Trick

You may be better off not having to unlearn what you know about Bloc Party to really appreciate Kele's new solo record "Trick". I like nearly everything Kele releases so long as it has vocals. Not to be dismissive of the "Heartbreaker" and "Candy Flip" stuff, but it isn't my cup of tea, and quite frankly, makes me feel old. Everything else eventually ends up growing on me.With a willingness to let go of "Silent Alarm" and expectations set from having heard "Doubt", it took a few spins and absorbing of the lyrics before truly appreciating this record. A lot like reading a chapter of a book while tired and appreciating it more when you re-visit and re-read it, "Trick" winds up being a gem in the end."First Impressions" sets the tone for the record with a tale of love at first sight. The female backing vocal makes things all the more enjoyable. The storytelling kicks into high gear on. "Coasting" - which is like Chapter 2, or the second stage of the new relationship. "Doubt" stays consistent as chapter 3... the time when you begin having the natural doubts and the second guessing takes you over. You get the feeling that Kele is realizing he often sabotages relationships for no good reason. "Closer" is a highlight and the accompanying female vocalist has a fantastic tone and range. The consistency of the theme changes direction here and you hear again the usual tales of heartbreak mid-record. You hear highlights like "Year Zero", "Like We Used to" and "Humour Me" and the albums big lowlight "Silver and Gold".The brilliant album closer "Stay The Night" is almost like moving onto the next - with a promise that there will be no strings... Just what the doctor ordered after escaping another failed relationship. After a few listens and some attention to the storytelling, I bet you'll dig it.

Kele has returned with his second solo album apart from Bloc Party. His first 2010's "The Boxer" was a study in contemporary club, or EDM, music at it's finest. He brought the songs to that album. With "Trick" things are more subdued, but the songwriting is just as good. There's several good songs here like "Closer", "My Hotel Room", "Stay The Night", "Doubt", "Like We Used To", etc. It's just that the songs don't have the punch like his first album. That being said, if Kele plans to continue on with Bloc Party they need to do something else because their last album was mediocre at best.It's too bad Bastille, Swedish House Mafia, Moby and others seem to be more popular than Kele. His solo material should be up there with the others. He has a knack for melody and memorable instrumentation. "Trick" wasn't immediately accessible like "The Boxer', but after listening to it off and on multiple times since October, it's far better now than upon initial listening. If you liked "The Boxer" and you also like Bloc Party, then this is a sure buy. You should also pick up his EP "The Hunter" which has some good songs on it like "What Did I Do?", a cover of Q Lazzarus' "Goodbye Horses" and "You Belong To Someone Else" along with "Release Me".I look forward to new material from Kele whether it's solo or with Bloc Party. Here's how "Trick" compares to Kele's previous works:Bloc Party:2005 Silent Alarm: Five Stars2007 A Weekend In The City: Five Stars2008 Intimacy: Four Stars2012 Four: Three StarsKele Okereke:2010 The Boxer: Four Stars2011 The Hunter EP: Three Stars2014 Trick: Three and a Half Stars

Great CD. I liked that he mixed up the songs and it gives you a range of easy listening electronic beats and also dance beats. As always with his lyrics even with Bloc Party, romantic, truthful and overall just awesome. If you are a fan of Bloc Party or anything with Keles voice then this is the album for you. Give it a chance and support our indie artist by buying their music.

Bloc Party + Deep house= Trick by Kele. One of my favorite artists of all time.

Pretty good background dance music for a weekend party I like it

Superb!

Absolutely love this album, it just makes you feel good and dance!

Only like one song!