21st Century Love Songs

Last updated • 4 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

21st Century Love Songs
Wildhearts 21Century.jpg
Studio album by
Released3 September 2021 (2021-09-03)
StudioThe Old Cider Press
(Pershore, Worcestershire)
Genre
Length43:30
Label Graphite
Producer Dave Draper
The Wildhearts chronology
Cuts So Deep
(2021)
21st Century Love Songs
(2021)
Dÿnämizer
(2022)
Singles from 21st Century Love Songs
  1. "Remember These Days"
    Released: 18 June 2021 (2021-06-18)
  2. "Sort Your Fucking Shit Out"
    Released: 16 July 2021 (2021-07-16)
  3. "Sleepaway"
    Released: 13 August 2021 (2021-08-13)

21st Century Love Songs is the tenth studio album by British rock band the Wildhearts. Recorded at the Old Cider Press in Pershore, Worcestershire, it was produced by Dave Draper and released on 3 September 2021 by Graphite Records. The album was the band's first release since P.H.U.Q. in 1995 to reach the top ten of the UK Albums Chart, peaking at number 9. Three songs were released as singles: "Remember These Days", "Sort Your Fucking Shit Out" and "Sleepaway".

Contents

Following their first studio album in ten years, 2019's Renaissance Men , the Wildhearts returned with 21st Century Love Songs in 2021, which was the fourth studio album to feature the lineup of Ginger Wildheart, C. J. Wildheart, Danny McCormack and Ritch Battersby. The album received universal acclaim from critics, who praised its high-quality songwriting and range of musical styles. It was the group's last studio album before their breakup in 2022 (they would later reform in 2024).

Background

It was first revealed that the Wildhearts frontman Ginger Wildheart was writing material for a follow-up to the 2019 album Renaissance Men in 2020, during promotion for that year's live album 30 Year Itch . [6] 21st Century Love Songs was officially announced in April 2021, with Ginger describing the upcoming album as "Sarcastic, fun, angry, proud, experimental and belligerent, all wrapped up in a big 'fuck you'" and comparing it stylistically to 1995's P.H.U.Q. [7] "Remember These Days" was released as the first single from the album on 18 June, the lyrical content of which Ginger explained "harkens back to a more innocent time when being in a band, and simply making music, was enough". [8] The next month, "Sort Your Fucking Shit Out" was issued as the second single, which Ginger noted was about "giving yourself a bollocking ... [for] habits or irritating behavioural patterns that we know we ought to quit". [9] The third and final single from 21st Century Love Songs was "Sleepaway", released in August 2021 alongside the first official music video from the album, which Fraser Lewry of Classic Rock magazine described as "more than a little bit gruesome". [10]

Reception

Commercial

21st Century Love Songs was the Wildhearts' first album since 1995's P.H.U.Q. to reach the top ten of the UK Albums Chart, debuting at number 9. [11] It reached number 2 on the Scottish Albums Chart, the highest position achieved by the band to date. [11] The album also registered at number 2 on the UK Album Downloads and UK Rock & Metal Albums Charts; number 3 on the UK Albums Sales, UK Physical Albums and UK Vinyl Albums Charts; and number 4 on the UK Independent Albums Chart. [11]

Critical

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Classic Rock Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [12]
Kerrang! 5/5 [3]
Metal Hammer Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [13]
Record Collector Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [14]
Stereoboard.comStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [15]

Critical reception to 21st Century Love Songs was universally positive. Writing for Kerrang! magazine, Steve Beebee awarded the album a full rating of 5/5, claiming: "Nobody does stuff like this. Nobody could if they tried. [...] Only The Wildhearts can fuse elements that appear to come from several different songs into the same four minutes and make it sound perfectly natural." [3] He described the album as a mix of the "absolute disregard for convention" on 1994's Fishing for Luckies and the "heavily hooked songwriting" of 1995's P.H.U.Q. and concluded his review by suggesting that "perhaps after all these years we can finally say it: The Wildhearts are a national treasure". [3] Classic Rock writer Johnny Sharp awarded the album 4.5 stars, praising the range of musical styles displayed and suggesting that "for the most part it makes every other record released this year sound like hopelessly anodyne easy listening in comparison". [12]

