Our modern society seems to prefer everything to be clearly labeled. While this is great if things can be clearly defined and pigeonholed, some things are not easily categorized. It is the latter in which Frank Turner finds himself comfortably installed.
Musically, Turner oscillates between genres. He sometimes mixes genres, other times his albums feature numerous musical styles. His back catalog of nine studio albums is a testament to this fluid path throughout her recording career. one thing you could label Turner as if he were an intruder. According to his website, he has performed 2,857 shows as a solo artist (he adds another 312 with various bands) and is about to embark on a world record attempt to play the most concerts in different cities in 24 hours with 15 shows planned. Oh, and now he's a producer too.
Fresh off producing Grace Petrie's excellent recent album build something better, Turner has chosen to self-produce his tenth studio album, Unbeaten, something I had not done before. The Rich Costey produced FTHC, Turner's last album, peaked at number one on the UK Albums Chart. Is this a crazy bet after such a successful album? Or does Turner simply feel confident and comfortable enough to take the reins and steer his own ship, if you'll pardon the confusing metaphor?
This 14-track offering begins with a bubbly, upbeat slice of Turner's classic rock on 'Do One'. Turner shows the fighting qualities of him here, refusing to be defeated no matter what life and people throw at him. He sums it up quite efficiently and effectively when he sings “But through my ups and downs I discovered one thing: Don't take shit from anyone.”. A spirit that I think we can all agree with.
The short and sweet 'Never Mind The Back Problems' takes a playful jab at Turner's growing years (he's 42, you know!). As Turner continues to operate at the end of life, he can't avoid the passage of time and the reminders the body gives you that you're not as young as you once were. I also speak from great experience here. A real punk game, looking like a wonderful mix of early Pogues and vintage Toy Dolls.
Many of us can look back on our youth and wonder how our lives today are different from our hopes and ambitions in our youth. Turner is no exception. 'Ceasefire' sees him chatting with his 15-year-old self. Turner looks for common ground between who he is today and what his younger self intended to be so that they can both reconcile their differences and find peace. It is a song that he gradually builds until it takes flight and rises in the final bars.
'Girl From The Record Shop' smells like early Billy Bragg with a touch of Green Day. It takes a fun look at the silly things falling in love can make you do. “I've been buying so much vinyl every day/I don't even have my own record player.” Turner sings. Ah, the challenges of love… As it happens, this song was released on 7” vinyl for Record Store Day this year. Did you buy it so you could talk to that special person behind the counter?
Many artists have created a song around the 'P' word in recent years, and Turner chimes in with his own take on events. 'Pandemic PTSD' is an upbeat track that examines the lasting effects of the Covid-19 outbreak. Everything was turned upside down and lives changed forever. While it was an inconvenience for some, others saw their lives shattered. Turner adds his characteristic worldview when he opines: “We got hit in the penis for two years straight/We can't move on so easily”. The musical arrangement is quite clever here as it makes you feel a little uneasy, echoing the pandemic era for many.
Turner excels at breaking down the human condition, using her poetic voice to convey emotions we can all connect with. 'Letters' is a great example of this. It's a true sonic assault with a rich, deep finish like Phil Spector's “Wall of Sound.” A missive about the challenges of relationships and the ease of making mistakes due to lack of communication, it transports us to a simpler time of letter writing, before instant messaging and social media.
Turner once again displays his poetic style with the soft folk ballad 'East Finchley'. “I never stopped shirking, you never started working/And somehow we never grew up to be responsible travelers”Shares Turner, demonstrating his talent for delivering lyrics with a touch of humor.
We start the second half of Unbeaten with 'No, thanks for the music'. I have no doubt that this will be a popular song live as it has the perfect chorus to get the crowd screaming really loud. And who doesn't like to scream like crazy at a concert? The song is a ball of energy expressing how Turner never really fit in from school to now and doesn't give a damn anymore. He is 42 years old and the angry man has resurfaced! Remember children, always be proud of yourself and your achievements.
'The Leaders' is another short, punchy track that takes me back to The Clash at their finest. This is a wake-up call (and also a big call) to never depend on those in power to solve things. “If we want this shit to change, it's up to us and no one else.” Turner sings forcefully. It's very difficult to argue with that.
Another song that will no doubt be a live favorite is the top-notch pop-punk blast 'International Hide And Seek Champion'. The idea of simply escaping the world and hiding away, creating a simpler life without expectations from others, is presented as a possible nirvana. Sounds pretty sweet.
Toning it down a bit, 'Show People' is a slow-paced, rumbling song. A song full of optimism and self-confidence, it is a recognition of those who act for the love of their craft, as opposed to those who sell their soul for fame and fortune. “You're more likely to be John Otway than The Beatles, but Otway is still on tour/Hats off to the entertainment people.” says Turner, who will probably still be playing and touring in another 25 years. Here is the hope.
Next up is the soft, soulful ballad, 'On My Way'. A song from the heart that considers the importance of returning home to a loved one and the challenges of being apart. As an artist who constantly travels the world, it must be difficult for him and his family.
Many people can relate to the difficulties in understanding their own identity. 'Somewhere Inbetween' examines this and the challenges it presents. As someone neurodivergent, it certainly resonates with me. A smooth song delivered with a delicious and passionate beat, shedding light on a real struggle for many people.
The album concludes with the title track, a song that slowly builds and finally explodes into a huge anthem. “When you feel like the work was in vain/And you're broken and in retreat/Survival adds something/Independent, undefeated”Turner says with a mix of fatigue and defiance in his voice. It's a fitting close to the album. After 25 years in show business, Turner still stands tall and continues to plow his furrow with little sign of letting up anytime soon.
While Turner has written and produced an excellent album, credit also goes to his regular live band who played on this album, helping to make it a wonderful sounding record. So, stand up and give a round of applause to Ben Lloyd (guitar), Tarrant Anderson (bass), Callum Green (drums) and Matt Nasir (piano). Turner would be the first to recognize his valuable contribution.
Unbeaten takes us on a journey of youthful hopes and dreams, life-changing love, wistful nostalgia, fading friendships, the lingering mental and political consequences of the pandemic… and the joy of persistent back pain. Featuring excellent musical writing, showcased at its finest with great production from Turner himself, the album sounds fresh, energetic and compelling and is sure to be well received by his loyal fan base. I also feel it will bring many new listeners to Turner's work. Surely there must be another number one album on the cards. It certainly deserves to be.
Turner remains Unbeaten after releasing their tenth album. It will certainly take a pneumatic hook to stop it, and I don't like anyone's chances.
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