The Prodigy - Music for the Jilted Generation (CD)

All Music Guide

The Prodigy's response to the sweeping legislation and crackdown on raves contained in 1994's Criminal Justice Bill is an effective statement of intent. Pure sonic terrorism, Music for the Jilted Generation employs the same rave energy that charged their debut Experience up the charts in Britain, but yokes it to a cause other than massive drug intake. Compared to their previous work, the sound is grubbier and less reliant on samples; the effect moved The Prodigy away from the American-influenced rave and acid-house of the past and toward a uniquely British vision of breakbeat techno that was increasingly allied to the limey invention, drum'n'bass. As on Experience, there are so many great songs here that first-time listeners would be forgiven for thinking of a greatest-hits compilation instead of a proper studio album. After a short intro, the shattering of panes of glass on "Break Enter" catapults the album ahead with a propulsive flair. Each of the four singles -- "Voodoo People," "...Poison," "No Good (Start the Dance)," and "One Love" -- are excellent, though album tracks like "Speedway" and "Their Law" (with help from Pop Will Eat Itself) don't slip up either. If Experience seemed like an excellent fluke, Music for the Jilted Generation was the album that announced Prodigy was on the charts to stay. - John Bush, All Music Guide Read more Less