ALBUM REVIEW: Albert Hammond Jr. – Melodies On Hiatus

Red Bull Records

Released: 23.06.23

For trainspotting Strokes fans trying to use the lyrics from Hammond Jr‘s new album to check on his emotional state; don’t bother – the album’s heavily co-written. But what might annoy the superfans is a blessing for everyone else, as Melodies On Hiatus sees the musician return to the creative high of Yours To Keep.

Spanning 19 songs, Melodies On Hiatus soars as a drum machine-driven piece of interesting indie pop. Not perfect (Thoughtful Distress and Libertude are particularly dreary), the album hits high marks when focused on more upbeat pop sounds; 100-99, Old Man and the standout Never Stop all blaze with summery, poppy hooks and catchy melodies.

Hammond’s fifth solo album is a return to form and suggests his best work is with others.