Description
Belly – King – Compact Disc
Belly’s King (1995) is the second and final studio album by the American alternative rock band fronted by Tanya Donelly. Released as the follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut album, Star (1993), King showcases a more polished, rock-oriented sound compared to the dreamier, indie feel of their debut. While Star helped Belly rise to prominence with its ethereal, alternative pop sound, King presents a heavier, more direct approach, reflecting a shift towards mainstream rock while maintaining Donelly’s signature melodic and lyrical style.
King is marked by a more powerful, guitar-driven rock sound than its predecessor. The songs are tighter and more structured, with less of the atmospheric, dreamy quality that characterized Star. This shift toward a more straightforward rock style was likely a response to the changing alternative rock landscape in the mid-1990s.
Produced by Glyn Johns, the album has a cleaner, more polished production compared to the rawer, indie aesthetics of Star. The guitars are more prominent, and the overall sound is fuller and more radio-friendly, reflecting the band’s attempt to reach a wider audience. Despite the shift in sound, Donelly’s ability to craft strong, catchy melodies remains a core aspect of the album. Her distinct voice, characterized by a blend of vulnerability and strength, adds a unique charm to the heavier musical backdrop.
Key Tracks
“Super-Connected”: One of the standout tracks on the album, “Super-Connected” is driven by a punchy guitar riff and an infectious, sing-along chorus. The song captures the album’s more rock-oriented direction while maintaining Belly’s knack for catchy hooks.
“Now They’ll Sleep”: Released as the album’s lead single, “Now They’ll Sleep” combines energetic, distorted guitars with Donelly’s melodic vocals. The song’s driving rhythm and edgy guitar work made it one of the album’s more commercially successful tracks.
“Seal My Fate”: A powerful, emotional song that showcases Donelly’s dynamic vocal range. The song builds from a brooding verse into a soaring chorus, highlighting the album’s balance of introspective lyrics and rock energy.
“Red”: One of the album’s darker, moodier tracks, “Red” is more introspective, with atmospheric guitar work and a more subdued, haunting vocal performance from Donelly. It captures the emotional complexity that Belly often explored in their music.
As with much of Belly’s music, King is lyrically introspective, with Donelly delving into personal themes of self-exploration, identity, and emotional struggle. Songs like “Seal My Fate” and “Red” reflect on internal conflicts and vulnerability. The album frequently explores themes of relationships, but often with a sense of disillusionment or emotional distance. Songs like “Super-Connected” reflect on the complexities and disconnection within modern relationships, both personal and societal.
Donelly’s lyrics also touch on themes of independence and feminine strength, presenting characters who are often grappling with personal power and vulnerability. There’s a subtle defiance in her songwriting, capturing a sense of autonomy even in the face of emotional turbulence.
The guitars, played by Tanya Donelly and Tom Gorman, are at the forefront of the album’s sound, ranging from punchy, riff-driven rock to more nuanced, atmospheric textures. The shift toward a more prominent guitar sound gives the album its rock edge. Donelly’s vocal performance is a highlight of the album, balancing moments of softness and vulnerability with more powerful, assertive deliveries. Her voice remains the emotional core of the album, and her ability to shift between different tones adds depth to the songs. Chris Gorman on drums and Gail Greenwood on bass provide a solid rhythmic backbone for the songs, enhancing the album’s rock energy. The rhythm section is tight and driving, contributing to the more aggressive sound compared to the band’s earlier work.
While King received generally favorable reviews, it didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success or critical acclaim as Star. Some critics praised the band’s move toward a more polished, rock-oriented sound, while others missed the ethereal qualities of their debut. Despite this, King has gained a dedicated following over the years and is seen as an underappreciated album in the alternative rock canon.
King was the band’s final studio album before they disbanded in 1996. The album’s commercial performance fell short of expectations, and internal pressures led to the band’s dissolution shortly after its release. However, Belly’s brief but impactful career continues to resonate with fans of 1990s alternative rock. King remains a significant album in the context of 1990s alternative rock. Tanya Donelly’s contributions to the genre, both with Belly and her earlier work with Throwing Muses and The Breeders, helped shape the sound of indie and alternative music during the era. The album is often seen as a strong, if underrated, release that marked the end of an important chapter in 1990s rock.
King by Belly is a polished, guitar-driven album that represents both a stylistic shift and the final chapter for the band. With its more straightforward rock sound, the album balances catchy melodies with deeper emotional themes of introspection, disillusionment, and feminine strength. While it may not have achieved the same level of success as Star, King remains an important part of 1990s alternative rock, showcasing Tanya Donelly’s unique voice and songwriting talents.
Australian Import Version
4AD / Shock Records
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Song List
1. Puberty
2. Seal My Fate
3. Red
4. Silverfish
5. Super-Connected
6. Bees, The
7. King
8. Now They’ll Sleep
9. Untitled And Unsung
10. L’il Ennio
11. Judas My Heart
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