Artist: Dexys Midnight Runners Album: Don't Stand Me Down

Year: 1985
Duration: 0:0-1

The Brilliance and Critique of Dexys Midnight Runners' Album Don't Stand Me Down

Dexys Midnight Runners was a British band that was at the forefront of the music scene in the 1980s. The band led by Kevin Rowland was known for its passionate live performances and its innovative blend of rock, soul, and pop. One of their most critically acclaimed works is their album, Don't Stand Me Down, released in 1985. The album displayed the band's immense creativity and how it evolved over time, making it a must-listen for any fan of the 80s music scene. In this blog post, we critically review the album, discussing its history and genre, its best songs and most innovative parts, as well as examining its weaknesses.

Don't Stand Me Down is a 10-track album that runs for an hour, which showcases Dexys Midnight Runners' style of music and its unique approach to the blending of genres. The album falls under the pop/rock with a hint of soul genre, with songs that have a bit of everything for any listener to enjoy. Kevin Rowland has a strong voice that can take you through a range of emotions and his lyrics in the album are introspective as well as inspiring. The band blends instruments such as strings, horns, and piano to create a beautiful and cohesive sound throughout the album.

One of the best things about this album is the songwriting. Dexys Midnight Runners tells compelling stories in their lyrics, which are often introspective and contemplative. 'This Is What She's Like' is one of the standout tracks of the album, with its lyrics that describe a woman's life in detail. The song has a mellow tempo that's helped along by Rowland's delivery, creating a powerful and emotive piece. Another great song is 'The Occasional Flicker,' with its catchy hook and lyricism that speaks about the transitional moments of life. It's a song that's hard not to dance to and will make you appreciate the upbeat side of the band.

The album's most innovative aspects are how it experiments with its sound. Dexys Midnight Runners combines different instruments to make the music stand out, creating an unforgettable experience for listeners. The opening track, 'The Occasional Flicker,' is an excellent example of the band's experimentation. The song starts with a simple melody that grows as different instruments intertwine, and before long, you're swaying along with the horns and strings. Another innovative part of the album is its use of spoken word as an instrument. In songs like 'This Is What She's Like' and 'Don't Stand Me Down,' spoken word is used to add a layer of storytelling, making the tunes more immersive.

Despite all the incredible elements, there are still weak spots in the album. The album's long runtime sometimes makes it lose its momentum, and a few of the songs don't quite live up to the album's stronger pieces. 'Listen to This' feels like an afterthought, and the repetitive nature of its lyrics makes it one of the weaker tracks on the album. It's not terrible, but it doesn't add anything of note to the album's overall feel.

Don't Stand Me Down is an iconic album that exemplifies the artistry of Kevin Rowland and Dexys Midnight Runners. The album's unique blend of genres and its innovative instrumentation make it a must-listen for any music lover. The songwriting is excellent, with standout lyrics in many of the tracks, and the band's experimentation with different sounds and instruments is admirable. While there are weak spots in the album, it does not detract from the album's overall impact. From start to finish, the album is a testament to the musical genius that is Dexys Midnight Runners.