Summary:The fourth album for the dance band led by Jake Shears includes production by Diplo, Calvin Harris, Dean John Horton, The Neptunes, Stuart Price, and Alex Ridha.
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Record Label:Polydor
Genre(s): Electronic, Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Contemporary Pop/Rock, Club/Dance, Alternative Dance, Dance-Rock
Magic Hour won't blow your mind but it conjures enough spectacle to highlight why Scissor Sisters remain one of pop's smartest, most entertaining bands.
'Magic Hour' is an album that equally frustrates and enthrals. The collection of excellent electro pop tracks show the band still know their way around a melody but the album is let down by a few too many tired and morose ballads and witless appropriations of chart successful sounds.
A celebration of club life with a hint of melancholy that things are changing. New producers inject a tighter sound against the band'sA celebration of club life with a hint of melancholy that things are changing. New producers inject a tighter sound against the band's whip-smart lyrics.…Expand
This album is a grower. There are fun party tracks that are almost as strong as "Night Work" (their best album by far) but there are alsoThis album is a grower. There are fun party tracks that are almost as strong as "Night Work" (their best album by far) but there are also more chill songs that evoke their earlier sounds. It's not a perfect album but after listening to it for 2 days, I am really into it. Can't wait to see you guys in July!…Expand
Just finished my first listen of Magic Hour. I am not feeling magical yet that's for sure! I will have to give it a few more spins because IJust finished my first listen of Magic Hour. I am not feeling magical yet that's for sure! I will have to give it a few more spins because I didn't feel much on the first listen. What I did feel is this, Magic Hour seems generic and falls flat with the ballads. Jake Shears isn't known for his vocal ability (or lack there of) so when he's singing ballads on this album it's confusing and it doesn't work effectively. KEY TRACKS: Somewhere, Shady Love, Let's Have A Kiki, Only The Horses and Baby Come Home. DUDS: Inevitable, Self Control and The Secret Life of Letters. And sadly I don't remember the others tracks. I give it a modest 3 out of 5 stars. Just my opinion. I LOVE them though! Night Work was basically the only album I listened to in 2010! Maybe next album them can make HAWT dance beats again. And less ballads.…Expand
The upbeat numbers may be fun, but they'll date quickly. The mid-tempo tracks may be quirky, but they're forgettable. The ballads may be wellThe upbeat numbers may be fun, but they'll date quickly. The mid-tempo tracks may be quirky, but they're forgettable. The ballads may be well produced, but they're dull. Magic Hour sees the Sisters grabbing several genres and mixing them about. It jumps from sound to sound with little grace or warning. Their debut was alternative pop, the follow up was twisted party pop, and 'Night Work' was euphoric electro-pop. Magic Hour is patchy mod-pop.
It's by no means a bad pop album, in fact, had this been the debut of a new artist, it would have been lauded. It's just not a very good Scissor Sisters album.…Expand
Jake Shears doing his best John Cameron Mitchell. Starts strong before showing a threadbare quality. Its lacking confidence and skill of NightJake Shears doing his best John Cameron Mitchell. Starts strong before showing a threadbare quality. Its lacking confidence and skill of Night Work which is a shame considering it kicks off with a giddy start.…Expand
I know that the sisters aren't the most sophisticated indie band around the block, but those mainstream dance tracks are downright cheap clubI know that the sisters aren't the most sophisticated indie band around the block, but those mainstream dance tracks are downright cheap club backround music.…Expand
I think Magic Hour was a slightly new direction for the band but one they shouldn't have tried. It does nothing for what they're capable of,I think Magic Hour was a slightly new direction for the band but one they shouldn't have tried. It does nothing for what they're capable of, especially the slower tracks that don't sound like Scissor Sisters or suit them at all. Ultimately I believe that's why their popularity has been dying out over the years. They do switch up and try new things, but the quality of their music declines steadily with time. The Scissor Sisters people fell in love with seem to be gone and replaced by mind-washed robots who are making music as if they're forced to, not for the love of it. I think it's great they've taken a hiatus, and I really hope it helps them gather themselves and find their passion for music again. I think they have it in them to create really great music, but they just have to give it time and believe in what they're making. Otherwise it will just turn out a mess like Magic Hour.…Expand
