spiritualized - sweet heart sweet light

Spiritualized

Sweet Heart Sweet Light
Fat Possum 2012

4 out of 5

Jason Pierce has a formula. For many of us (including me) it works, so this album is good stuff. For those who do not know it, just buy one of his last 3-4 albums, and you'll get the idea. It goes something like this: 6-7 ballads with a mix of gospel-esque chorus and gentle string and/or piano accompaniments (or flat-out remixes of gospel favorites). Add some Jesus-be-my-savior-because-I'm-a-sinner lyrics. Subtract about 2 minutes of unlistenable discordant "improv." Add one or two faster-paced songs to get the toes tapping. Repeat every 3 years or so. That's it, and it is what it is.

Again, if you love the direction Spiritualized has taken since Laser Guided Melodies and Electric Mainline, you'll have a bunch of new(ish) sings to listen to and enjoy. I like it, though I hold to my belief that Laser Guided was his best work. There is not a lot here that is new or groundbreaking, but if you like the formula, you'll like the recording.