Artist: Angelic Upstarts Album: Still From the Heart

Year: 2003
Duration: 45:10

Angelic Upstarts' Still From the Heart Album Review

Angelic Upstarts is a classic punk rock band that originated in South Shields, England, in 1977. This band was mainly known for their political and social commentary in their lyrics, targeting issues such as economic decay, fascism, racism, and the class divide. In 1982, they released their album Still From the Heart, which marks their evolution towards a more mature sound, characterized by a combination of punk rock and hard rock. In this post, we will do a of this album, highlighting its genre, the most innovative parts, and the best songs of the album.
The album begins with the song Woman in Disguise, a punk rock anthem that talks about a transgender individual who struggles to find acceptance in society. The song is intense, fast-paced, and features a catchy chorus that will stay in your head for days. The most innovative part of this song is the use of a saxophone that gives the song an extra edge and makes it sound different from other punk songs.
Another standout track is One More Day, a ballad that highlights the band's musical versatility. This song is slower, and the lyrics are more personal, creating a mood of introspection and emotional vulnerability. The drums and guitar tones are also different from the previous tracks, adding a layer of complexity to the album's sound.
Empty Street is also worth mentioning, as it is a protest song against the unfairness of the society we live in. This track exemplifies the lyrical genius of Angelic Upstarts, tackling harsh social realities with anger and honesty. The instrumentation is also more straightforward, resembling classic punk rock, but with a more refined production value.
The album's title track, Still From the Heart, is a homage to the band's origins in punk rock, featuring distorted guitars, fast rhythm sections, and angry lyrics. The song speaks about the band's commitment to activism and their passion for music, portraying the band's ethos and values.
Although the album is a solid addition to Angelic Upstarts' discography, it has some flaws. Some tracks feel repetitive and lack the luster of the best songs. The album's sound, although more mature than their earlier works, can be seen as derivative of other punk rock bands of the time, making it less original than one would expect.
Still From the Heart is a testament to Angelic Upstarts' growth as a band and their commitment to social justice. The combination of punk rock and hard rock resulted in a more elaborate sound that showcases their talent as musicians. The album's stand-out tracks, such as Woman in Disguise and One More Day, prove that Angelic Upstarts can create music that transcends genres and ages well. However, the album has some low points that drag it down. Nevertheless, it remains an essential piece of punk rock history that deserves a listen from anyone interested in the genre.
Still From the Heart is a testament to Angelic Upstarts' growth as a band and their commitment to social justice. The combination of punk rock and hard rock resulted in a more elaborate sound that showcases their talent as musicians. The album's stand-out tracks, such as Woman in Disguise and One More Day, prove that Angelic Upstarts can create music that transcends genres and ages well. However, the album has some low points that drag it down. Nevertheless, it remains an essential piece of punk rock history that deserves a listen from anyone interested in the genre.