Strict fans of melodic rock and pop probably have mixed feelings when it comes to King's X. Make no mistake - these guys are enormously talented and artfully blend a mind-boggling number of genres into their records. Perhaps it is this unorthodox blend that turns some folks off because sometimes the hook and melody take a back seat to the progressive elements of their music.
"Black Like Sunday" is distinct from the extensive King's X discography. Although recorded and released in 2003, the album is full of tunes that were written in the band's early days (early 80s). And maybe that is why I find it more appealing than your average King's X fan, who was not expecting this musical side step. You have to appreciate the lyrics in this context, too...the guys were much younger when these lyrics were written, so of course they are simplified and deal with more juvenile subjects like complaining about work ("Working Man") and parents ("Danger Zone") while praising girlfriends ("You're the Only One"). Wait a minute...maybe they are not so juvenile...I can still relate to these lyrics!
Like most other CDs from this band, you have to do some weeding to find the tracks that would appeal to pop rock fans. That, of course, is my job. The aforementioned tracks are very melodic and feel like a fun blast from the past of a rock era long gone now. Also noteworthy are "Finish", the woe-is-me track "Down", and the fast and bouncy "Won't Turn Back".
iPOD-worthy: 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 12
King's X on MySpace. Official site.
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