In Violet Light (International Version)

iTunes Review

The Tragically Hip, Canada’s favorite rock band, has honed a distinctive sound and style over its career, and all of those trademarks are present on In Violet Light. There are big riffs and the muscular, two-guitar punch of Paul Langlois and Rob Baker (“Are You Ready?,” “Use It Up”), dark and dramatic themes (“Silver Jet”), and the clever wordplay and vivid storytelling of lead singer and lyricist Gordon Downie, whose unusual, tremolo voice carries an infectious beauty and power. As usual, his lyrics are intriguing and oblique, conjuring up a wide range of images and emotions. (He even references Bruce Springsteen, Gregory Peck, and Raymond Carver while he’s at it.) The album also features two outstanding ballads in “It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken” and “A Beautiful Thing,” both of which build and release tension perfectly. Emotionally charged, gritty, and ambitious, In Violet Light should please the Hip’s legion of loyal fans.