As promised, though a day late, a track-by-track review of The Prodigy’s Invaders Must Die
Invaders Must Die
Rating: 5/10
When this track was selected for promotional use, I was highly disappointed. The track reminded me of a cross between something off of “Always Outnumber…” and “Fat of the Land” mainly due to the thin sounds produced by the synths on the track, as well as The Prodigy sampling their own work. While up-beat and aggressive, the track has an empty feeling that I cannot shake.
Omen
Rating: 7/10
In your face and somewhat haunting at times (like at 2:00 mins into the song) . I didn’t think I would say this, but I actually enjoy the early rave-like synth used to start off the song. This brings back memories of “Experience” material. This is the second track to use a more acoustic sound to the kicks and snares – not the typical 909. The lyrics are also catchy too… in an aggressive way.
Thunder
Rating: 6.5/10
Starts off with a simple break beat that kicks into an gritty and almost over the top beat that seems to lend itself to the vocals. I could easily see this song being a huge hit – especially live.
Colours
Rating: 3/10
Again, I feel the production values of “Always Outnumbered…” coming though, and the lyrics do not work well for me. This track feels like it was intended for another album or an individual release as the vocal work is all over the song… actually, one could look at this as The Prodigy trying to do a “conventional” song in their style. While I like the grit and distortion, the majority of the song is unimpressive.
Take Me to The Hospital
Rating: 3/10
Hello Charley or Everybody In the Place… for the initial lead. It sounds like Liam decided to sample his back catalog, change things up a bit, and use it for a new song. The lyrics seem very, very pointless but there is a the good old take a sample and change the pitch into something new, much like they’ve done before (Out of Space). Again, I feel like this song was trying to be a commercial release instead or proper song. Unimpressive.
Warrior’s Dance
Rating: 8/10
Starts by easing you into the song with the seemingly off pitch lead, add in some vocals, but once the beat kicks in you have quite an experience. There are shades of Meat Beat Manifesto’s Radio Babylon as the song takes off. Almost a mixture of big beat and typical mid-90’s “rave”. I’m actually very impressed by this song.
Run with the Wolves
Rating: 2/10
Not typical Prodigy – actually sounds very Punk with heavy beats over it. Keith Flint is all over this track and really doesn’t come off all the impressive. I mean, I really don’t have much to say except that it’s a forgettable track. No hook, nothing impressive.
World’s On Fire
Rating: 6/10
Another song that I can see as a HUGE live track. Impressive break beat and use of distortion on the backing synth. Keith Flint actually fits very well on this track. The lead synth sounds very thin, and the return of mid-90’s rave synth is all over this as well.
Piranha
Rating: 4/10
Another song trying to have a punk sound with heavy beats and off key synths. At least with this song there is a hook someone can sing to. Not as bad as Run with the Wolves, but nothing impressive either. By this point in the album the use of samples and re-samples rave stabs and synths is getting old an tiresome. Frankly, there was a reason producers moves away from using that sound. Tho, the is a nice use of filtering some beats.
Stand Up
Rating: 10/10
At first I thought I was listening to Fatboy Slim, but no…. This song heavily samples Manfred Mann’s “One Way Glass” and in doing so produces one of the most laid back, uncharacteristically Prodigy songs ever. Add in the brief use of the 303 and you have my favorite song of the album. Hands down the best track.
Overall thoughts:
Overall Rating: 5.5/10
It’s good to see the group back together but Liam’s need to experiment with new technology and past styles, while creative, doesn’t provide for an exciting Prodigy experience. This is not a “run out and buy” album, but tracking down “Stand Up” is a must.