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Bars & Melody (check out our interview with the guys, here) first rose to fame as contestants on Britain’s Got Talent in 2014. The pair were automatically sent into the semi-finals of the competition, when Simon Cowell pressed the “golden buzzer” after watching their performance of ‘Hopeful’ (later released as their debut single). The duo ultimately finished in third place in the series but since then have gone on to build a very loyal following and built up a big name for themselves.
The album opens with heavy-hitting ‘Allergic to the Sun’ which sets the tone perfectly for the album, showing the duo’s departure from conventional pop music into a far more edgy sound. It’s quite apocalyptic in it’s feel and reflects the album artwork brilliantly.
Not only has Leondre‘s voice got deeper…so have the lyrics and the styles of the songs – there are quite a few songs based on relationships and dealing with issues related to growing up but the pair are truly writing from the heart. Some of the biggest standout tracks are: ‘Apologise’ (with its beautiful simplicity and captivating chorus); ‘Faded’ (for its anthemic chorus and club-like sound); ‘Serious’ (probably one of the most pop tracks on the album – it reminds me somewhat of Olly Murs) and ‘I Won’t Let You Go’ (Charlie’s vocals are so full-on and passionate on this track – I would really like to hear him use this tone more often).
There is a certain mixtape quality to the record – it is somewhat experimental in its approach, but that’s not a bad thing!
The production of the album is tinted with urban flavours throughout; each song is unique in its own way and whilst it does come together as a brilliant body of work, overall, there is a certain mixtape quality to the record. There are some fantastic songs with catchy hooks and deep lyrics and although there are stand-out tracks, it is somewhat experimental in its approach. That’s not to say it’s a bad thing – it should be celebrated that the pair have spent time finding their own sound and crafting something which not only works for them but makes them stand out.
Considering just a couple of years ago, the pair put out an album (143) which was very pop in style, this follow-up (originals) album is quite a welcome departure from that, demonstrating that they’re maturing, not only in terms of their songwriting but their musical style too. It seems that they’re now truly finding their own feet.
What must be said for this album is that Charlie‘s vocal abilities are truly incredible but to hear him use his full voice more (like in ‘I Won’t Let You Go’), would be amazing. Meanwhile, Leondre‘s rapping has really progressed – his tone is great and his lyrics show maturity. This album is well worth listening to, I certainly found that the more you listen, the more little gems you hear weaving their way throughout – it’s a real grower!
Rating
‘Generation Z’ is out now and can be downloaded from iTunes – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/generation-z/id1262081707
‘Generation Z’ on Spotify
Thousand Years (Official Video)
‘Generation Z’ Track-By-Track
Find out more about the meanings behind the songs with this track-by-track video.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our review of the duo’s latest album! What are your thoughts on Generation Z? What would you rate it? Please leave your thoughts in a comment or hit us up via our social media.
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