In the five years since Billy Bragg's last album, Don't Try This At Home, the singer/songwriter has gone through major changes in his personal life while at the same time has observed major changes in England (his homeland) as well as changes throughout Europe in general. Combining his experiences as a new father with the exit of Margaret Thatcher, this folk poet uses wit and beautiful melodies on his new album William Bloke to express his sharp observations on politics, love, and people in general.
Singing in a thick Barking accent, Bragg pokes sharp jabs at the government, his contemporaries, and even lovers. What is amazing is the way that he does this with a seeming innocence in his tone and melody which causes your ears to perk up and glance back at the lyrics sheet to confirm what you have just heard. For example, in the track "Everybody Likes You Babe," Bragg confesses his indifference to a lover who everyone else thinks is the best thing that has ever happened to him. In a deadpan lyrical style that reminds one of the Smiths' "Girlfriend In A Coma", Bragg drones, 'They dont have to live with you, forgive you for the things you do, / there's just no ignoring, you're pretty but you're boring.'
Using clever lyrics throughout the album, as well as the words of Rudyard Kipling which he sets to music in "A Pict Song" - which shows how the little folk (we) can use their voices politically, Bragg shows how his own personal life has affected his political views. In the beautiful ballad "Brickbar" he conveys this as he sings, 'I used to want to plant bombs at the Last Night of the Proms / But now you'll find me with the baby, in the bathroom / With that big shell, listening for the sound of the sea.' Through lyrics such as this the listener can sense and understand the personal growth from rebel to the responsible father that Mr. Bragg realizes he has become.
The first single from William Bloke is "Upfield" which has the same kind of catchy radio-friendliness as his last hit "Sexuality" which became a popular hit on the U.S. alternative radio airwaves in 1991. Hopefully Billy Bragg's new album will get the attention it deserves as it is a very insightful, melodic, and honest effort.
