Artist: Angelic Upstarts Album: Power of the Press

Year: 1986
Duration: 39:52

A of the Album: Power of the Press by Angelic Upstarts

Angelic Upstarts is a British punk rock band that has been active since the late 1970s. Their music has always been politically charged, with lyrics addressing issues such as racism, unemployment, and police brutality. The band's sixth album, Power of the Press, was released in 1986, during the era of Thatcherism in the UK. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the album, its music genre, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and provide a critique.
Power of the Press is a classic example of the punk rock genre, incorporating fast, heavy, and gritty instrumentals with equally powerful and raw vocals. Political themes are dominant throughout the album, effectively addressing the issues of the time. The album starts strong with the title track, which sets the tone for what's to come. Other notable tracks include Kids on the Street, Brighton Bomb, and Soldiers of Fortune.
One of the standout features of the album is its lyrics. The band's frontman, Thomas Mensi Mensforth, remains one of the most politically outspoken singers of his generation. Songs like The Man Who Came in From the Cold and I Wanna Knighthood express their dissatisfaction with the British establishment while taking shots at the media for being complicit.
While the album is undoubtedly powerful, there are a few areas where it falls short. While the songs are politically charged, some of them seem superficial, focusing more on anger and frustration rather than solutions. Also, the album can feel repetitive at times, with the same style of instrumentals being used throughout most of the songs. However, this should be expected in the punk rock genre, where the emphasis is on the message more than anything else.
In conclusion, Power of the Press is an excellent addition to Angelic Upstarts' discography, reflecting the band's strong political beliefs. While it's not their most innovative work, it's a must-listen for fans of punk rock music. With its raw energy and thought-provoking lyrics, this album embodies the spirit of the punk rock era and still resonates today. If you're someone who enjoys politically charged music, then this album should undoubtedly be on your playlist.