JET Shaka Rock
by Curt Hauff
Staff Writer
Jet is back in action with their third full-length studio album, titled Shaka Rock. While the album delivers the quality rock music and hook long time fans have come to expect, the band has changed up the production just a bit to give you a fresh sound.
The album has a decidedly ‘70s feel. The production values, effects and tones sound like some of the great psychedelic rock you hear from that decade. Of course, the mix is full and thick, like you would expect from today’s technology, but it’s certainly an ode to a simpler musical time.
“K.I.A.” kicks off the album with a “killer” hook. It’s a mid-tempo rocker, with a freaky groove. The band has a chorus of girls or kids (or both) that scream “K.I.A.” behind Nic’s trademark voice. The energy of this song sets Shaka Rock’s tone nicely.
“She’s a Genius” is one of the best hooks on the album. The “woah oh oh oh oh’s” on the chorus remind you a little bit of “Throw it Away” by Toby Rand (the guy who should have won “Rockstar Supernova”). It’s equally catchy and more polished.
A striking piano riff starts introduces “Seventeen.” This is another rock solid song. The fusion of piano and the call-and-answer guitar tracks give this song excellent depth.
“Goodbye Hollywood”, perhaps a personal message, has a Beatles feel with a Bono vocal line. The band does a masterful job of changing between verse and chorus with chord changes and dynamic adjustments. This is one of many that are worth checking out.
There is a party vibe to the track “Walk.” There is enough groove to keep your head moving and the hook will stick out your cheek nicely.
The only track that is a little weird in an extreme psychedelic ‘70s rock way is “Beat on Repeat.” But even that track has you singing “They got the beat on repeat” in your best English/British accent (and yes, the band is from Australia). Get pissed if you want, but it’ll be stuck there.
There is little doubt that Jet will remain in the top-of-mind of not only America, but the entire world. Shaka Rock is worth its weight in iTunes gift cards, yo!
Label: Five Seven Records
TRACK LISTING
1. K.I.A. (Killed in Action)
2. Beat on Repeat
3. She’s a Genius
4. Black Hearts (On Fire)
5. Seventeen
6. La Di Da
7. Goodbye Hollywood
8. Walk
9. Times Like This
10. Let Me Out
11. Start the Show
12. She Holds a Grudge
HRH RATING: 8.6/10
Actually thats the Australian hip/hop voice their doing on the BEAT ON REPEAT…
I love all the songs on Shaka Rock! It’s definitely better than Shine On (which I liked) and just as good if not better than Get Born (which I loved). The standout tracks for me are “Black Hearts (On Fire)” and “She Holds A Grudge.” Buy this album!
Shaka Rock is an amazing album and everyone should go out and buy it.
I’m 55 years old.. grew up with the best rock and roll bands in the world, Jet is a cross over between what was once Great Rock and today’s lack of excitement type music. Jet’s music put the fun back into Rock and roll…it’s OK to say you like Rock once again.. Start the Show…..