Spoon's "They Want My Soul" Review

"They Want My Soul"
By: Jon Dolan
Source: Rolling Stone
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/spoon-they-want-my-soul-20140805

Critic Jon Dolan begins the review of Spoon’s distinctive yet imaginative eighth album They Want My Soul with writing about their music in the past two decades. Since their debut album in 1993, Spoon have time and time again written and produced songs and albums that have received continuous praise. He applauds frontman Britt Daniel’s dissimilar cleverness and passion, which he says, “has always been Spoon’s not-so-secret weapon” (Dolan, 1). Dolan commends the album by giving it a four star review. This analysis may be read by individuals who have been Spoon fans for a long time, people who are into alternative rock and may be exploring Spoon, or by those who are intrigued by new music and have stumbled across this review. Dolan begins his actual examination of the album by using claim of fact and stating that this is Spoon’s first time working, on a large scale, with alt-rock central figures and producers Joe Chiccarelli and Dave Fridmann. Using logos, he then goes on to talk about the album opener, “Rent I Pay,” its use of snare drums, and how it builds into the succeeding track, “Inside Out,” displaying a falsetto and a trip-hop beat. In the following paragraph, Dolan uses claim of value and pathos by saying that this album contains, “some of Daniel’s most emotional lyrics ever” (Dolan, 1). This may attract readers by making them feel like this album is more personal than others. He uses the songs “Do You” and “Outliers” to justify Daniel’s use of, “more give, clarity and romance” (Dolan, 1). He finishes the review by praising the final song on the album, “New York Kiss.” Though he enjoys this track, he uses claim of policy by declaring this song would have received acclaim, especially on the radio, a few decades ago. Dolan concludes the evaluation of this album by telling the reader that despite the fact that the rock vibe has passed, Spoon has always done well and he predicts nothing but success.