For a band that embodies energy, originality, talent and diversity in its acclaimed debut album, it is hard to come back with a second album stronger than the first. Bands can easily fall into a trap when taking the giant leap from freshmen to sophomore album, but with Junior Senior's second album, Hey Hey My My Yo Yo, they face the hurdle head-on and accomplish the task successfully since they are already inherently diverse in their music.
Junior Senior's debut album D-D-Don't Stop the Beat breathed fresh air with its incredibly different sound. The Danish duo, Jesper Mortensen (Junior) and Jeppe Laursen (Senior), use elements of '60s pop, soul, dance, hip-hop, disco, Motown and rock 'n' roll to create a captivating, innovative album. Their biggest hit, 'Move Your Feet,' illustrated what they could do with their sound and how they could blend and manipulate different musical genres and make them work well together.
While Junior Senior's second release covers similar genres established from their first album, they are able to alter their distinctive sound and build upon what they already have created. Junior Senior keeps up the same antics they established on Stop the Beat'such as the band's banter to each other and the listener.
As a whole, Hey Hey My My Yo Yo is stronger than their debut, but unfortunately none of the individual tracks beat 'Move Your Feet.' It is a record filled with dance beats, high energy and insightful instrumentation. In true Junior Senior style they contemplate love, relationships and lust in memorable, ballad-like tracks. Complementing these ballads are tracks designated purely for dancing and celebrating music.
The first track, 'Hello,' is layered with synths and handclaps. It welcomes listeners to their 'big comeback' and sets the up-beat tempo and enthusiastic mood for the entire album. It sets the pace and quickly fades into 'Hip Hop a Lula,' which is the most energetic, danceable track on the record, and this track comes the closest to 'Move Your Feet.'
Hey Hey My My Yo Yo is definitely vocally driven as the band can alter their voices to serve as instruments and create beats. Junior Senior is not afraid to have guest female vocalists sing on a number of tracks, which helps keep the album fresh, full and complements their work. On 'Take my Time,' B-52s Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson guest, which fits in perfectly with Junior Senior's musical style. Le Tigre, who has collaborated with Junior Senior in the past, add their vocals, which spice up the latest record.
Even though this is merely their sophomore attempt, Junior Senior remains true to its name, as Hey Hey My My Yo Yo has surpassed sophomore standing to seniority status. Junior Senior is one of those bands that celebrates music and can provide something of interest to music lovers of any genre since they create fun, carefree, positive, up-beat and unforgettable melodies.
