The pop-soul band is widely considered as one of the most influential and representative band of the 80s fronted by the widely-loved and admired Boy George known for his androgynous style and iconic vocals.
Following their 2014 re-formation Culture Club with the original line-up (with Boy George (vocals) Roy Hay (Guitar and Keys) Mikey Craig (Bass) and Jon Moss (percussion and drums)) are on tour following the release of their sixth album ‘Life’. A fusion of pop, dance, soul and even elements of reggae making a beautiful 11-track that’s got it all: dancing songs, chill songs, feel-good songs, songs to make you cry. ‘Life’ touches on the ups and downs of, well, Life.
The opening track to the album ‘God & Love’ – also the track Culture Club have been opening their sets with on the Life Tour. ‘God & Love’ touches upon Boy George’s religious faith; Boy George is a Nichiren Buddhist with a Catholic upbringing. The song is influenced by Massive Attack’s “Teardrops” where they say “love is a verb, love is a doing word” George said in an interview with The Sun: “It’s always stuck in my head. I learned something from that song.” The lyric “God and love must be done” shows his tying of love and positivity with faith. This bass-heavy, mid-tempo dance track is the first we hear of Boy George’s velvety and subtly gravely new vocals and Culture Club’s new sound.
Credit: Oliver Bradley.
‘Bad Blood’ is a 70s disco-inspired, pop-dance song getting you in the dancing mood and setting the tone for the album. (“You wanna talk but do you want the truth? // Bad blood drippin’ on your dancin’ shoes // You own the world, nothin’ left to prove…”) Carrying Culture Club’s uplifting and heartfelt messages to all us weirdos. As Boy George said at a recent show: “Culture Club is for all us weirdos, yes even those who think you aren’t [weird] Bless you for thinking you’re not weird.”
With a slight slowing of pace and change of style, the mix of reggae rhythm and soul melodies and a dashing of tropical vibes ‘Human Zoo’ is the next song about finding love. A slight stylistic call-back to ‘Do You Really Want To Hurt Me’ from their 1982 release ‘Kissing To Be Clever’.
‘Let Somebody Love You’ is a celebration of protesting but its like turning protesting on its head, rather than protesting and complaining, we’re going to be angry in a productive way / why don’t you actually talk about something you love” said Boy George in the behind the scenes of the music video for the light and cheery reggae-soul track. The colourful and diverse video matches the poetry and beauty of the song. With the chorus “Love is revolution, war and famine too / Feed the hunger in your heart / Let somebody love you” the liberating song is perfect for a feel-good playlist.
A beautiful piano-led romantic ballad, a crescendo of Culture Club’s versatility and musical brilliance, ‘Oil & Water’ is reminiscent of Culture Club’s previous plunges into show-stopping, powerful, romantic ballads – Like ‘Love is Love’ from 1984 release ‘Waking Up With The House On Fire.’ Definitely one of those songs for the magical moment when everyone has their lighters (or iPhone torches) in the air swaying.
‘More Than Silence’ is a highlight of the album that combines Boy George’s vocal proficiency, Roy Hay’s virtuosic guitar playing, Jon Moss’ beats and Mikey Craig’s bass riffing to create another powerful ballad. Boy George sings about his desire for a “little more than silence.” The frontman had stated in an interview that: “Artists make complicated lovers because they always need an audience” and that “Silence is the loudest sound in the universe.” George added that “[he] thinks we finally created a son which gives [Roy] the opportunity [to rock out a little].”
The title track of the album, ‘Life’ is a beautiful gospel-esque empowering ballad is certain to take us to church. With Boy George preaching his gospels of love, hope and life: “You give me hope, when I wake up / to lift my head high and take what’s mine / We look for laughter, in the madness / You give me hope, and you give me life.” Another song fit for the firefly spectacle of an arena lit-up by iPhone torches. Emotive and enlightening, every member of the band exudes passion and soul when performing ‘Life.’
This literal and metaphorical crescendo is the clear sign the Culture Club is back and we’re welcoming them with open arms. ‘Life’ gets five stars from us!
You can listen to ‘Life’ on Spotify.
By Oliver Bradley