Cardinal Points

Issue date: 11/10/06 Section: Life

After a 23-year-long career, The Tragically Hip can still put together an album that exemplifies quality rock music.

Their most recent release, "World Container", is not an attempt to do something new or different to attract new listeners.

The album is instead a collection of straight forward rock songs.

The one significant change on "World Container" is the shift in lyric style. Previous releases have been heavy with allusion, some to the point of incomprehension.

The Tragically Hip has avoided this on "World Container" and every track benefits from it.

"Fly" is one example of how the idea of clean-cut lyrics has benefited the album.

This track features line after line of vivid descriptions and raw emotion.

Another highlight of "World Container" is the example made of lead singer Gord Downie's vocal capabilities.

"The Kids Don't Get It" is a showcase of Downie's vocal range and control.

"World Container" proves The Tragically Hip is aware of their ability to create entertaining music for the masses.

This album displays the band's experience, which spans over two decades. Still, it is by no means dry.

With the incorporation of piano into a few tracks and the solid foundation The Tragically Hip are know for throughout Canada - where they got their start - "World Container" is a solid album fundamentally and stylistically and certainly won't disappoint anyone.

This is one album that everyone can be proud to own.

Four stars our of five.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools