Artist: Dexys Midnight Runners Album: Searching for the Young Soul Rebels

Year: 1980
Duration: 0:0-1

Searching for the Young Soul Rebels: A Critical Review of Dexys Midnight Runners' Album

Dexys Midnight Runners is a British band that has gained quite a following since their formation in 1978, thanks in large part to their debut album, Searching for the Young Soul Rebels. Released in 1980, the album quickly became a fan favorite and helped to establish the band as one of the most important acts of the era. In this blog post, we will take a critical look at the album and explore its history, music genre, best songs, and most innovative parts. So sit back, relax, and let's dive in.

The music genre of Searching for the Young Soul Rebels is a hybrid of new wave, punk, soul, and R&B, which is evident in its sound. The album is known for its politically charged lyrics, which are centered around themes of poverty, social injustice, and working-class struggles. The band's use of brass instruments, strings, and jazz-like arrangements helped to create a unique sound that set them apart from other bands of the time.

One of the standout tracks on the album is Geno, which was a chart-topping hit in the UK. The song is a tribute to soul singer Geno Washington and features a catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and powerful vocals. Other notable tracks on the album include Burn It Down, Seven Days Too Long, and There There My Dear, which showcases the band's blend of punk, soul, and R&B.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is its seamless integration of brass and string instruments, which helps to elevate the music to a new level. The use of horns and strings on tracks like Breaking Down the Walls of Heartache and Thankfully Not Living in Yorkshire It Doesn't Apply add a layer of complexity and depth to the music that is not often seen in other punk and new wave albums of the time.

Despite its many strengths, there are a few criticisms to be made about the album. For one, the lyrics can be a bit heavy-handed at times, with its political message bordering on preachy. Additionally, some of the songs can feel a bit repetitive or drawn out, which can make the album drag on a bit too long.

All in all, Searching for the Young Soul Rebels is a classic album that has stood the test of time. With its soulful melodies, innovative instrumentation, and politically charged themes, it has earned its place in the canon of great albums from the era. While it may not be perfect, it still manages to capture the essence of what made Dexys Midnight Runners such a beloved band. So if you haven't given the album a listen yet, now is the time to do so.