By Stella Yanakieva

 

We The Generation reaches up to the expectations constructed by the success of Rudimental’s debut album ‘Home’, but perhaps fails to quite reach the same heights. There is, of course, the inevitable comparison between the two albums which highlights the obvious absence of some of the great voices featured in the first record such as John Newman, Alex Clare and Emelie Sandé.

Will Heard, whose voice reminds me of Paolo Nutini’s huskiness, is the featured star of We The Generation with five songs (that is if we count the bonus tracks in the deluxe edition). He kick starts the album with ‘I Will For Love’; an interesting choice for an opening track. As the drum’n’bass bursts in, you know you’re in for a good ride.

The melancholic and absolutely stunning ‘Never Let You Go’ comes after. Its pompous beats blend overwhelmingly together with the powerful vocals of Foy Vance, creating the illusion that you have a whole orchestra echoing in your headphones.

‘We The Generation’ comes as the perfect hushed, jazzy distraction that playfully keeps the beats down and provides a gateway for the Jamaican sound of ‘Love Is Just A Word’ which errupts a in pleasantly wild mess. Speaking of jazzy, Bobby Womack’s ‘New Day’ cannot be missed and closes the album with an original, soulful vibe which sets the record straight with a smooth drum’n’bass finale.

 ‘Rumour Mill’ is probably the most satisfying surprise that the boys of Rudimental supplied. “Uh-huh-ah-aye,” Anne-Marie and Will Heard sing in a heart-to-heart babble that easily captivates with its mellowness.

‘Common Emotion’ continues the mellow line of the album, bringing MNEK to the spotlight, whose sensual presence cannot stay unnoticed. Later on, Ella Eyre makes an appearance with ‘Too Cool’ and definitely strikes me as one of the strongest tracks of the record.

The rework of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Bloodstream’ further adds fuel to the drum’n’bass powered album which, much like the drug ode ‘Can’t Feel My Face’ by The Weeknd, discusses mixed emotions surrounding drugs and addiction.

Last but not least, the laidback ‘Needn’t Speak’, featuring Lianne La Havas, proves that Rudimental are definitely the kind of fresh blood that the music world today is in need of.

We The Generation, as a soulful, sensual composition that constantly errupts in endless drum’n’bass loops, demonstrates a creative blend of styles which simply aims to spread positive vibes and cheer up your day – and I personally couldn’t be any more excited to see them live in Glasgow next year, February 26th, in the O2 Academy!}