Leaders of the Free World (Limited Edition with Bonus DVD & Special Packaging)

I had been on the edge of my seat waiting for 'Leaders of the Free World' for what seemed decades and when it was finally released I was blown away. See, that's the brilliant thing about Elbow; it is obvious upon listening to their music that they spend time crafting each song into something truly special. There are absolutely no fillers whatsoever on this album.

The band's showcase begins with the brilliantly uplifting 'Station Approach'. The repetition of: "I never know what I want but I know when I'm low that I need to be in the town where they know what I'm like and don't mind" acts as a blinding build up to the explosive guitar/drum filled climax of the song. I also think the song is articulately constructed in the sense that it has the characteristics of a train: the drone of the wheels...the build up as the train picks up speed...the climax of noise as the train actually approaches the station...it's all been characterised by the song and it clearly demonstrates the band's immense talent. It's during this opening number that you either fall completely head over heels in love with the band as a new listener, or break out into a huge grin if you already think the band is incredible.

The rest of the album is much the same standard. The title track, 'Leaders of the Free World', is a blatant dig at Bush and Blair which manages to sound triumphant and inspiring rather than turning into yet another one of those anti-politician drones that many lesser bands would find acceptable to produce. Other stand-out tracks include the outstanding anthems 'Forget Myself' and 'Mexican Standoff', as well as beautiful ballads such as 'The Stops', 'My Very Best' and 'Great Expectations'. No song on this album fails to impress.

The bonus DVD which comes as part of this package is very skillfully made and is so much more than just a mere behind the scenes look at the recording of the album. Elbow recorded the album in a big space so 'The Soup Collective' were called in to record performances and add a bit of visual value to the whole experience. The bonus DVD contains a further song called 'McGreggor' which is rather dark and is perfect for demonstrating the sheer power and depth in Guy Garvey's voice.

Most of Elbow's songs contain build ups and climaxes and this is what makes them truly unique. I have yet to find another band which has managed to produce such diverse albums. Every single song on 'Asleep in the Back' makes me shiver from their sheer overwhelming beauty. 'Cast of Thousands' fills me with hope and calls out to my romantic side (Fugitive Motel will forever be the most romantic and awe-inspiring song I've ever heard). Rather than sticking with the exact same sound for Leaders of the Free World, Elbow have managed to "pull all the stops" and have successfully developed yet another unique masterpiece.


Elbow's third   October 19, 2005
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Buy this album, can't recommend it enough, the third installment from Elbow is quite simply genius. There really is'nt a duff number on the album. Mexican Stand-off reminds of the small, but significant Cambridge band, Hofman (a nice treat). I just hope Elbow treat their at Australian followers to another tour down under.


Triumphant third album...   October 11, 2005
 1 out of 4 found this review helpful

Elbow have been underground for most of their career. They got a little boost on their first album when "Newborn" became a little bit of a classic. Then when they released their second album, it got little-to-no notice whatsoever, despite one or two genius songs. But now here's "Leaders Of The Free World", a stormer of an album which hopefully means that we'll be hearing a lot more from these boys. Every song is genius in it's own little way. The title tracks storms along and blows you out of your seat after you've listened to three quite down-to-earth, but still brilliantly executed, songs. By the end of the album, you'll be ready to listen to this again. And again. And again.


No stopping them now   September 25, 2005
 0 out of 2 found this review helpful

Having been hooked on their mature intricately structured music since Asleep in the Back, I have been amazed by how Elbow have developed. Cast of Thousands was good but this latest offering is not only the best album they have produced, but the best album of the year! It has everything, whilst retaining the Elbow feel they have taken it up a level. Every track deepens after each listening. The DVD doesnt add much though. Sheer brilliance. 6 out of 5.