The Knowledge
Love Records, 2017
http://www.squeezeofficial.com
REVIEW BY: Pete Crigler
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 10/31/2017
Squeeze has returned with the second original album of their reunion, and boy, is it an interesting collection of songs. Right from the get go, Difford and Tilbrook prove that they haven’t lost a step at all.
Opening track “Innocence In Paradise” comes off really strong and is an extremely great 2017 pop song. It’s definitely one of the catchiest and rewarding songs I’ve heard this year. “Patchouli” has some great vocal harmonies and is another strong winner, proving once again that Squeeze knows how to create great music that still sounds amazing.
“Every Story” is a waltz and doesn’t really do much for me. But it’s not the band’s fault; waltzes have never really interested me. “Rough Ride” is a jazzy uptempo number and is interesting if you’re looking for a good time in your headphones. “Please Be Upstanding” is another great pop song that should be used to teach today’s songwriters what real pop music should be! Difford and Tilbrook have always been great songwriters and they continue that here, just about 40 years since they got their careers started.
“Final Score” is another downtuned song that sounds really good and reminds you how really eclectic and great Squeeze has been throughout their career. “Two Forks” is another upbeat tune and one that might get stuck in your head.
This isn’t the greatest record of the year, but it is still full of catchy, memorable songs that if you’ve been a Squeeze fan will work their way into your brain very quickly. If you’re new to Squeeze, then this is a very good place to start and fall in love with one of the most underrated bands of all time. All in all, The Knowledge is a very enlightening and entertaining record.