Rilo Kiley Album: “Under the Blacklight”

The long-awaited new Rilo Kiley album, Under the Blacklight, may not be what same fans expected. A far cry from tracks such as 'My Slumbering Heart' and 'A Better Son/Daughter', this album evokes more R&B tones than were anticipated. Though it may not quite be the Rilo Kiley that many fans remember, the songs on this album attest to the fact that both Jenny Lewis and the rest of the band have stuck to their guns and come up with something new and appealing. My faith in Rilo Kiley is reaffirmed!

Admittedly I bought this album at a time when I can't get enough of Jenny's vocals so my review may be somewhat biased. But many of these songs have jumped to my most listened to on iTunes in the past week. I think Under the Blacklight takes a few more listens to appreciate than some of R.K.'s previous albums. I love the synth on Dejalo and the rock on Moneymaker. A few of the tunes, like Silver Lining and Breakin' Up, have great sing-along-capabilities. Maybe it's just me but there were a few times when I heard a little early 90's Liz Phair and Frente.

If you're at all a fan of Jenny Lewis or Rilo Kiley I can't imagine that this album would disappoint.

After the first time I listened to Under The Blacklight, I thought that it was a very good CD, but not up to More Adventurous. After a few listens, I'd rate it as equal to More Adventurous. Some of these songs feel fun but superficial at first, but the more you listen, the more you can feel the care that went into the songcraft. R&B touches enhance "Silver Lining" and "Give A Little Love." Songs like "Under The Blacklight" and "Smoke Detector" show their alt-country leanings, even though they are danceable. "15" is a gorgeous song with Memphis soul in it. "The Angels Hung Around" is like power folk. And the single "Moneymaker" is a little more rocky than it seems originally - I find it to be irresistible. There's really no power pop gem like "Portions For Foxes" on Under The Blacklight, but it was hard for me to complain. Even the weakest song, "Dejalo," manages to give 80s synth a modern coolness. Lyrically, there's a lot about sleazy sex, but the lyrics don't get too dirty or profane. Parents will have to decide if it's appropriate for their kids or not. Congrats to Rilo Kiley on a job well done!

Allow me to begin this with stating that I am a bit of a Rilo Kiley obsessive. I don't go reading every article on them or anything, I just listen to their music. A lot. When the single Moneymaker came out I was scared. It was a bit repetitive and I didn't take a shine, but I had faith. And rightfully so. This newest record is full of the things Rilo Kiley is known for: deceptively simple melodies that have thoughtful orchestrations and exciting embellishments, interesting lyrics that portray a slight ironic and cynical personality, and easy sing along choruses. Some of the touches, such as the neo-soul backup vocals on Breakin' Up, really brought a smile to my face. It is quite possibly their most upbeat album to date; their first party album, if you will.

Before this album, a lot of people were criticizing thir choices in producers, but the album has a beautifully polished sound and it is this reviewers humble opinion that their choices were just fine.

I give the album 4/5 stars, because I really don't care for Moneymaker and it doesn't last as long as I wish it did, with most of the songs clocking in at just around 3 minutes.

There is only one throwaway cut on this disc and oddly enough it is the title cut. I have always been a big Jenny Lewis fan. Both her solo music and Rilo Kiley's tunes grow on you. Sometimes it takes a few listens to fully comprehend the cleaverness of her lyrics as well. For example, I have been listening to Rabbit Fur Coat more in the last few months than in the first few months of its release. Perhaps in 6 months I will consider this a 5 star effort.

This disc does have the feel of being a bit more commercial than their other efforts, but personally I do not find that a bad thing. Favorite cuts are Silver Lining and Dreamworld at this point, but that will probably change. That is the great beauty of Jenny Lewis and Rilo Kiley