Placebo - Never let me Go

March 25th 2022

Album Review

****

Will you never let this album go?

It’s been quite a wait for Placebo’s latest album 'Never let me Go', it’s their first since 2013’s 'Loud like Love' although they did of course release their career retrospective 'A place for us to Dream' in 2016. It’s great to hear that Placebo are still recording well written songs with thoughtful lyrics. Opener 'Forever Chemicals' begins with effect altered guitar and striking percussion, that almost like drummer Matthew Lunn is hitting pots and pans, giving it an ear catching sound. The lyrics of the song, such “As it’s all good when nothing matters… when no one cares… when I feel nothing” address a recurring theme in the album, the desire to escape from the World... and the use of substances to aid that.

Lead single 'Beautiful James' immediately feels like a Placebo classic, which will fit incredibly well into their live show. It touches upon a mistrust of people, with lines such as “Everybody lies 100 times a day”.
Hugz, with it's driving Drum 'n' Bass sound verses. It discusses wanting to step back from being constantly observed, and needing some space from people and one assumes the media. 'Happy Birthday in the Sky' is a more sombre song, slowing down to discuss the need for medication to keep going, but at the same time not wanting to have experiences diluted. Finding a balance to keep going, finding a way to interact with the World at the right pace is a theme that is also explored in 'Twin Demons', which deals with the issue of being “Possessed by demons”... frantic and unable to slow down.

'The Prodigal' is a string led song, but still very much Placebo and very catchy. The lyrics are really beautiful, and are sure to bring some tears when played live. Discussing how adversity can make us stronger and make us more compassionate people, as well as moving past people’s perceptions. As you might expect from a Placebo album, the lyrics feel incredibly personal and heartfelt throughout, and the songs are all consistently well written, while exploring new ways to present the song. Lots of feedback and even Electronica is showcased throughout album. Went Missing even uses a spoken word structure in the verses, giving it a very personal feeling. The song is like a conversation, and 'Sad White Reggae' uses an almost Disco like Electronic approach.

'Surrounded by Spies' feels like a reaction against constant press scrutiny, not just the bands hatred of this... but how all public figures have little privacy and are continually hounded. “I gave my heart, and I want it back” suggests the band don’t want to give as of much of themselves to the media any more, and are taking their privacy back. The Drum 'n' Bass beat underpinning the song, showing again that the band’s exploration of new approaches to song structure. 'Try better next Time' feels like it is showcasing the mistakes everyone has made, and how animals are “carefree and joyous where nobody is watching”. It suggests the human race needs to start again and do a better job?. The song combines the subject matter with a chorus everyone will be singing live, let's see if they do on the upcoming tour.

'Chemtrails' and 'This is what you Wanted' are another piano led song, about wanting to change life and to start again... away from people. They feel relevant to many people, recognising how difficult life can be vs expectations, and the universal need of time to heal and feel better. 'This is what you Wanted' ends with Brian reassuring the listener that “Life is not easy. No need to panic.” The album ends with 'Fix Yourself', which very much makes it clear that the World needs to look inwards, to improve themselves, rather than finding fault in others. “Go f**k yourself. Don’t tell me how to feel.” the song tricks the listener towards the end, by pausing, and then starting again... with Brian repeating the last line “Go fix yourself instead of someone else”. 'Never let me Go' is another great addition to Placebo’s catalogue, with many songs that will sound great live.