Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 04/15/1997
Two years after their impressive debut,
Our Lady Peace continue their
rock journey on
Clumsy. This time around, the melodies are more comfortable, giving an easier listen. The roaring
rock riffs, however, do calm down a bit.
Raine Maida's lyrical screeching remains intact, quite inviting on songs such as
"Big Dumb Rocket" and
"Automatic Flowers." The intensity found on the first album is a bit more tame and, with
Clumsy, the band attempts to beat the sophomore slump. They barely do, and first single
"Superman's Dead" prevents
Our Lady Peace from such humdrum music. It does introduce a more mature
Our Lady Peace, but they're not totally serene.
Maida's songwriting is far more internal, a reflection of personal imperfections and consequences --
"4 A.M." is a
ballad standout. But what makes
Our Lady Peace a powerful act in music is their desire to keep it real on their own turf. Many may criticize
Clumsy as less desirable, but it's their own deal. And that's how
rock & roll should be, anyway.
~MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide