Bereft of freestyle ivory plonks, You’re Not Alone captures WK doing what he does best: that utterly distinctive fusion of metal riffs, Springsteen bombast, pristine ABBA hooks and choruses bigger than Hercules’ biceps.
In addition to a pack of his best songs since I Get Wet, he brings with him a trio of spoken-word interludes that further expand on his philosophy, and as stupid as that might sound on paper--and even on first listen--it makes sense in the world of Andrew W.K. ... His confidence is unassailable and contagious.
Thematically, if previous Andrew WK albums have felt like having entire kegs shotgunned in your face, this one is like being syphon-fed after-dinner brandies.
Andrew WK's most lucid slab of party politics since his 2001 debut I Get Wet ditches the improv piano to embrace the 39-year-ld's steroid-enhanced take on cutie-pop. [Apr 2018, p.37]
Being shouted at for 53 minutes to find some agency in the midst of chaos may not make for highly nuanced music, but it would be hard to argue that you couldn’t use it. This is kitchen-sink maximalism as refuge—just throw everything in there, there’s no time.
The berserk, nihilistic energy that made Andrew W.K.’s name is gone. In its place is something more affirming but more ponderous. Song after song goes for big, anthemic goosebump moments, but the melodies aren’t memorable enough and the sentiment, even as sincerely as it is delivered, feels forced.
Absolutely joy-filled, buoyant, hopeful, epic - even Queen-like. This is the album equivalent of "with great power comes greatAbsolutely joy-filled, buoyant, hopeful, epic - even Queen-like. This is the album equivalent of "with great power comes great responsibility". Songs that contain giant doses of rock and roll energy, but a spirit and message all about hope and love triumphing over death and despair. I simply love it. Songs that are almost punk-like in their simplicity, but surprisingly clever. As a songwriter my respect for AWK has really grown. His persona may seem at first like a one-dimensional party animal, but he's a clever, focused songwriter with a big voice and bigger sense of melody. And as someone who's struggled for decades with anxiety and depression, I recognize how vital his message is and that brings it all home for me. Party on my friends!…Expand
A fantastical voyage of motivational mayhem. An all around wonderfully ear and spirit pleasuring album that instantly become a rock classicA fantastical voyage of motivational mayhem. An all around wonderfully ear and spirit pleasuring album that instantly become a rock classic in my book. Powerful awesome epic fun happy sad dark light frightening and inspiring all at the same time. Andrew W.K. just created a mosh pit inducing masterpiece for the masses. Thank you for this great gift of music!…Expand
This is absolutely one of the best albums I have ever heard in my entire life. It is tightly produced, awesomely inspirational, and a triumphThis is absolutely one of the best albums I have ever heard in my entire life. It is tightly produced, awesomely inspirational, and a triumph of music in the modern age.…Expand
Sometimes it's hard to tell if Andrew W.K. is being sincere as his sounds and lyrics are so big and bold (and sometimes seem ridiculous)...theSometimes it's hard to tell if Andrew W.K. is being sincere as his sounds and lyrics are so big and bold (and sometimes seem ridiculous)...the spoken word tracks say he is genuine...its refreshing and uplifting to hear the sincerity. And, the music is fun and rockin.…Expand
One of my favourites of the year. "You're Not Alone" is a self-help album in the best possible way. Whenever I feel like I could use someOne of my favourites of the year. "You're Not Alone" is a self-help album in the best possible way. Whenever I feel like I could use some motivation I put this album on. It'll lift your spirits, it'll get you pumped and it'll make you dance.…Expand
A cross between arena rock and a motivational speech, You're Not Alone is filled with catchy songs and sheer positivity. I'll admit, thisA cross between arena rock and a motivational speech, You're Not Alone is filled with catchy songs and sheer positivity. I'll admit, this album didn't initially grab me. But after a few listens, I started to appreciate how well these songs are written. Some parts might seem a bit corny, but I would say that it is corny in a good way. I also really like the spoken interlude tracks, and like how they actually contribute to the album. Often, interlude tracks can feel like filler, but that's not the case here. There are a couple weaker moments here and there, but I am impressed by how consistent the album is. Some albums teeter off by the second half, but here the second half is just as strong as the first.
By far my favorite part about this album is how uplifting it is. Andrew W.K. is just a beacon of good vibes, and putting this thing on never fails to put me in a better mood. I think that this positivity is important, especially nowadays. I feel that this album went a little underappreciated in 2018. If you're someone who listened to this once and didn't really enjoy it, I urge you to give it a second shot, because I feel that this is one of those albums that takes a little time to fully appreciate. It's fun, it's energetic, and filled to the brim with positivity. Don't be afraid of your demons - party with them!…Expand
