Spiritualized - Amazing Grace

Finally released as a whole, 'Amazing Grace' sounds far better and fully realised when in the correct running order. The eleven pieces flow incredibly smoothly resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting listen.

Part garage, part orchestral, but keeping to a strictly stripped down production, it's fair to say Jason Pierce is eager to shake off the much overplayed Spiritualized sound. Realising his sound hasn't progressed since the late 80's, 'Grace' stinks of desperation and obvious attempts to rekindle the raw drive of his old band, Spacemen 3. This isn't to say it's a bad album, just for such a talented individual it feels weak and bland.

There are obvious hits like the recent 'She Kissed Me (It Felt Like A Hit)' single - the fierce clone of old track 'Electricity' and moments of brilliance, like the jazz fuelled 'The Power And The Glory'. Overall, the tunes sound like studio outtakes for the last album, not very well thought out at all.

Certainly not a return to their best sound and far from being their greatest album, it's still a positive indication that Pierce can create perfectly simple tunes as opposed to the full on, over-produced disappointment that was 'Let It Come Down'. But, like the last album it's hit and miss throughout, some tracks are soulless and embarrassingly outdated. It will undoubtedly receive great critical acclaim for Spiritualized can do no wrong in the media's eye.

Go track down a copy of the band's debut 'Lazer Guided Melodies' and see the change that money, age and fatherhood can bring on someone's creativity - this is not the same man who in the past, created some of most beautifully crafted work you'll ever hear.