The debut album from the pop-rock band Bleachers earned the new band plenty of attention, with the two popular songs "Rollercoaster" and "I Wana Get Better." It reached a peak position of number 2 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and the Top Alternative Albums chart. The album has two guest artist appearances - two more than Gone Now. Grimes on "Take Me Away" and Yoko Ono onThe debut album from the pop-rock band Bleachers earned the new band plenty of attention, with the two popular songs "Rollercoaster" and "I Wana Get Better." It reached a peak position of number 2 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and the Top Alternative Albums chart. The album has two guest artist appearances - two more than Gone Now. Grimes on "Take Me Away" and Yoko Ono on "Reprise."
Musically, Strange Desire is much more straightforward than Gone Now, and unfortunately it makes it less interesting. Most of the music on this album sounds good, but not terribly original or creative. Also, the production on this album sounds much less polished as the music on Bleachers' sophomore album. The biggest example of the occasionally unpolished, undercooked music on this album would be "Shadow," which has weird, offbeat music during the choruses. "Reckless Love" is catchy, but a little underwhelming. "Like A River Runs" is overdramatic as heck, but still fun. "Mystery" is alright, but hard to call great. The last two songs have varied, slightly experimental music that really stands out, highlighting Jack's creativity. The last song is really good, while "Reprise" falls a little short.
Lyrically, Strange Desire isn't great. Most of the lyrics are about teenage love, and the problems and drama resulting from it. The lyrics are not terribly original or insightful; tired, but not entirely true. Most of the lyrics on this album are meant to be fun-loving and carefree, so I can't bash the lyrics too hard. "Better" has some really interesting, memorable lyrics.
Bleachers' debut album has a solid amount of fun, enjoyable content, but also leaves plenty to be DESIRED, in terms of music and lyrics. Jack shows potential on this album, but really delivers on his second album. 6.5/10… Expand