Album Reviews

Andrew W.K.’s party anthems have always been as subtle as a sledgehammer to the face. A lot more pleasant though. It is something that hasn’t changed on ‘You’re Not Alone,’ the man’s first new album in nine years. Everything on here is so cheesy and larger than life, it makes 80ies acts like Whitesnake and Europe look like bands that were all about nuance and minimalism.

All decked out in his trademark uniform of white pants and white shirt and bathing in moonbeams, Andrew W.K. beckons us from the cover before unleashing one synth-driven, completely over-the-top pop-metal anthem after the other until you finally cave in and embrace the positivity. Sprinkled in between, are a couple of short spoken-word parts. Little motivational pick-me-ups to help you through your day. Residue from his motivational speaker gigs most likely and kind of unnecessary. It’s not as if you have to dig very deep in the man’s lyrics in order to find out what his message is. After all, the only deeper layers in an Andrew W.K. song are to be found in the excessive synth arrangements.

Is ‘You’re Not Alone’ a good album? Not really. Cuts like ‘Total Freedom’ and closing track ‘You’re Not Alone’ actually made me throw up in my mouth a little. But the Springsteen-esque ‘I Don’t Know Anything’ and ‘All My Friends’ are worth a listen, while ‘Keep On Going’ brought back somewhat pleasant memories of Styx’ ‘Come Sail Away’. But there is no denying that – when served in small doses – an Andrew W.K. anthem will make your day a little brighter and it never fails to make you smile. Which I guess is the whole point of this operatic madness.

Track listing:

1. The Power of Partying
2. Music Is Worth Living For
3. Ever Again
4. I Don't Know Anything
5. The Feeling of Being Alive
6. Party Mindset
7. The Party Never Dies
8. Give Up On You
9. Keep On Going
10. In Your Darkest Moments
11. The Devil's On Your Side
12. Break The Curse
13. Total Freedom
14. Beyond Oblivion
15. Confusion and Clarity
16. You're Not Alone