Without question, this is the most subtle Underworld album yet. And somehow it’s also one of their best. Through the 1990s Underworld were all about power and pace, with big, chunky chord sequences, energetic beats and of course the distinctive tones of Karl Hyde. There was a great deal of tension in their music too. Now, with a whole host of collaborations under their belts, Hyde and Rick Smith are seemingly content with their lot, but they are now expressing themselves more openly than before. Hyde plays the role of street poet to perfection, and although some of his lyrical couplets don’t make a great deal of sense they are still endearing and touching. On ‘Barbara’ they take on an extra dimension with South American references, complemented by the trademark, full, four to the floor sound. If you spend time with this album the rewards are ample, for ‘Barbara’ is a positive, fuzzy, heat-soaked album that stands right up there with Underworld’s best long playing work.
5 out of 5
Reviewed by Ben Hogwood