Metal Hammer reviewer Dave Everley gave 21st Century Love Songs a rating of four stars out of five, praising the album's "uppercut melodies and knockout choruses", and the unexpected use of various genres throughout multiple songs. [13] Comparing it to the band's previous album Renaissance Men , which he claimed was "their best outing since their genius-level 1993 debut Earth vs the Wildhearts ", Everley claimed that the 2021 release is "not quite as smack-in-the-face immediate as its predecessor was, but it's not far off". [13] Simon Ramsay of Stereoboard.com called 21st Century Love Songs "one of the most well crafted rock albums of the year". [15]

At the end of 2021, Kerrang! ranked 21st Century Love Songs at number 45 in its list of the 50 best albums of the year, with reviewer Steve Beebee (who chose it as his third best album of the year) [16] reiterating: "[The album] had one foot wrapped in the band's mighty roots and another stomping into the future – all of it, as ever, was a joy to have in your ears." [17] The album was not included in the Metal Hammer list of best metal albums of 2021, although six of the publication's writers included it in their top 20 lists (three of these ranked the album within their top ten albums of the year). [18]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Ginger Wildheart, except where noted

No.TitleLength
1."21st Century Love Songs"4:56
2."Remember These Days"4:52
3."Splitter"4:04
4."Institutional Submission"5:37
5."Sleepaway"5:31
6."You Do You"2:42
7."Sort Your Fucking Shit Out"3:13
8."Directions"4:01
9."A Physical Exorcism"3:43
10."My Head Wants Me Dead"4:47
Total length:43:30
Amazon edition bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
11."We Sing for Tim" C. J. Wildheart 3:04
12."Allein"C. J. Wildheart3:02
Total length:49:36
Japanese edition bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
11."Listen" (Stiff Little Fingers cover)
3:51
12."Continental" (Alkaline Trio cover)3:20
Total length:50:41

Personnel

Charts

Chart performance for 21st Century Love Songs
Chart (2021)Peak
position
Scottish Albums (OCC) [11] 2
UK Albums (OCC) [11] 9
UK Album Downloads (OCC) [11] 2
UK Album Sales (OCC) [11] 3
UK Independent Albums (OCC) [11] 4
UK Physical Albums (OCC) [11] 3
UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC) [11] 2
UK Vinyl Albums (OCC) [11] 3

AD/HD Rock

On 23 April 2022, the Wildhearts released the four bonus tracks from 21st Century Love Songs on 10" vinyl under the title AD/HD Rock as part of Record Store Day. [19] The EP reached number 20 on the UK Vinyl Singles Chart, number 21 on the UK Physical Albums Chart and number 64 on the UK Singles Sales Chart. [11]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Allein"C. J. Wildheart3:02
2."Continental" (Alkaline Trio cover)
  • Skiba
  • Andriano
  • Grant
3:20
3."Listen" (Stiff Little Fingers cover)
  • Burns
  • Ogilvie
3:51
4."We Sing for Tim"C. J. Wildheart3:04
Total length:13:17

Charts

Chart performance for AD/HD Rock
Chart (2022)Peak
position
UK Singles Sales (OCC) [11] 64
UK Physical Singles (OCC) [11] 21
UK Vinyl Singles (OCC) [11] 20

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Darkness (band)</span> English rock band

The Darkness are an English rock band that formed in Lowestoft, England in 2000. The band consists of Justin Hawkins, his brother Dan Hawkins, Frankie Poullain and Rufus Tiger Taylor.

<i>Permission to Land</i> 2003 studio album by The Darkness

Permission to Land is the debut studio album by the British glam rock band The Darkness, released on 7 July 2003 in the UK and 16 September 2003 in the US. The album topped the UK Albums Chart and reached number thirty-six on the American Billboard 200 chart. Five singles were released from Permission to Land: "Get Your Hands off My Woman", "Growing on Me", "I Believe in a Thing Called Love", "Christmas Time ", and "Love Is Only a Feeling". "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" was the most successful, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart.

<i>Once</i> (Nightwish album) 2004 studio album by Nightwish

Once is the fifth studio album by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish, released on 7 June 2004 by Spinefarm Records in Finland and Nuclear Blast in the rest of Europe. It is the fifth and last album to feature Tarja Turunen on lead vocals. The album cost nearly €250,000 to make, which made it Finland's most expensive recording ever until the release of Nightwish's next album, Dark Passion Play, which cost over €500,000 to produce. As of 2013, Once had sold 2.3 million copies worldwide, becoming Nightwish's most successful album to date. The remastering of the album was released on 6 August 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Wildhearts</span> English rock group

The Wildhearts are an English rock band, formed in 1989 in Newcastle upon Tyne. The band's sound is a mixture of hard rock and melodic pop music, often described in the music press as combining influences as diverse as the Beatles and 1980s-era Metallica. The Wildhearts achieved several top 20 singles and two top 10 albums in Britain, though they also faced difficulties with record companies and many internal problems often relating to drugs and depression. Much of the band's early career was affected by bitter feuds with their record company, East West.

