The Prodigy - Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned (CD)

Outmoded

By Nubian ∑agle ©™  Oct 25, 2006

Pros: After 7 years, Prodigy returned with this CD.

Cons: It's surprisingly lackluster.

Back in 1997, Prodigy, fronted by Liam Howlett, were the darlings of electronica. Their "Fat of the Land" LP was a huge international smash, setting high expectations that were later shot down in 2002 when they released the woefully bland s...ingle "Baby's Got a Temper." It was a sign that Howlett's magic touch is disappearing, as evidenced on the long awaited and long delayed "Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned." It's not that Howlett has run out of interesting ideas; the problem is that very few of them are strong enough to sustain a full-length song. With the exception of three or four killer tracks, "Outgunned" is all bark and no bite. Ditching Keith Flint and Maxim, Howlett ropes in guest stars including Juliette Lewis, who appears on the revved up punker "Hot Ride." But her voice is so buried in the mix that she barely registers. "Get Up Get Off" and "Wake Up Call" are repetitive bores that wear out their welcome within just seconds, and "Action Radar" is just cringeworthy. But there are some highlights: "Memphis Bells" stands out thanks to its playfully sleazy groove; "Medusa's Path" is a dark and sinister six minute ride, and "The Way it Is" rides off the coattails of Michael Jackson's "Thriller." If the rest of "Outgunned" were as inspired as those three tracks, then you'd have one of the best records of the year. But three out of 13 songs don't justify a purchase. Considering that this record is the result of seven years' work, "Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned" is a disappointment. Read more Less