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Before The Ballad of Darren was released, Damon Albarn described Blur’s ninth album as exploring what it feels like to be 55. However, the album’s themes seem to be more universal, capturing the fear of time passing and the realization that life, love, and the world are not always easy. There is a sense of mourning for the past and anxiety for the future. This message is relevant even for younger listeners. Blur has always been able to balance gentle introspection with catchy pop songs, and The Ballad of Darren stands out as one of their finest examples.
During the past year, many albums with a heavy focus on guitars have been released, many of which deal with the harsh realities of mid-life grief. However, Blur’s album stands out as it portrays a more general and delicate form of sorrow. Throughout the record, lead singer Albarn’s deep vocals resemble those of a washed-up lounge performer, conveying a sense of beautiful regret. This style of singing gives depth to lyrics that may seem simplistic on paper, such as “I just looked out to the point / Where the words, they are hitting me / In a full-on assault,” which is sung in the opening track The Ballad, a melancholic tune with hints of a mirror ball spinning in the background. Despite the upbeat sound of Barbaric, it is actually a song about denial and devastation. On the other hand, Russian Strings is a hauntingly beautiful song that touches on the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Throughout the album, themes of ending relationships, self-reflection, goodbyes, and an uncertain future are prevalent.
The album is concise, consisting of 10 tracks and lasting only 36 minutes. It was created relatively quickly, but does not give off a rushed feeling. The musical arrangements showcase a burst of inspiration, with instruments intertwining in a fluid manner. There are echoes of Bowie and elements of later Arctic Monkeys albums, along with a sense of telepathy between the four band members who draw upon their years of musical experience. This is a flattering contrast to the patchwork of ideas that formed their previous album, The Magic Whip, back in 2015. Graham Coxon’s preference for heavier guitars and punk-inspired riffs is subdued as he navigates between lyrics, providing a foil to Albarn’s introspective musings.
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Blur has been associated with the B-word for a long time. Despite being known for it, they have distanced themselves from the time period and genre they represent by releasing more experimental albums and side projects. However, their song “St Charles Square” acknowledges the traditional oi-oi mentality with its rowdy sound. In “The Narcissist,” they seem to apologize for their past arrogant behavior as rockstars, with the backup vocals representing the voice of reason on Albarn’s shoulder. This could be the first time that Blur has found a harmonious balance, putting Britpop to rest.
It can be challenging to be a band that has gained such adoration. You hope that the music you create now, in your 50s, is your finest work, while many fans still hold on to the songs you wrote in your 25s – one of which was originally meant as a joke but became a sensation. Despite some missteps, Blur rediscovers elements of their former selves in a new era with their album The Ballad of Darren, which adds to their legacy without detracting from it. Perhaps this is the essence of middle age: coming to terms with a difficult past, acknowledging the eventual end of everything, and moving forward with determination.
Source: theguardian.com