<i>Endless, Nameless</i> (album) 1997 studio album by The Wildhearts

Endless, Nameless is the third studio album by English rock band The Wildhearts, released in 1997. It was the band's first release on Mushroom Records and their only full album with guitarist Jef Streatfield. The songs "Urge" and "Anthem" were released as singles. The album reached no. 41 on the British album chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Catalyst</span> British guitarist

Chris Catalyst is a British rock guitarist, known for his work with the Sisters of Mercy, Ugly Kid Joe, Ginger Wildheart, Terrorvision, the Professionals, Mariachi El Bronx, the Scaramanga Six and his own band, Eureka Machines, as well as his more recent solo career. In 2022, he confirmed that he has been a 'Nameless Ghoul' that tours with the Swedish metal band Ghost.

<i>Geordie in Wonderland</i> (album) 2006 live album by The Wildhearts

Geordie in Wonderland is a live album by British rock band The Wildhearts. Recorded on 17 September 2005 at Scarborough Castle in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, it was produced by Roger Lomas and released on 24 July 2006 by Secret Records. The album reached number 34 on the UK Independent Albums Chart. A corresponding video album was released under the title Live at Scarborough Castle on 23 October 2006, which reached number 42 on the UK Music Video Chart.

<i>Mondo Akimbo a-Go-Go</i> 1992 EP by The Wildhearts

Mondo Akimbo a-Go-Go is the debut extended play (EP) by British rock band the Wildhearts. Recorded in December 1991 at Parkgate Studios in Catsfield, East Sussex, it was produced by the band with Dan Priest and released on 20 April 1992 by East West and Bronze Records. All four tracks were remixed for inclusion on the band's second EP, Don't Be Happy... Just Worry, released later in 1992. A music video was also released for "Nothing Ever Changes But the Shoes".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Wildhearts discography</span>

The Wildhearts are a British rock band from Newcastle upon Tyne. Since their formation in 1989, the band have released ten studio albums, nine live albums, 11 compilation albums, seven extended plays (EPs), 25 singles, four video albums and 17 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">C. J. Wildheart</span> British musician

Christopher Paul Persaud-Jagdhar, known professionally as C. J. Wildheart, is an English musician of Guyanese and Seychellois descent. He is a solo artist and also a founding member of the rock band the Wildhearts. He was born in Colchester, and his early childhood was spent living in various military bases in Malaysia and Europe whilst his father and mother served in the British army. The family eventually moved back to the UK during his teens.

Danny McCormack is an English singer and bassist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Sorry</span> American musician

Scott Sorry is an American singer songwriter. Prior to being a solo artist Scott played with The Wildhearts, Sorry and the Sinatras, Amen and briefly Brides of Destruction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ginger Wildheart</span> British rock musician

Ginger Wildheart, sometimes known simply as Ginger, is an English rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He began his professional career as a guitarist in The Quireboys, but is best known as the founder and leader of The Wildhearts. In addition, he has released numerous solo albums and has been involved in many other musical projects.

<i>Stop Us If Youve Heard This One Before, Vol 1.</i> 2008 studio album by The Wildhearts

Stop Us If You've Heard This One Before, Vol 1. is the seventh studio album and first covers album by British rock band The Wildhearts. Recorded at Madhouse Studios with producer Jase Edwards, it was originally released as a digital download on 19 May 2008 by Round Records, before a physical release on 7 July 2008. The album reached number 48 on the UK Album Downloads Chart, number 16 on the UK Independent Albums Chart and number 20 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart.

