Review: Jet's 'Shine On'*

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dsmith2904

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By Mike Talamantes
2006.10



In the waning months of 2003, Jet's single "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" was inescapable. Thanks in part to its inclusion in the innovative iPod television ads, the bouncy song bored its way into the heads of hard rock and pop fans worldwide. A generation of college freshman had a definitive album to blast out of their dorm room stereos when Jet released its debut album "Get Born."

Three years later, after what seemed like an endless amount of time for fans, Jet has finally released its second studio album, "Shine On." Without a doubt, the sophomore record from the Aussie quartet continues the swaggering, no-frills hard rock of "Get Born," while also embracing its more melodic side. The intro track of "L'esprit D'escalier" bookends the album along with the closer 'All You Have to Do" in something more Beatles than AC/DC.

Right after the opener, though, Jet locks into its signature sound with Cameron Muncey and Nic Cester (guitar/vocals) dropping right in line with Chris Cester (drums) for the foot-stomper "Holiday." This is the kind of music that fans of the band were so enthused with on "Get Born" and "Shine On" won't disappoint them. The lead single, "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is," is as energetic and rocking as "Cold Hard Bitch" was and has tambourine, drums and vocals firing on all cylinders to boot. Rockers like "That's All Lies" and "Rip It Up" are dropped evenly enough through the album to provide the hooks that will make "Shine On" a repeat-listener.

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The blessing and curse about Jet it's not as easy to label the band as a reviewer might want. Although the band pillages its 4/4 attack and attitude from years of classic rock, it also has a very pensive, introspective side. The Cester brothers, along with Muncey and bassist Mark Wilson, have a talent for penning very genuine pop songs that give an unexpected depth to the albums. "Kings Horses" is a gem, complete with piano, backing "oohs" and brush drum kit. Title track "Shine On" demonstrates the songwriting talent that made "Hold On" (from the "Spider-Man 2" soundtrack) such a great tune and is the strongest song on the record thanks to its swelling conclusion.

"Shine On" is more of the same from Jet, and whether listeners will enjoy the album depends completely on what they thought of "Get Born." Although there may not be as many tracks that immediately shout "Single!" such as "Rollover D.J." and "Cold Hard Bitch" did, there's enough material on "Shine On" to warrant repeat listens. The only thing better than playing the album at full blast before heading out on a Saturday night will be seeing the live incarnations of the songs. Right now, Jet has two playback speeds—full on and introspective, and that suits those rowdy Aussies just fine.

For more information on Jet, please visit the official website. "Shine On" was released October 3, 2006 on Atlantic/WEA.
 
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