The last time we heard from The Ting Tings was back in Feb. of 2012 with the release of their sophomore album “
Sounds From Nowheresville.” Although the album had no major U.S. hits, their debut work “
We Started Nothing” was perhaps their best known venture. Singles “Shut Up and Let Me Go” and “That’s Not My Name” were heard the world over and then some, becoming the feel good anthems of sassy women everywhere. It is undeniable that The Ting Tings have an amazing talent for creating carefree pop; the release of their third album has elevated their musical prowess by taking cue from dance floors’ past. The result is a more mature, richer, and arguably a more danceable body of work.Coproduced by Andy Taylor of
Duran Duran fame, “Super Critical” features far more use of singer and keyboard queen Katie White’s guitar skills and vocal range. White seems to take on a persona and sound one would except from the love child of Diana Ross, Kylie Minogue, and Rick James, an odd but oh-so-satisfying combination. We really get to hear her sing these sexy funk-driven, yet melodic verses, which is something we have not yet heard from the duo. Their past singles have allowed room to sing along because of their almost hip hop flow, but there was not much singing involved, which is truly not the case for this album. Sorry to all of you who were looking forward to being able to pass your voice off as karaoke-able on these tracks because you actually have to find the right pitch to sing along.What is particularly interesting about “Super Critical” is its layering and depth of sound as the album progresses. The album starts off with more spaced out drumbeats and only a light accompaniment, adding more complex beats, use of bass, and ‘70s disco-esque guitar riffs as time goes on, almost as if the album is one singular DJ set and listeners are waiting for the drop.“Do It Again,” the album’s first single, is a dance floor number one sleeper hit. Its smooth vocals, light riffs, and relentless but not overwhelming bass line are reminiscent of classic disco tracks; think Diana Ross’ “Upside Down” or Lionel Ritchie’s “All Night Long,” old-school-inspired with a modern electric guitar backing. It is a tad repetitive, but in a way that does not sound like The Ting Tings could not decide on a bridge. The song’s simple but effective groove serves its purpose to make you continuously bop and dance along.Second track “Daughter” is most similar to The Ting Tings of the past and less of the funk the other tracks have, but it gives the listener a nice breather before the heavier songs come out to play. Its carefree nature, punchy lyrics, and jabbing vocals will appease fans who do not want to let go of that classic Ting Tings sound, but the duo’s unique use of the deeper sounds on their synth machine still make this song feel new.“Wrong Club,” though not groundbreaking on its own lyric-wise, does have a relatable message: it is about the times you are at a club where you do not like the people, you feel like you do not fit in, and yet you are still there trying to have fun by awkwardly dancing and looking for someone to save you from yourself. If you were a fan of Pharrell’s recent collaboration with Daft Punk, “Lose Yourself to Dance”, you will love this track for its simplicity, smooth vocals, and magical ability to be played 10 times over without a noticeable loop.
“Only Love” takes us from the ‘70s to the ‘80s inspired girl-power anthems, undoubtedly a soon-to-be hit. The backing musical arrangement is light, allowing listeners to really hear White’s voice on full display. The highly melodic verses make this track easy to sing along to with the added benefit of Jules De Martino’s expert drum fills, making “Only Love” perhaps the most restrained but commercially enjoyable track.
“Green Poison” helps round out the end of the album; the bass is in full swing, the cowbell is out, and the background singers are well on point. Reminiscent of David Bowie’s “Fame,” the sharp and short guitar riffs add just enough variance to the funk-heavy track to make it feel light and fresh instead of bogged down by the rhythm section. As the night winds down, last call is announced, and “Green Poison” slows down the pace, meaning it is just about time to head home.
The night comes to an end with final track “Failure,” which takes the best parts of all accompanying songs and stirs them into this final moment, the last hurrah. The Ting Tings expertly turn the pace back up just a bit in this one, allowing you a last burst of energy before calling it a night. At this point the shoes are off, drinks are being finished, and you leave the club feeling satisfied in a way you had forgotten was possible. Now that is “Super Critical.”
The Ting Tings will release their album “Super Critical” on Oct. 27.
