Devo - Something for Everybody Review

Posted by Aaron Mayagoitia on 06.29.2010

Devo’s first album in 20 years delivers social commentary in an effective pop package.



When Devo reached the top of its popularity thirty years ago with its chart-topping single “Whip It” it served as a sign of the fascinations that would reign the world of pop in the ‘80s: quirky (if not ridiculous) apparel, synthetic hooks, danceable beats, snarky attitude, and pop effectiveness. However, Devo had the ace of social observation and commentary under its sleeve which set them apart from the other acts of the era that were only into making a fashion statement in the then fledgling world of music videos. It is this underlying quality what keeps Devo (and Something for Everybody) from being a nostalgic throwback that takes advantage of the world’s newfound fascination for the ‘80s to get back into the charts.

Back are classic members Mark Mothersbaugh (vocals, synthesizers, programming), Gerald Casale (vocals, bass guitar, and bass synthesizers), Bob Mothersbaugh (lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals), and Bob Casale (rhythm guitar, programming, backing vocals), with Perfect Circle drummer Josh Freese replacing classic drummer Alan Myers. As expected, they favor synthetic and robotic beats and hooks that are trademark Devo crammed into danceable pop packs of social satire that don’t exceed the four-minute mark. This factor of immediacy is the band’s key to getting its message across deceivingly in a world of gratuitous radio-friendly pop that on the rarest of occasions has a moment of social stabbing.

Opener “Fresh” is an irresistible nugget of synth-rock that celebrates lust with a gnarly guitar. “What We Do’s” poignant jab at the automated and monotonous lifestyle that has come with technology has a hypnotic conveyor-belt beat that’ll surely make its way into iPods of gym jocks, regardless of the irony implied. “Please Baby Please” is a bubbly number about dependency issues. “Don’t Shoot (I’m a Man)” continues with the theme of the hopelessness of living in a monotonous society – only that its thick beat doesn’t make it seem like that much of a bad thing. “Sumthin’” is sure to raise a few eyebrows with its anti-imperialist message. Not-so-poppy “No Place Like Home’s” warning about technology replacing mankind excels in its melody and depth.

The other half of the songs (with the exception of the terrible “Cameo”) are also cool pop confections, though not as solid as those mentioned above. “Mind Games”, with its videogame beat, points out how love is an ever-changing riddle. “Human Rocket” implies that mankind’s destructive capabilities are equal to those of a rocket. “Step Up’s” cry to self-reflection lacks the musical oomph to place it among the album’s best. “Later Is Now”, on the other hand, is a synth extravaganza that could’ve used more care in the lyrics. “March On” is another synth parade that needs more convincing lyrics.

As you can see, Something for Everybody definitely doesn’t have something for everybody. What it does have is something for Devo fans and new wave/synth-rock fans that is quite pleasing because of its instrumental craft and lyrical bite. Devo proves with its latest album that it is an enduring entity that is entitled to bring to this era the quirkiness of the ’80s because they’re smart about the way they do it. Besides, nobody does it like Devo.

The 411: Something for Everybody is Devo’s strongest album in decades. If you’re a Devo fan hungry for new material then grab this album right away. If you know Devo only because of “Whip It” and think they’re just too weird for your taste, give this album a close listen and you’ll find out there’s something serious lying underneath. Don’t worry, it’s ok to like Devo.

Final Score:  8.0   [ Very Good ]