Declan McKenna - What Do You Think About The Car?


Declan McKenna
What Do You Think About The Car?
2017
Spotify

At only 18 Declan McKenna has already been called the voice of his generation. A bold claim before the guy even released a proper album, but we've landed here with this debut record What Do You Think About The Car? In 2017 it seems like the youngins are really really quick to latch on to something as their thing, with that thing constantly changing. For a couple of years McKenna has been creating somewhat distinct guitar fueled pop music trying to sing a bit like John Lennon and Elvis Costello. His biggest hit to date "Brazil" makes this record where McKenna admonishes former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and the Soccer tournament as a whole. McKenna makes great usage of the cause of the day bringing the younger generation to his side with rallying calls, but it is the kind of lyrics which feel very of this moment and quite possibly no further. Indie Rock makes a big push on this album, but it feels really hollow, like how someone who is still in their teens would interpret music. Don't get me wrong McKenna can play and sing, there is no doubt, but really exploring a topic or bringing a song to that highly connective place is something He just has not been able to get just yet. There is of course the old man in me thinking "Kids there days" but you really can hear some bright moments on this record like on "Make Me Your Queen" which does soar even if the message can be a bit confusing.

What Do You Think About The Car? sort of sounds a lot like something the Artic Monkeys would have put out years ago, and it makes sense when you learn James Ford who produced many of their records also produced this one. One of the main problems is the music, it just how dated it sounds. It is very peak Indie Rock with almost nothing that places it in 2017 besides the lyrics. It gives Declan a more classic feel, I guess, but for the most part it just makes you not want to listen to this again. "Paracetamol" does bring a bit of some modern flavor with this really kooky electronic line and ends up being one of the more fun tracks on the record. The lyrics on What Do You Think About The Car? really are quite deep and thought provoking delving into topics like Transgender Suicide, Fake News and damn near everything else wrong with this world, the problem is you would never know it. You have to dive into these songs to get their meaning, which means multiple listen but What Do You Think About The Car? never calls you back to it. The hooks aren't memorable, the songs honestly aren't that memorable and you are left with the sense that "Oh I guess that was that". Declan clearly has a lot of growing up to do, but with great lyrical depth and a strong push from fans to keep going let's hope his next outing does better.

5.0 out of 10

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