Artist: Bronski Beat Album: Rainbow Nation

Year: 1995
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Bronski Beat's Rainbow Nation Album

Bronski Beat's Rainbow Nation is an album that carries both a historical and a cultural message. It was originally released in 1995, and it wasn't until recently that I decided to give it a listen. The journey that the album takes you on is nothing short of inspiring, and there is a lot to be said about the way that Bronski Beat approached their music. In this review, I will be sharing all the highlights that I found in Rainbow Nation and how it stands up as a piece of art today.

First, it's essential to understand the background of Bronski Beat. They were a synth-pop band from England in the 1980s, and their sound became synonymous with the New Wave music scene. Their songs were usually political and had strong meanings behind them. The band consisted of Jimmy Somerville, Steve Bronski, and Larry Steinbachek.

Rainbow Nation was released in 1995, which was almost ten years after their most successful songs were released. The album was the band's comeback, and it's clear that they put a lot of effort into it. They wanted to create an album that was politically and socially aware, but it also had to be an enjoyable listen.

One of the best tracks on the album is Junk. The song is an exhilarating commentary on the commercialism and consumerism prevalent in Western society. The track is catchy and has a strong message behind it. The chorus of the song is particularly memorable, and it's a reminder of just how talented the band was at delivering such poignant lyrics.

Another standout is the track Rise Above. This track is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and encourages listeners to embrace who they are. The song features a powerful speech by Harvey Milk, who was a prominent gay rights activist. The song is a reminder that music can be used to promote social change, and Rainbow Nation does an excellent job of that throughout.

The most innovative part of Rainbow Nation is how the band managed to bring together different cultural influences in their music. For example, the track Love to Love You Baby incorporates African tribal rhythms and the sounds of the South Asian shehnai instrument. This track shows that Bronski Beat were not satisfied with just replicating the sound of their previous work. Instead, they were committed to pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sounds.

In terms of criticism, while Rainbow Nation is still a highly enjoyable listen, it does feel a bit dated at times. The electronic beats and synth-heavy sound are indicative of the era in which it was created. However, in the grand scheme of things, this doesn't take away from the music's quality.

In conclusion, Bronski Beat's Rainbow Nation is a politically and socially conscious album that still manages to be an enjoyable listen. The band's ability to combine different cultures in their music is innovative and shows just how daring they were. While it may feel a bit dated at times, the album's message is still relevant today, and it's clear that Bronski Beat's impact on the music industry is still felt. Overall, Rainbow Nation is a standout album from a band that was dedicated to making a difference through their music.