[Shaun]

I cba to find the old thread on this, so a new one is necessary. Am currently writing one for Placebo, will be done soon. Feel free to submit your own!
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Placebo - Battle for the Sun

I'm already an established Placebo fan - I highly rate a number of their albums (Sleeping With Ghosts in particular) and they've often been the soundtrack to the out-pourings of my generous teenage angst. It was therefore with baited breath and hype that I looked forward to this, their 6th studio album release, "Battle for the Sun". A few tracks had leaked prior to the official release, which was months ago now. But time has passed and I've grown accommodated to it, and shall now review it fairly.

Tracklisting:
1. Kitty Litter - As opening tracks on albums go, this isn't particularly orthodox. There's no distinctive introduction, no summary of the album's general feel. In its place, we have a fairly average track which critics of Placebo would be quick to maul, claiming how generic and repetitive it is. In a way I can sympathise with them, it's something of a false start on Placebo's part. Rating: 5/10
2. Ashtray Heart - The sound of this is similar to Kitty Litter, heavy drums (courtesy of new drummer, Steve Forrest) and guitar riffs dominate. Compared to earlier material from the band, which often had a more mellow and melancholy feel, this is distinctly more euphoric. Not one of the album's best, though. Rating: 6/10
3. Battle for the Sun - The eponymous track was the first to be leaked from the album, dividing fans and critics. The repeated lyrics and slow rhythm irked some, but pleased me and many others. The introduction slowly builds into a stunning crescendo from new drummer, perhaps securing him in the hearts of die-hard Placebo fans. The track is extremely radio-friendly, with a distinguishable rhythm and beat, before building into a euphoric chorus. One of the album's highlights. Rating: 8.5/10
4. For What It's Worth - The first single from the album, FWIW is noticeably catchier than your typical Placebo single, and remains, for me, one of the year's most underrated songs (only charting at #97 on the UK singles chart). Rating: 8/10
5. Devil in the Details - One of the fans' and critics' favourites, DITD exploits some new experimental instruments (in the form of the Springtime guitar) and to good effect. A general feel of stepping out of the darkness into the light, ever-present throughout the album, lingers here. Rating: 8/10
6. Bright Lights - One of my two favourite tracks from the album, Bright Lights has a particularly ecstatic feel to it. In stark contrast to some of Placebo's other material (particularly on the Meds and Black Market Music albums) this is a welcome change of scenery. One of their best songs in years. Rating: 10/10
7. Speak In Tongues - Described by lead singer, Brian Molko, as his favourite track of the album, it's easy to see why. He seems in his element singing "we can build our new tomorrow today", establishing easy connections with a modern feel of optimism and hope effervescent in the United States right now. Rating: 7.5/10
8. The Never-Ending Why - Penned as their second single set for release in early September, the Never-Ending Why is considerably more typical of Placebo's sound, with hints of confusion, depression and angst prominent. Another catchy offering, this should hopefully do better than the first single. Rating: 8/10
9. Julien - Signs of their more experimental sounds are easily noticeable here, with synthesized beats and strings worked in to surprising effect. Not one of their most memorable tracks, but for the difference element it's worth noting. Rating: 7/10
10. Happy You're Gone - Slight irony of the title aside, there's little distinctive or unique about this song, unfortunately. Rating: 4/10
11. Breathe Underwater - An uptempo rhythm pushes this song along with pleasing effect. What it lacks in a noticeable chorus it more than makes up for with energy. Rating: 7/10
12. Come Undone - Building up to the conclusion of the album now, and Come Undone is a melancholy and soul-searching penultimate track. A reminder that the road to happiness isn't necessarily an easy one, perhaps, if not for ourselves then for the band. Rating: 7/10
13. Kings of Medicine - Final track time, and this is without a doubt my favourite song from the album, perhaps of all of their tracks. Yes, ever. Imploring lyrics, slow and rhythmic build-up, experimenting instruments (brass is included here in the climax), euphoria - ultimately this is a brilliant summary of their new album, their new sound and the revamped Placebo. Rating: 10/10

Summary:
The departure of one of the band's stalwarts, former drummer Steve Hewitt, was described by lead Molko, "there simply comes a point when you realise that you want different things from your relationship and that you can no longer live under the same roof, so to speak." In need of a new image, following the departure from their former label (EMI), Battle for the Sun had a lot resting on its shoulders, and judging by what I hear, they can now breathe a sigh of relief. Combining a blend of what you'd expect and seek from Placebo (haunting, provocative lyrics; emotional and energetic performance) and something new (heavier instrumentals, particularly from the new drummer; lighter and happier material), BFTS is one of their best albums to date. Overall rating: 8.5/10

How would I rank the others?
1. Sleeping With Ghosts
2. Battle for the Sun
3. Black Market Music
4. Placebo
5. Meds
6. Without You I'm Nothing