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Tubthumper

Artist: Chumbawumba
Genre: Alternative
Year: 1997
Rating: 7.5 / 10

Chumbawumba, a band comprised of nearly a dozen friends who have been together for about fifteen years, finally acheived mainstream success late in 1997 with their chart-topping single, "Tubthumping." After months on the airwaves, "Tubthumping," and with it Chumbawumba as a whole, has faded to the background. This is nothing new in the music industry, as one-hit-wonders are an everyday occurrence, yet Chumbawumba warrants closer inspection.

Chumbawumba is nothing if not unique, and the album's varied musical tastes are tribute to this. Having spent many hours listening to this album, as well as having seen this energetic band perform live (October 1997, Washington DC's 9:30 Club), I can say that they are more than a one-hit-wonder, and they are an act which deserved the recognition they received, however fleeting it may have been. They feature stellar choral singing efforts on many of the songs, as well as a rotating medley of lead singers, all designed to give each song its own distinct flavor.

"Tubthumping" may be the song which brought this group fame, but it is by no means the standout track on this album. That honor falls jointly on the shoulders of "Amnesia" and "The Good Ship Lifestyle." While I admittedly spent the entire Chumbawumba concert waiting to hear "Tubthumping," I was pleaseantly surprised to hear these two stellar takes along with way. Listen to "Amnesia" enough, and you, too, will find yourself chanting its catchy signature chorus throughout the day. Do you suffer from long-term memory loss? "Lifestyle" showcases all of the group's vocal range, beginning with the slow build-up to the powerful, pounding chorus. One cannot help but appreciate the entire group's contribution to the songs on this album.

"Drip Drip Drip" and "Outsider," two other standout tracks, make the first portion of the album bordering on incredible, and the album produces a noticeable dropoff after that. "Mary Mary" and "I Want More" provide some of the same pop, yet they are not sufficient to save the inconsistent second side. All things considered, the band makes an impressive American debut. If you get the chance, give Chumbawumba a play. Do not end up pissing the night away.

Submitted 6/25/98.