Blur has released their first album in eight years, this might be the best album since 1999, so it was certainly worth the wait. The titled The Ballad of Darren playfully honors Blur’s security guard Darren “Smoggy” Evans. Their incorporation of the sounds of Madchester rock ’n’ roll and Shoegaze, made them stand out in the 90s, but they’ve shown they can roll with the times. Despite his commitments as the frontman of Gorillaz, Damon Albarn managed to find the time to finish the album within just six months after meeting with Graham Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree to discuss a new Blur album. 

According to Blur Darren Evans consistently nagged Albarn to finish a 2003 demo that has now become the opening track. “The Ballad” is a graceful love song, but as Coxon sings the line “we traveled around the world together”, it’s easy to associate these affectionate words with the members of Blur themselves.

“St. Charles Square” has loads of guitars and a hint of profanity. This song might offer a shred of nostalgia for fans, as it’s the closest thing on the album to their old discography.

In “Barbaric,” Damon Albarn passionately pleads for a chance to express the impact of the break-up on him. Confessing that he has lost a once-unwavering feeling and is now unsure of his direction. “I have lost the feeling that I thought I’d never lose / Now where am I going? / At what cost, the feeling that I thought I’d never lose / It is barbaric.”

“Russian Strings” has a 70s alt-pop feel similar, especially in the string arrangements. The song begins with themes of rage, but in the end, he chooses forgiveness and lets go entirely.

“The Everglades” is filled with a calming, maybe even comforting plucky guitar part paired with an occasional electronic beat. The lyrics have themes of reflection and regret that ultimately lead to hope and acceptance.

At the center of the album is “The Narcissist” sits as the album’s lead single. This song tells a story of fame, of taking drugs, and of staring too long at “the darkness”.

In “Goodbye Albert,” he begs not to be punished, accompanied by distorted folk guitar. However, you could interpret these sentiments as reflections on the numerous breaking up and coming back together with his band.

“Far Away Island” the lyrics convey a sense of longing, distance, and self-discovery once they’re separated from a loved one. The ambient music serves to enhance the feeling of being alone.

“Avalon” is a laid-back track with particular British charm, it’s David Bowie-esque. The lines What’s the point in building Avalon / If you can’t be happy when it’s done? suggest that the speaker questions the purpose of achieving grand aspirations if it doesn’t lead to happiness. 

“The Heights” seems to acknowledge and appreciate the devoted fans, cherishing the special bond between the band and their audience. The frenzied strings juxtapose the otherwise serene celebration and the sea of distortion ends abruptly.

“The Rabbi” the lyrics center around confusion and disillusionment in a relationship or situation. There’s a feeling of uncertainty about the choices made and the circumstances that have led to the current state.

“The Swan” explores themes of rage, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships.   This laid back track is filled with whimsical elements, the brushes on the drums add to the chill mood. It acts as a sweet conclusion to the waves of emotions seen throughout the album.

There are times when Albarn’s vocals get a bit lost in the sea of echos, but overall, the production is very good. It’s an emotional and honest ride, whether the songs are centered around a heartbreaking love story or a band breaking up, it seems up to interpretation. If Damon Albarn had released these bittersweet reflections as a solo project, they might have been accompanied by sad and distant electronic sounds. But because his old friends worked with him, they turned these feelings into songs that make his sad emotions sound incredibly joyful and uplifting. Blur is constantly evolving and re-inventing themselves. The transitions from their earlier albums, considered to be a mix of heady stargazing, Britpop, and indie rock, are evident as they now embrace a more mature and melancholic sound.

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