Stereophonics Album: “You Gotta Go There to Come Back [Enhanced]”

We all need bands like Stereophonics. While they don't achieve the high successes of Oasis, Radiohead et al, they keep the rock n roll clock ticking, and fans have something to buy in between releases from the big bands.

This album is classic, and somewhat new ground for Kelly Jones. The standout track is "I'm Alright", which is in the mould of Massive Attack ,and this shows the maturity and vision of his songwriting. From the bluesy I Miss You Now, to the full out rocking off High As The Ceiling and Madame Helga, the variety is terrific. Have a tissue ready for Since I Told You Its Over as this is the most beautiful song written this year. His growl is at its best, and while JEEP was primarily a completely chill out album, this one is packed with rocked, chilled and reflective music, perfect for any mood you may be in.

Although their success isn't exactly massive, I've always rated Stereophonics in my top two bands along with Oasis. In YGGTTCB, the lyrics mach perfectly with the music, and the mood set is flawless.

Now Kelly seems on the verge of going solo with the sacking of the drummer Stuart Cable, and I think some of the stuff he could churn out could be massive.

Phonics fans beware, you have a CD to buy.

I can't believe I never heard this band before! I lucked out and heard "Maybe tomorrow" during the credits of Crash, so I decided to check the band out. WOW!! This cd blew me away from the opening track!! There's not one track on here that I don't love!! I've gone back and listened to their last 3 cd's also, and so far I really like them all..not quite as much as this one, though!! I can easily listen to the whole cd 2-3 times straight through in one sitting. Do yourself a favor and give this band a listen if you haven't. It's not often I'm blown over by a new band, but I am now a HUGE Stereophonics fan!! Yes, they are as good as The Verve, the Black Crowes back in the day...and I enjoy them better than Oasis. Hope they'll be around for a long time to come!!

This album is seriously amazing, especially the single "Maybe Tomorrow" which has to be one of the best driving-pensive-songs in recent history, yesterday it inspired me to just get in my car and drive, which I did, to Wisconsin. I just think they have something special, it's the perfect soundtrack song, and that's why it's on like 100 soundtracks! Great work from a great, prolific band.

"You Gotta Go There..." is perhaps the best 'Phonics album to date. While I've seen a couple reviews of this album saying how Kelly Jones' lyrics are less full of catchy one-liners and such, that's exactly why this album is a more mature work.

Jones is writing more personal lyrics, rather than trying to right stuff that sounds cool for the era, and it's a big improvement.

As much as I've loved most of what they've released over the years, I was just much more impressed with the subject matter, as well as its handling, on this CD.

"Madame Helga" is probably their best uptempo number to date. "Rainbows & Pots of Gold" is one of the better ballads of bitter loss that I've heard in a while. "Stole My Money Honey" works along that line, too. They're just more introspective, straight forward writings that hit with the lyrical weight of brass knuckles.

"Climbing the Wall", "Maybe Tomorrow", "Getaway" and "Nothing Precious At All" are all top-notch, as well.

The Stereophonics are one of those rare bands who write, sing & play music that really means somthing. It comes from inside and makes a lot of sense. There is a lot of difference in this album, to the other three, but it still comes out great. You still get that Stereophonics feel. If you like Stereophonics, or just great music... buy this album, it will not dissapoint you.