New Pornographers - Challengers: A-

Music: 7 Vocals: 5 Lyrics: 4 Production: 4
Total: 20 of 25: A-

Sometimes you just want really well written pop music that isn't prechewed for you. Sometimes you want good male/female harmonies. Sometimes you want lyrics written for adults by adults. And sometimes you want subtle but infections melodies and hooks that will keep humming throughout the day. Enter The New Pornographers' album Challengers.

Upon first listen you won't get pulled in. It's a very simple album that is mildly interesting. After a few listens though, you won't be able to get the melodies out of your head. The songs are perfectly constructed using acoustic and electric guitar, bass, keyboards, piano, strings, horns, some kind of whistle, maybe a metal bar on a wood block?! All of these instruments weave in and out in the songs. Usually just the guitar and drums hold the songs together with very simple chord progressions and rhythms. It's all the layers and textures that make the music interesting.

By far the best aspect are the vocals. Songs are roughly split between the male and female singer but they trade back and forth with pitch perfect harmonies. They both write very singable choruses. They use very interesting and unique inflections and pacing. And both have a wide range of emotions in their voice. Particularly memorable is "Adventures in Solitude" where the vocals are very staccato until the swelling and sweeping break which just grabs you and carries you along for the ride. Awesome.

If you want good adult music that will keep you humming, get Challengers. But do yourself a favor, listen a few times before making your assessment. I promise you won't be disappointed.