Sound: Despondent and romantic sketches of rejects and outcasts channeled through a British-sounding pop (they’re from Montreal) similar to Morrissey’s solo work. Riffing guitars meet symphonic synths, piano and floating vocals.
Lyrics: Murray Lightburn’s forlorn croon even unleashes much of Morrissey’s sharp lyrical bite, but with less over-the-top melodrama and humor.
Heavy Rotation track: “I Fell Deep”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Whites Only Party”; “Find Our Way to Freedom”; “Ticket to Immortality”; “Hate Then Love”; “Death or Life We Want You”
Explicit Lyrics*: “There Goes My Outfit”
Recommended: If you like dark and moody with upbeat pop and rock flair. The Dears have toned down the grandiose orchestrations of the past in favor of a leaner, meaner sound that should appeal to a wider audience.
Grade: B+

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* Noting of explicit lyrics is for the benefit of radio music directors or anyone else that needs/wants to keep their music FCC-friendly.