is even better. Let's go song by song.

1) My Friend John
- Great intro to the album, full of energy and catchy. Song powers along and then hits the chorus, and you will not be disappointed. I think you'll find yourself singing this to yourself for days. 9/10

2) A Heady Tale
- Starts with a nice piano riff (The Fratellis? Piano? Sign of the apocalypse?) Don't worry this isn't a love ballad, just a great song that, once again, will get stuck in your head. 9/10

3) Shameless
- Kick ass guitar riff, another catchy chorus. These may not be the most groundbreaking songs, but they're tried and true greatness. 9/10

4) Look Out Sunshine! (second single)
- A little lighter and slower than the first three, so the album slows down a bit here. Good song, soon to be second single, but for me I prefer the energy in some other songs, like the first three, but still a good song. 7/10

5) Stragglers Moon
- Another slower song with less energy, average. 5/10

6) Mistress Mabel (first single)
- The album is in danger of falling off the tracks after a great start. But then there's Mistress Mabel. The Fratellis pull out some rockin piano and reapply their unmistakable energy here and of course a catchy chorus. Could get repetitive, but so far is top notch. 9/10

7) Jesus Stole My Baby
- A gut-wrenching song about a girlfriend dying and going to heaven. Nah, of course not. The singer is pissed because his girl found religion and isn't quite what he bargained for. Heavy guitar and funny lyrics, plus a great harmonica solo make this a pretty good song. 7/10

8) Babydoll
- The Fratellis finally get in touch with their emotions here, and deliver a lighter song. In fact, this song sounds like it could've come from the 60s, or at least the chorus. 7/10

9) Tell Me a Lie
- Heavy guitars thrashing about this song, and on my first listen this song really caught my ears. I'm digging the chorus and especially the guitar solo. 8.5/10

10) Acid Jazz Singer
- Another lighter song (trend?) but it's very endearing and I love it. Oh wait. Now it's kinda rocking. Wait now it's lighter again. This song is a good mix of light verses and then boom comes the chorus. This might be the best on the album. 9/10

11) Lupe Brown
- Nice intro to this song, not too catchy in the verses though. Chorus is alright and there's a nice guitar solo near the end. 7.5/10

12) Milk and Money
- Last song on the album, will it close out as strong as it started? Starts slow and quiet with piano, and slowly builds until about half way through the song. Then it picks up unexpectedly with some more rock piano and guitar to end the album on a great note. 9/10

Wow, pretty impressive huh? Some sort of clunkers here but when it's great, well, it's great. The average score works out to be...8. So you know what, i'll give The Fratellis latest adventure an 8/10. There is nothing groundbreaking here but they don't fall into the sophomore slump and I think we should all look forward to their third adventure.

8/10