Even with mixed reviews, the debut from Coventry-based band The Enemy - We'll Live And Die In These Towns - went platinum.
The record took a pessimistic view on small-town frustrations and lamented the struggles of living in a cultural wasteland, while celebrating the power of the working class. With a highly relatable theme, a catchy, Brit-rock sound, and overwhelming album sales, the band won several best new act awards in 2007.
In their follow-up Music For The People, the Enemy continue to cry 'modern life is rubbish' via loud tunes.
Their decision to include mainly rock-like anthems is ambitious, but means the tracks are far from original. Lyrics-wise, this album is full of depressing lines like 'watch us fall' and 'ever feel so down you can't go on?'.
It's often so gloomy it feels unrealistic. The record kicks off with Elephant Song, which starts gently but builds to a high, as if to prepare for the energy to come.
First single No Time For Tears is a shout-along song, while Sing When You're In Love is more original, with a gentler, poppy touch.
