Review 1 of 9

rayxtreme writes:

4of 5 Stars

Very synthesized pop songs.
"Is it any Wonder?" and "A Bad Dream" is my picks in this album.

May 1, 2008 02:32:22

Review 2 of 9

1BulldogCT writes:

Not Rated

Keane strikes again wth a solid disc that belies their youth.
Besides the obvious hooks and new depths of sound offered
up on Crystal Ball; a solid respect for Fredie Mercury and
Queen can be heard on "Leaving So Soon". This is a great
melodic suprise. Further, Keane delivers an intriguing
instrumental which could end up on almost any late 70's
Genesis Album. Followed up by the Beatlesque-"Hamburg
Song" during which the vocals are a quick ode to Paul
McCartney.

Hopefully, the success and drug issue will not hamper the
band goping forward as their age and sonice growth
continues to progress. Again, keep an ear to the ground and
wait for a next step in the band's maturing process.

Jul 15, 2007 13:29:37

Review 3 of 9

rsmusic writes:

5of 5 Stars

Who says guitars make the music?! Guitars are great, and I am currently learning how to play, but there are tons of other ways to make beautiful music without them. Keane's music is some of the best, and for those of you who give it less than 5 stars because they don't have guitars, I say diversity. Branch out! If all the music was the same, you'd be nodding off every time you'd turn on the radio. Keane's music is inspiring and beautifully put together, and i love their pianos!=)

Apr 29, 2007 11:19:49

Review 4 of 9

SoulReaperWilly writes:

4of 5 Stars

Under The Iron Sea is another excellent album from Keane. If you were a fan of Hopes And Fears, you will not be disappointed. The sound is a bit darker, but the songs are still very catchy and fulfilling. The album starts with 'Atlantic', a slow but enjoyable tune that sets up for 'Is It Any Wonder?', a great song that is rightfully the first single. Other noteables include 'Nothing In My Way' and an extremely addictive song that ends the album called 'The Frog Prince'. So, do yourself a favor and buy this album.

Mar 17, 2007 17:56:41

Review 5 of 9

theNME writes:

2of 5 Stars

'Hopes and fears' is a truely great album packed with buckets of potential and beautiful indie/pop songs that won't tire in a long time.
However their sophomore effort leaves alot to be desired in terms of being easy listening.
As far as melodies go this is a very deep & emotional album, but this time round they just dont have the push or drive in their anymore.
Songs like 'Is it any wonder' are clever tunes with sing-along-lyrics, but if you look elsewhere to songs like 'Atlantic' you find melancholly in the bucket loads and its just not comforting to listen to and dare I say, it's radio un-friendly.
This effort leaves me wondering, would Keane be a better band if they added a guitarist to the mix?
Keane as a four peice would be very interesting and it would either sink or rise beyond their wildest expectations.
We shall probably never find out and I just hope that next time round they show us more of the great tunes they can make rather than the Coldplay inspired melodies that don't go far enough.

Dec 27, 2006 09:25:46

Review 6 of 9

NeTO writes:

4of 5 Stars

Many Rollingstone readers might agree with discrediting
Keane as a pop band not worhty of 4 stars (on a sophmore
effort!), however music fans will recognize the melodic
elegance of this band. I was lucky enough to see Jeff Beck
recently and can't posibly think he would give this band any
stars because they have NO GUITARS!!! Ian Hammer might
disagree though. What's with the voice? This guy has to
impress the members of Yes and consider a reunion. What
they have acomplished with keyboards is in itself something
that is quite rare in pop music. This record is for pop music
fans and alternative fans alike, it has stuff for both of us
trapped in one body.

Peace.

Jul 20, 2006 16:10:37

Review 7 of 9

gothamite72 writes:

4of 5 Stars

This album deserves a higher rating than RS gave it. So maybe
it is heavily influenced by Coldplay and U2, the music is still
big, sweeping and gorgeous. "Is it any Wonder" sounds a lot
like Zoo Station from Achtung Baby, but it's an exhilarating
song with great vocals and keyboard effects that demands to
be turned up to 11. On "Crystal Ball" he does a good Chris
Martin impression, and "The Frog Prince" has a lush melody
that's hopeful and melancholy at the same time. This is
definitely not dinner music, it's music that gets your attention.

Jul 1, 2006 10:47:58

Review 8 of 9

bluefox670 writes:

5of 5 Stars

Looks like RS is asleep at the switch on this album: not only does it blow X&Y out of the water, it's a versatile, heart-wrenching, intriguing and absolutely wonderful compilation of near-symphonic warmth that is all brought together by the beautiful and superb piano delivery of Tim Rice-Oxley, the intense drum work of Rich Hughes and, last but not least, Tommy Chaplin's gorgeous voice, which any competent Britpop/piano rock fan would take over Chris Martin any day. This album matches stride for stride and exceeds the talent potential and quality of anything Coldplay has put out in the last five years.

Don't mistake what I say, though: I'd gladly give X&Y five stars, it was great; but I'd love to give this gem by Keane six stars if I could. If you LOVE Coldplay like I do but haven't heard of Keane or are reluctant to try their music out, just go for it! Don't be shy! The album's quite widely available and they provide a life-changing performance and are a brilliant trio live in concert - do yourself a favour and check them out NOW!

Jun 28, 2006 01:43:35