Album Review: Ok Go – Of the Blue Colour of the Sky

Ok Go is certainly known for their delightfully catchy power-pop songs and their  latest album, Of the Blue Colour of the Sky, does not disappoint with new a turn down the dance-y road. The band claims inspiration from Prince and it is clear why. Although the latest album is a departure from their previous albums, they managed to keep aspects of their sound very much the same.

This album definitely has a few pop-rock gems that we expect and love from Ok Go, and do it with gusto this time around. After the third song, “All Is Not Lost,” the songs begin to pick up and get you moving. Overall the entire has cohesiveness that takes your through a journey of varied tracks. From full on dance tracks like “I Want You So Bad I Can’t Breathe,” to more spacey-disco songs like, “End Love,” (which is really reminiscent of Prince) and then the token acoustic love song, “Last Leaf” they cover it all and do it with style.

I did have a few issues with the album. It starts off to a little too slow and has a lackluster finish. The middle of the album is really what gets you, but it’s hard to be excited when there’s such a slow finish. Maybe the ending of the album could have been remedied by switching some of the tracks around.

Also, the album begins with the song, “WTF?” which is exactly how I felt by the end of the song. The song starts off alright, then it just drags on and goes nowhere and the second song was good but by no means memorable. These songs are by no means scathing to the ears, but they are just middle of the road. Part of Ok Go’s appeal was the almost do-it-yourself feel to the albums (and their videos certainly added to that appeal). However, with this album is seems as though their production budget was increased dramatically and they took advantage of it too much. It was just overproduced in many parts and working with certain songs, but with other songs it overshadowed the good parts. The final song, “In the Glass,” is a great example of too much money; it would have been a much better song has they not added so many effects.

Despite the previous complaints, the album is actually really enjoyable but not life-changing. If you were a fan of their previous albums, you should probably enjoy this one. They seemed to have fun with the album, and it was a worthwhile effort. You really can’t knock them for that.

Rating: 6.5/10

“Of the Blue Colour of the Sky” comes out on January 12th, 2010.

Tracklist:

1. WTF?
2. This Too Shall Pass
3. All Is Not Lost
4. Needing/Getting
5. Skyscrapers
6. White Knuckles
7. I Want You So Bad I Can’t Breathe
8. End Love
9. Before the Earth Was Round
10. Last Leaf
11. Back From Kathmandu
12. While You Were Asleep
13. In the Glass

Purchase on Amazon

Have you heard the album? If so, tell us what you think!

Check out their new video for “This To Shall Pass” below…