Music review: Gossip's fifth album truly 'A Joyful Noise'

Gossip’s fifth album is a wonderful array of electronic dance songs mixed with some harder punk rock sounds. However, the band perfectly blends these different genres into one cohesive and fun album.

The first track, “Melody Emergency,” opens the album with a hard electric guitar heavy sound that is counterbalanced by lead singer Beth Ditto’s powerful yet high voice. It is a great opening song that asks the listener to release the animal within himself or herself, and it sets up the combination of different sounds that continue throughout the album.

The third track, “Get a Job,” is a great late-night dance anthem. The song is heavy with synthesizers, and little focus is put upon Ditto’s vocals. The song is meant to be danced to rather than simply listened to.

In “Casualties of War,” however, there is more focus upon the lyrics and Ditto’s vocals. Her soulful and powerful voice really carries many of the songs and gives them a depth that they would not have without her.

The lyrics to many songs are not particularly inspiring and often times they are simply clichés. For instance, in the dance track “Move In the Right Direction,” the chorus says:

“I will hold back tears,

So I can move in the right direction

I have faced my fears,

Now I can move in the right direction

I’m doing fine

One step closer every day at a time

Won’t lose my mind, lose my mind.”

The lyrics are rather simple, but the fun pop track behind those lyrics and Ditto's powerful voice make up for the lackluster lyrics.

Fans of Gossip's previous releases might find this album a step away from its classic sound and drifting toward a stronger pop sound. While some diehard fans might find this unacceptable, the album still has a fun, great sound, and different does not always mean worse.

I would suggest this album to old Gossip fans as well as people who have never heard the band before but are looking for some new electronic dance pop to listen to. Ditto’s voice is universal, and everyone can enjoy the serious talent she has, but the music will not likely please every listener.

Overall, the album is great dance music. What the album lacks in some rather-cliché lyrics, it makes up for with Ditto’s powerful voice and fun dance pop music.

Sarah WIlson is an English literature junior.

Sarah Wilson

Sarah is a former staff member of The Oklahoma Daily who worked as Life & Arts Reporter.