A 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 progression following their debut.
Some say that there is nothing new under the rock'n'roll sun, and musically this album doesn't do a huge amount to battle that notion. While there may not be anything particularly new in the music, All Star United are entertainers of the highest caliber. Consequently, their very British pop music has a breezy appeal that is difficult to resist. The strong Oasis and Brit-pop overtones have been moderately reduced this time around, and replaced with a chunkier guitar-pop sound. The band also slow things slightly on several songs and include a few hidden extras, including a speeded-up version of the title song, which is something else entirely, sounding rather space-aged.
Another danger for bands with such a breezy sound is that when they slow things down they often sound drawn out. A couple of tracks do verge in this direction, such as "Thank You, Goodnight," but the standout track for me is another of the mellower ones included, "If We Were Lovers." This easy, laid back song takes a little surf influence and a pinch of the late 80's to give a lazy-day at the beach feel which drives the song along nicely.
The lyrics are again a mixture of obviously God-praising verses and a few sideways glances at culture, both Christian-oriented or otherwise. "Popular Americans" is a prime example of the latter:
When you're so prestigious
It makes you half-religious
In a patriotic sort of way
Our money says we trust
But you know it's only just
A party slogan we were taught to say
The main danger for any band taking this approach is that of becoming self-righteous, but All Star United aren't above a bit of self-mocking, giving the impression that they recognize themselves in many of the things they comment on.
I was recently in a pub in London where All Star United once played. Alongside a variety of rock'n'roll memorabilia (U2 played in this pub many years ago) was an All Star United poster. Testament perhaps to the fact that as entertainers All Star United is a strong outfit. This album goes a fair way to backing that up.
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 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 Daren AllderAnyone 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…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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