It was impossible to miss the hype that surrounded Black Kids in 2007. After a highly acclaimed “Wizard of Ahhhs EP” that earned a best new music review stamp from Pitchforkmedia.com, the band had a lot to prove in 2008. To be fair to Black Kids, this was unfair expectation to put on their debut album. These expectations didn’t seem to phase Reggie Youngblood and the rest of Black Kids.

Each one of these songs could be legitimate singles. They are accessible and infectious. The energy in these songs does not go anywhere during your listen. The delivery of the songs provides an enjoyable listen with the duo male/female vocals that compliment each other excellently. You cannot help but sing along to the big chorus’s in tracks like “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You” and “I’ve Underestimated My Charm (Again)”.

This is not one of the deep albums of 2008, if you are looking for that give Fleet Foxes a listen. However, this is a fun record that you will go back to tons of times, even if you don’t know why. The backlash can live on (cough pitchfork), but it is part of the vicious hype machine.

Rating: 7.8

Listen to these songs now:

1. I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You
2. Listen To Your Body Tonight
3. I’m Making Eyes At You
4. Hurricane Jane

Buy Their CD

Enjoy the video for “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You”