Summary:The Glaswegian indie pop band returns after a four-year hiatus with an eighth studio album, featuring its trademark down-tempo ballads and jangly guitar rock.
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Record Label:Matador
Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Pop
As the obviousness of Write About Love's title implies (it could have been called Play and Sing!), Belle & Sebastian are looking to get back to basics with their first album since 2005's tremendous The Life Pursuit.
Playful yet touching at (almost) every turn, Write About Love may not shake any musical foundations but it certainly proves that Belle and Sebastian still can't be pigeon-holed.
Write About Love may not be remembered as a seminal Belle & Sebastian long-player but its uncomplicated charms still make it an effective ephemeral pleasure.
Belle & Sebastian are in transition, as they were in the early 2000s, and I can only hope that we don't have to wait another four years for the likely superior follow-up.
This appears to be a grower. Well, I've owned it for two days and it's grown on me. Nothing here as frenetically energetic as on the LifeThis appears to be a grower. Well, I've owned it for two days and it's grown on me. Nothing here as frenetically energetic as on the Life Pursuit, an album which grew on me enough to become a second skin. But a duet with Norah Jones? If there is a low point on this record, it is sitting through 5 minutes of that painfully (in)sincere breathy delivery. Let's just hope legions of Jones completists pile in and buy this, ensuring B&S can avoid day jobs, pay their not insubstantial Scottish gas bills and produce another album at least as lovely as this.…Expand
It's better than expected. Came in expecting to hate it, but was pleasantly surprised. Doesn't have quite the same feel as some of their olderIt's better than expected. Came in expecting to hate it, but was pleasantly surprised. Doesn't have quite the same feel as some of their older records, but still has a very nice, familiar sound.…Expand
I've listened to this a few times now and it's definitely 'a grower' with the first 5 or 6 songs among their very best. However the remainderI've listened to this a few times now and it's definitely 'a grower' with the first 5 or 6 songs among their very best. However the remainder are a little pedestrian and for this reason I've only awarded it a score of 8. Not as good as Dear Catastrophe Waitress (their best so far) but still a fine album with lots to recommend it.…Expand
More of a "it's not broke so don't fix it" type of release, but B&S's sound has always been enjoyable and infectious, so it's still a treat.More of a "it's not broke so don't fix it" type of release, but B&S's sound has always been enjoyable and infectious, so it's still a treat. Seems like a slight dissapointment at first, but after a few spinsm some of the records more subtle charms start to peak out. As other reviewers have said, the Norah Jones duet is probably the weakest track.…Expand
Belle & Sebastian is known to change their sound with each album. The Life Pursuit was a step towards a more rockish pop sound, but it seemsBelle & Sebastian is known to change their sound with each album. The Life Pursuit was a step towards a more rockish pop sound, but it seems as if they abandoned that progression and went back to the days of "Dear Catastrophe Waitress". Belle & Sebastian's new effort, Write About Love, is more of their reunion album than a true Belle & Sebastian LP. While this description be seen with negative connotation, this is not necessarily true. As said before, Write About Love is a continuation of the poppy songs seen on their 2003 album. The songs in this album are enjoyable, from the title track "Write About Love" to the opening Sarah + Stuart duet "I Didn't See It Coming." The tracks are pure twee, making the album as a whole, pleasant sounding. What makes it not stand out, is that there is essentially no innovation. Aside from the minor-scale sounding "I Didn't See It Coming," Write About Love is purely a pop album. Fans of "If You're Feeling Sinister" or "Tigermilk" may not find as much enjoyment as a new listener, due to the fact that it does not bring anything new to the table. With the innovation aspect set aside, Write About Love is a good album. It is really well crafted, and uses the pop formula to perfection. The melodies are catchy, and structurally, the album is a success. Let's just hope that their next album will be a true B&S album.…Expand
It's pretty good - the title track and "I Want the World to Stop" are classic B&S, for instance - but I can't help thinking this is theirIt's pretty good - the title track and "I Want the World to Stop" are classic B&S, for instance - but I can't help thinking this is their least memorable album to date. Rather disappointing, but worth a couple listens.…Expand
Love this band, but for some reason this album got a single listen, after which NOTHING caught my ear, my imagination, or my interest. How didLove this band, but for some reason this album got a single listen, after which NOTHING caught my ear, my imagination, or my interest. How did this happen? I'm not saying it's a bad album, only that it has only generated a very long indifference I don't think I feel bad about. 5 is for the benefit of the doubt.…Expand
