Blondie - The Curse Of Blondie (2003) - Review

Late career projects by iconic artists can be mediocre at best, and downright awful at worst. Yet, with “The Curse of Blondie”, the eponymous band scored another solid, albeit underrated album. 

Greatly ignored by the public on its initial release, aside from hit single “Good Boys”, the overarching sound of the record blends the characteristic pop rock of Blondie with retro and contemporary styles to varying but worthwhile results. 

Slinky synth-pop numbers (Good Boys, The Tingler, Undone, Diamond Bridge), have an irresistible disco groove recalling similar tracks on “Autoamerican”, while detours into nu metal (Last One in the World, Shakedown) and the experimental jazz fusion “Desire Brings Me Back” feel more hackneyed than endearing. 

Although Debbie Harry’s voice isn’t the ace in the hole it once was in the 70’s and 80’s, her now whisky soaked contralto only assists in magnifying the emotion of the material. Most exemplified in the powerful chorus of “Undone” and the haunting melodies in “Songs Of Love”.

In its complete form, “The Curse of Blondie” is an exemplar of great contemporary pop music, shrouded by the group’s seminal earlier work, perfectly displayed by its wide, eclectic, relevant palette of sound compared to the accustomed stagnation of late-era artists.