<i>¡Chutzpah!</i>

¡Chutzpah! is the eighth studio album by British rock band The Wildhearts. Recorded at producer Jacob Hansen's studio in Ribe, Denmark, it was released on 31 August 2009 by Backstage Alliance. The album was the band's final studio release for ten years as well as the last to feature bassist Scott Sorry, who left in 2012. ¡Chutzpah! reached number 53 on the UK Albums Chart and was the band's first album since 1997's Endless, Nameless to top the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jinjer</span> Ukrainian metalcore band

Jinjer ( "ginger") is a Ukrainian metalcore band from Donetsk, formed in 2008. None of the founding members remain with the band. The current lineup considers 2009 as its official year of formation, with the arrival of singer Tatiana Shmayluk and guitarist Roman Ibramkhalilov. The band has since added bassist Eugene Abdukhanov and drummer Vladislav Ulasevich. Their most recent album, Wallflowers, was released in August 2021.

<i>Renaissance Men</i> 2019 studio album by The Wildhearts

Renaissance Men is the ninth studio album by British rock band The Wildhearts. Recorded at Treehouse Studio in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, it was produced by Jim Pinder and released on 3 May 2019 by Graphite Records, as the group's first studio album in ten years. The album was the band's first release since P.H.U.Q. in 1995 to reach the top twenty of the UK Albums Chart, peaking at number 11. Opening song "Dislocated" was released as the only single from the album.

<i>Screamin at the Sky</i> 2023 studio album by Black Stone Cherry

Screamin' at the Sky is the eighth studio album by American hard rock band Black Stone Cherry. It was released on September 29, 2023, through Mascot Records. It was preceded by the singles "Out of Pocket", "Nervous", "Screamin' at the Sky" and "When the Pain Comes". From September 27 through October 5, the album was also available to purchase on digital in a special limited edition format, including the exclusive bonus track "Love Somebody" and covers of Elvis Presley's "Burning Love" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash" by The Rolling Stones.

<i>30 Year Itch</i> 2020 live album by The Wildhearts

30 Year itch is a live album by British rock band The Wildhearts. Recorded during 2019 tours to promote Renaissance Men and Diagnosis, it was produced by Dave Draper and released by Round Records on 25 September 2020 (digital) and 4 December 2020 (physical). The album reached number 51 on the UK Albums Chart and registered on several other UK charts. A separate EP entitled 30 Year Itch Bonus Tracks was released free to people who pre-ordered the album.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Mazzola, Juan Pablo (7 September 2021). "The Wildhearts – '21st Century Love Songs' (Graphite Records)". Uber Rock. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  2. Grainger, Mark (3 September 2021). "Album Review: The Wildhearts – 21st Century Love Songs". Narc Magazine. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Beebee, Steve (31 August 2021). "Album review: The Wildhearts – 21st Century Love Songs". Kerrang! . Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  4. Cairney, Paul (30 August 2021). "The Wildhearts – 21st Century Love Songs". Metal Epidemic. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  5. "The Wildhearts – 21st Century Love Songs Album Review". Sonic Abuse. 22 August 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  6. Brannigan, Paul (4 December 2020). "Ginger Wildheart's 10 Favourite Live Albums". Classic Rock . Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  7. Carter, Emily (19 April 2021). "The Wildhearts announce new album, 21st Century Love Songs". Kerrang! . Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  8. Lewry, Fraser (17 June 2021). "Watch The Wildhearts' video for poignant new single Remember These Days". Classic Rock . Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  9. Lewry, Fraser (19 July 2021). "Listen to triumphant new Wildhearts' single Sort Your F**king Sh*t Out". Classic Rock . Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  10. Lewry, Fraser (15 August 2021). "You want blood? Then watch Sleepaway, the extremely gory new Wildhearts video". Classic Rock . Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "Wildhearts songs and albums: full Official Chart history". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  12. 1 2 Sharp, Johnny (3 September 2021). "The Wildhearts' new album is stuffed with energy, anger, humour and artistic invention". Classic Rock . Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  13. 1 2 3 Everley, Dave (1 September 2021). "The Wildhearts' 21st Century Love Songs: the rock mavericks' renaissance continues". Metal Hammer . Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  14. "The Wildhearts – 21st Century Love Songs – Reviews". Album of the Year. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  15. 1 2 Ramsay, Simon (15 September 2021). "The Wildhearts - 21st Century Love Songs (Album Review)". Stereoboard.com. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  16. "The Kerrang! staff's top albums of 2021". Kerrang! . 17 December 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  17. "The 50 best albums of 2021". Kerrang! . 10 December 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  18. "Metal Hammer writers' top metal albums of 2021". Metal Hammer . 10 January 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  19. "Wildhearts, The – ADHD Rock". Record Store Day. Archived from the original on 17 February 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2024.