Blue Album is a symbol of change for Baroness, and like always, change is not immediately well-received. What's frustratingly ironic about this is that Baroness fans should be quite used to change at this point. First and Second were fast n' furious hardcore punk influenced sludge records, and Baroness threw a good bit of that out for a more jammy, progressive rock sound. Red Album had some heavy riffs and some fast drumming, but it was much more chilled-out than it's predecessors. Some complained that they lost their edge, and maybe that was true, but those who stayed were rewarded with some awesome fucking metal. So what's the big deal here? Baroness have once again evolved, but firstly, it's not nearly as drastic as the jump to Red Album. There are still many of the riffs and dual-guitar harmonies that made Red Album so catchy, and there are still southern sounding acoustic interludes and vocal melodies. It's obviously still the same band, however, what makes Blue Record so delicious is more in it's structure than anything. To be blunt, Blue Record is much more immediately accessible and catchy than Red Album, and that is because it is clearly more song-oriented. While the vocals in Red would act more as seams holding together the large chunks of sludgy riffing and jamming on the album, Blue Record sports more catchy vocal lines and even forays into verse and chorus territory at times. Repetition is good in most music, and this is no exception. It gives the songs more memorability to the listener, and this album sure as hell is memorable. Also, there have been many complaints about Blue Record being less heavy and more progressive and wanky than Red. These claims would lead me to wonder if anyone is even listening to the same album as I am. Red Album had many extensive jam segments, and songs like "Wailing Wintry Wind", which, for the entire first half of the song, is an extended drum solo with atmospheric and effects-laden guitars over-top. There isn't too much of this on Blue...the songs are more focused, more fast-paced, and much more driving. That isn't to say one is really better than the other, but just to say that Blue is really no more "progressive" or showy than Red was. Baroness still sounds like a bunch of guys rocking-the-fuck-out, and I still love it. All of this considered, nothing on Blue Record can top the 1-2-3 punch of the first three tracks on Red Album...and the highs certainly do not reach the peaks of the latter, either. Regardless, Baroness have yet again crafted a consistently solid album, worthy of much head-banging. Anyone who tells you otherwise is probably just over-thinking it. 4.5/5
Just read the review and I pretty much agree with it all, especially with the "1-2-3 punch" bit about the red album. The songs are even better live and I want to have sex with everyone in this band.
I really should technically hate the Blue Record. It has everything that I despise about certain other bands but for some reason I just love it. So dang catchy and fun. I crack a smile everytime i hear it.
