On his previous releases,
Wallinger
has displayed a social conscience, but never has it taken prominence like it does on
Bang!
,
World Party
's third album.
does contain some glorious music that equals his masterpiece
Goodbye Jumbo
, but the album slows down when he tries to say too much (as in the quasi-operatic
"And God Said"
). Even then,
's preaching doesn't obliterate the considerable pleasures of the music.
has often been accused of recycling
the Beatles
, but the truth is that he can combine
Beach Boys
Sly Stone
Dylan
, and
Prince
into a musical style that is distinctive and unique yet familiar.
, for all of its shortcomings, is as strong an album as any
has released. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine