Andrew WK – The Wolf

The maniac known as Andrew W.K. has returned with his second release entitled The Wolf. AWK is well known for his hard hitting vocals, energizing atmosphere and just plain emotion of which he lives his life. I mean who else would scratch their head until it bleeds for a interview? Getting the CD, your expecting to hear songs like Ready To Die, She Is Beautiful and Party Hard of his first release (I Get Wet); unfortunately, that is the farthest from what you get.

Other them some of the lyrical content, most of the musical beat and sound from Andrew W.K. has changed so very much from his first to second album. With his first album being more of the energetic, party type music, his new one is more melodic and piano driven. Don’t get me wrong, the material in I Get Wet was quite piano driven, but more of a motivating type of sound; while the tracks of The Wolf seem to be more of the softer, calmer nature. This steals some of the raw power and uniqueness away from the band.

This change seemed to have been worked really well for some of the tracks on the album, I Love Music, Never Let Down and Really In Love are some of the better tracks with the more melodic sound. The vocals by the band’s frontman fit perfectly in the tune. Overall, there is only approximately 2 songs that really remind you of the old AWK. Track 4 (Free Jumps) and 8 (Make Sex) most bring back memories of the previous sound, each for separate reasons. The first of the aforementioned is similar because of the musical style, while the second is more similar with the lyrical content. Unfortunately, the beat for Make Sex is less then energetic.

Staying true to himself, the band does have some major portions which are similar to the debut release. Like the repeating vocals in Tear It Up and Long Live The Party. But both of them don’t produce the desired effect as the music is slightly too slow for that sort of lyrical content.

Overall, the album is somewhat disappointing. A much more melodic, smooth, softer band then their previous efforts. But some songs do come through well that way. AWK will lose some fans with his latest efforts, but at the same time will gain a few that will join him for his new style.