Anyone familiar with the so-called Brit-Pop scene of a few years ago will have spotted the influences in All Star United's eponymous debut album. Worn proudly alongside their more traditional US rock heritage were flavours of (most noticeably) Blur and Supergrass. A couple of years later, their second album retains those influences and adds a few more--chiefly Oasis, The Cardigans (is Swede-Pop going to be next wave?), and Stray Cats. Yes, I did say Stray Cats. This increasing diversity makes for a more musically interesting album. The lyrics are as barbed as ever, pointing the finger at Christians' hypocrisy as well as at American culture and the world in general. If you absorb the lyrics, there's a lot in there to make you feel uncomfortable with yourself, as well as some things to inspire you to do something about it. And this is on top of some distinctly breezy good-time music. So this album (like the last) can be taken on at least two levels, which can't be bad can it?
Highspots in the album are many (for as many different reasons):
"Popular Americans" for its Blues Brothers pastiche introduction;
"International Anthem" for its false ending and sing-along chorus;
"If We Were Lovers" just because it's gorgeous;
"I Need You Now" for the sonar guitar and for being honest and serious;
"Superstar" for name-checking Pinky Tuscadero and a Mud single ("Tiger Feet").
There are three (count 'em!) bonus tracks, too: two versions of a song possibly called "Hurricane Baby"--one in cabaret style (like the "You Don't Need Vitamins" bonus on the first album) and the other in Stray Cats' rock-a-billy style; and a song called "International Anthem for the Human Race," which is sped up to resemble the chipmunks on helium.
Best lyrics on the album must surely belong to "If We Were Lovers," which exhorts Christians to love as we were meant to, and they make this reviewer at least painfully aware of how far short of that ideal he falls:
If we were lovers like we were meant to be Open arms, broken hearts, all the world to see
If we were lovers, loving like we say Oh the ghosts of doubt would crash and burn away If we were lovers....
Words are not enough
Revolution might begin with you and me
In all, International Anthems is a worthy successor to All Star United's debut. So much for the "difficult second album" syndrome.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #77Reviewed by Daniel JohnstonThis sophomore project doesn't move very far from All Star's first record. The guitars and lyrics have the same hint of Steve Taylor and early Newsboys that their debut had, and its pop influences (whoo-hoo!) hold it back from really rocking out, despite the punk tinges that show up here and there. The opener, "Big Rock Show" is one of the better songs on this disc, along with the straight ahead…ReAL Magazine 1999Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksHolland, Turkey, Ireland, Bosnia, New Zealand—these boys really get around. Since the release of their '97 debut album All Star United has traveled the world. And it shows with their new release, International Anthems for the Human Race. The song writing is ironic and sarcastic, reminiscent of Steve Taylor. The music is a blend of whatever you want to call it: 80's pop, glam, arena rock. But…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by James StewartA cursory listen to All Star United's sophomore release could leave some listeners worried about the band's grasp of humility--especially since in the second track they proclaim themselves "the greatest band in the world." But that listener would merely be unfamiliar with Ian Eskelin and company's brand of satire. Mixing two fairly equal doses of entertainment and commentary, this is a strong…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinIn the spirit of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it, just tweak it a bit," All Star United have recently released their second album, which largely resembles and expands on their signature sound from their self-titled debut. The budget for International Anthems for the Human Race was considerably larger than for their first, resulting in a bigger, bolder, and more brash All Star United…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Shari LloydI borrowed this album planning on giving some balance to these reviews. I had the first album. I've heard them in concert. Nothing great! Three reviews with four tocks--give me a break. By the second song, I was re-thinking my viewpoint. By the end of the album, I had to agree with them. Sure it's pure pop fun with light, breezy lyrics but they also give you something to think about. 4 tocksSimilar sounding releases
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