Barenaked Ladies - Fake Nudes

Barenaked Ladies
Fake Nudes
2017
Spotify

Honestly who needs to work less than the Barenaked Ladies? Writing the opening song for the biggest show "The Big Bang Theory" means they have indication money flowing through the doors at an insane rate. That show is never off and they get paid every single time that song runs. They still put out albums, still tour and still have a dedicated fan base in love with their "kooky" style. You would never expect the "One Week" band to hit it bigger than damn near most musicians, but one thing you can't deny is just how fucking catchy their stuff is. They always write hooks that are fun funny and engaging if not a bit annoyingly sweet sometimes. "Invisible Fence" which is about inclusion and a no so subtle dig at the Trump in Chief while "Sunshine" is more demure and slow to unfold. They just write these pretty complex songs that come across as so incredibly simple. "Dusty Rooms" and "Sunshine" have this almost folksy quality to them as much of Barenaked Ladies music does, but here they slow things down to a more glacial pace, letting their words and music sort of unfold. It's an odd position for this band to be in singing heartfelt songs because you only expect something goofy.

You also notice just how nice their music really is. Most of their songs actually feel quite sweet and delicate when they aren't beating you over the head with the comedy. They do however know how to keep a pop song tight with only a few tracks going over the four minute mark. There is a section in the middle of the record however that gets really heavy especially when "Navigate" and "Flying Dreams" blend into each other. It's almost like the Barenaked Ladies are trying to sound more like BOb Dylan than they ever have or ever should. This time brings the record to an absolute standstill almost daring the listener to stay around if they are a long term fan. What this album feels like more than anything however is comfortable. You never get a sense of drama or excitement on Fake Nudes and instead you get a band who is so comfortable in what they do that they don't need to really try all that much. They are a perfectly fine band and their success is more than deserved, but man their music is such a snooze sometimes. This album is one of those times.

5.2 out of 10