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Ya know, I've seen many articles over the last little while that continually refer to Music@Work and In Violet Light as "mediocre" albums, and it really bugs me. IVL is easily one of my favorite Hip albums of all time, and I've never understood exactly what it is that the critics don't like about the last two records. Were they not experimental enough? Not rockin' enough? Was there not enough teen angst in the lyrics??
Speaking of critics, I remember a 2002 interview with Robby in the Calgary Herald where he mentioned that the only country where IVL got bad reviews was in Canada. I thought that was interesting. Canadian music critics have been writing about the Hip for 20 years now, so maybe they're getting sick of them.
thanks stephen.
personally i like the way they do there tours. its a showcase for the new album. after seeing the live show it seems the new album jumps by leaps and bounds. this album is catching on much quicker than past releases. it has the makings of being a special album.
but i could be wrong............
gibbytime39 Wrote:thanks stephen.
personally i like the way they do there tours. its a showcase for the new album. after seeing the live show it seems the new album jumps by leaps and bounds. this album is catching on much quicker than past releases. it has the makings of being a special album.
but i could be wrong............
I have to agree with you about the album being special. The release of IBE has gotten alot more excitement about it in a way that both IVL and M@W did not.
direwolf74 Wrote:Speaking of critics, I remember a 2002 interview with Robby in the Calgary Herald where he mentioned that the only country where IVL got bad reviews was in Canada. I thought that was interesting. Canadian music critics have been writing about the Hip for 20 years now, so maybe they're getting sick of them.
Bingo. When it's your job to be critical, you search for something "wrong" rather than leaving well enough alone. Which is fine, but I think you have to read every review, especially in Canada, with that in mind.
And yeah, where's the damn "teenage angst" from these 40 something family men, dammit! That's just what the Hip need: more angst!

To quote Johhny from Heksenketel: "These Guys Stink!!"
direwolf74 Wrote:Ya know, I've seen many articles over the last little while that continually refer to Music@Work and In Violet Light as "mediocre" albums, and it really bugs me. IVL is easily one of my favorite Hip albums of all time, and I've never understood exactly what it is that the critics don't like about the last two records. Were they not experimental enough? Not rockin' enough? Was there not enough teen angst in the lyrics??
Well said! I love them too, and I'm constantly confused why these albums get so little respect.
In Violet Light is unbiasedly a work of art. It is easy for me to blindly put out that comment as I am obviously a hip fan but. . .
Are You Ready- not amazing actually. Decent opener for the album
Use It Up- Interesting concept and lyrics, catchy.
Darkest One- very strong song, beautiful lyrics
Good Life- If it wasn't the single, it would get a lot more respect than it does. Original music, to very original lyrics, great song overall
Silver Jet- not going to lie, hate it
Throwing off glass- beautiful
All Tore Up- can't say enough good things about this song. .should have been the first single
Leave- Decent
Beautiful Thing- Beautiful song
Dire Wolf- beautiful song
Dark Canuck- meh
Anyways. . it does have a few low points, but it's high points are very high. The thing I like best about the album is that all the songs catch the same type of mood. . the violet light, dark kind of mood.