Review by Jack Arkell

Well-regarded in the United States yet seen as one-hit wonders in the UK, Blue October release their sixth studio album with a view to enhancing their profile in the latter whilst consolidating in the former. 

Blue October seem to be one of those bands who music fans tend to place in a box straight away, presuming that they know exactly what the latest releases are going to be like. Refreshingly then, ‘Any Man in America’ is a relatively different offering from the Texans. Whilst the subject matter follows on from 2009’s ‘Approaching Normal’, sound-wise the record is quite a substantial departure, with electro-pop elements replacing the band’s traditional sound. The change of pace is welcome, and the willingness to mix elements of different genres is fearless.

Frontman Justin Furstenfeld’s voice is haunting in places, his sorrow conducive to a collection of harrowing tracks that genuinely tug at the heartstrings at times. The worry though is that with almost the entire album being based around Furstenfeld’s divorce and custody battle for his daughter, the listening experience can sometimes become uncomfortable. The deeply personal lyrics are admirable yet harsh and corrosive.

The other concern is that the album centres around one topic a little too much, relying heavily on the listener’s ability to relate to or at least empathise with the Furstenfeld’s situation. Be it ‘For the Love’, ‘The Getting Over it Part’ or ‘The Money Tree’, the tracks send out very similar messages. However, it would take a very cold-hearted listener not to feel moved by the lyrical content and delivery on offer here.

So despite a shift in musical style, Blue October have delivered an album that sits nicely alongside the rest of the back catalogue. This isn’t to say that they’ve played it too safe though, and should be praised for experimenting at such a crucial stage in their career.

6/10