I wasn’t a huge fan of Clegg Jnr’s 2008 debut, When I Wake Up. Although, considering it generated five singles, clearly I’m in the minority. His debut couldn’t decide if it was a pop or a rock album, the lyrics underwhelmed, and the tentativeness was palpable. Life on Mars is sonically, thematically and lyrically in a different universe to its predecessor. It’s undoubtedly a rock album, there’s a newfound maturity to the lyrics, and while it wears its influences on its sleeve Clegg’s confidence in his own abilities as a songwriter and lyricist elevates this release above much of the generic cock rock that may have influenced it. The album was produced by David Bottrill (Muse, Placebo, Silverchair, Staind, Tool) and mastered by Bob Ludwig (Bowie, Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Nirvana) which no doubt goes someway to explaining the album’s hard rock sound, and the fact that’s it’s being called one of the most expensive local albums ever. Clegg also deserves kudos for the innovative packaging – there’s a unique card for each track that can be displayed as the cover. Flash aside, this time Clegg has proved he’s an artist to watch.
To read more about Jesse Clegg click here
Rating : 4/5 – Rocking
Reviewed By : Craig Wilson
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