Babyshambles - Down In Albion

After walking out on The Libertines, more was written about Pete Doherty and his drug addictions than about his music. His new band, Babyshambles suffered as a result making the news for postponed tours, cancelled gigs, assault and yet more drug busts. Now, if "Down In Albion" was any good, perhaps no one will care about all the bad press which preceded the album release.

Singles "Killamangiro" and "Fuck Forever" showed signs of early promise, with the latter surely being contender for one of the anthems of 2005. At his best, Doherty's songwriting and vocals are truly magical, but too often tracks which start out promisingly are allowed to drift into an untidy mess. With its fusion of reggae and punk, "Down In Albion" will probably split the opinions of fans and music lovers. But while it is easy to hate the man, Doherty, one thing undeniable is his songwriting ability when he is on form. Not exactly the masterpiece most people were anticipating but if Mr Doherty can keep himself clean and sober, we surely can expect greater things to come from Babyshambles.
- Reviewed by: addy

Rating: 7 (out of 10)

Tracklisting:
1. La Belle Et La Bete
2. Fuck Forever
3. A'rebours
4. The 32nd Of December
5. Pipedown
6. Sticks And Stones
7. Killamangiro
8. 8 Dead Boys
9. In Love With A Feeling
10. Pentonville
11. What Katy Did Next
12. Albion
13. Back From The Dead
14. Loyalty Song
15. Up The Morning
16. Merry Go Round

For samples: Click Here
Available at: HMV