Siouxsie and the Banshees
Juju


4.0
excellent

Review

by CaptainHadouken USER (22 Reviews)
April 4th, 2013 | 173 replies


Release Date: 1981 | Tracklist

Review Summary: I heard a rumor

Driving eight hours leaves a lot of time open to listen to potential new favorites, or revisit old classics. This review regards the later of the two. While driving down a desolate interstate and jamming Juju, a simple thought occurred. I wonder if Siouxsie Sioux and Steven Severin realized when they met at a Roxy Music concert in September 1975, that those two would be part of arguably, one of the most influential Post-punk bands of all time. This reviewer believes that Siouxsie and the banshees achieved just that.

Siouxsie and the banshees Juju line-up

Siouxsie Siouxvocals, guitar on "Sin in My Heart"
Steven Severinbass guitar
Budgiedrums, percussion
John McGeochguitar

Juju is a slightly darker departure from their earlier material, and their previous effort Kaleidoscope. While still keeping to the post-punk feel and sound, Juju seems to be slowed down during some parts to help create the dark atmosphere the album radiates. This slightly slowed pace and toned down sound works well in Siouxsie and the Banshee's favor, as it keeps a consistent and dark tone throughout the album. It all seems as if the band knew the exact sound they wanted and crafted it nearly to perfection during recording and production.

The album's opener, Spellbound gives a fast pace for the start of the album, the chugging bass and guitar help excite the listener for this album, while other tracks such as Head Cut and Into the light Continue a fast pace, while tracks such as Monitor, Arabian Nights and Nightshift take the slowed down pace. None of the songs feel out of place on another note. It seems to be a good change of pace to go from a slower track to a more upbeat track to help keep the interest of the listener.

Siouxsie Sioux, and it is known that is not her real name, is the centerpiece of this album. Her haunting vocals and the tone of voice projected really is what makes the tone on this album work so well. The closing track, Voodoo Dolly Showcases her in one of the best vocal pieces on the album. Nearly every track on here shows Siouxsie having moments of brilliance. Not to take anything away from the other members, as they all add in to the success of Juju, There is, and always has been something amazing about Siouxsie's voice. If there is one thing that could be pointed out , one or two tracks seemed a little repetitive. Night shift, for example, seems to drag on a little longer than it should. Voodoo dolly can also be slightly long. It is a fascinating that to this reviewer, however, it could be seen as too long by another.

Over all this album remains a classic of post-punk music. I heard a rumor as to how good this album was, and the rumor was true. Siouxsie really put effort into Juju, and all of that shows by the finished product. If the listener or listeners want to great older post-punk rock to jam to, this is a solid pick.

Recommended Tracks

Spellbound
Arabian Knights
Voodoo Dolly
Sin in my Heart



Recent reviews by this author
Mercyful Fate In The ShadowsCZARFACE CZARFACE
Frank Sinatra Come Fly With MeSiouxsie and the Banshees Tinderbox
Morbid Angel Illud Divinum Insanus - The RemixesStarcastle Starcastle
user ratings (471)
4.2
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
KILL
April 4th 2013


81580 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

wow this finally got a review props

CaptainHadouken
April 4th 2013


1963 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Had Writer's block on this, but managed it out. still working on one for Tinderbox as well.

Trebor.
Emeritus
April 4th 2013


59976 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Now I don't have to review it sweet

CaptainHadouken
April 4th 2013


1963 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

lol nope, i have a list of stuff with now reviews, so usually i will go with what on that instead of trying to do rehashes of already reviewed stuff.

WeepingBanana
April 4th 2013


11394 Comments


lol treb finally gets what he wants

YankeeDudel
April 4th 2013


9342 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

captain you continue to please me



now keep reviewing all the albums on my classic album list and i will request you for admin

CaptainHadouken
April 4th 2013


1963 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Yeah had to drive a long way, and jammed it out, though was not able to write much at first. Writers block was dumb. lol I review whatever doesnt have one, so there are quite a few. It was good to hear this again.

WeepingBanana
April 4th 2013


11394 Comments


yeah reviewing already reviewed stuff is pretty pointless unless you disagree with the flagged review

CaptainHadouken
April 4th 2013


1963 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Yeah I have seen one or two, but there is stuff i would rather listen to and review over the shat ones i have seen.

VanSchuldiner
April 4th 2013


659 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Finally a review pos'd yaa this album rules

CaptainHadouken
April 4th 2013


1963 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Word, wow guess a lot of people wanted a review for this.

YankeeDudel
April 4th 2013


9342 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

well yea its a classic. thats the reason i made that "classic albums that need reviews" list



because there are so many damn classics on this site without a review.



you could have just mumbled jibberish during this whole thing and i woulda posd.

CaptainHadouken
April 4th 2013


1963 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Heh, almost did with writer's block. It managed to turn out half decent once my flow returned though.

WeepingBanana
April 5th 2013


11394 Comments


lol Crazy Rhythms still doesn't have a review

get on it cap

CaptainHadouken
April 5th 2013


1963 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

lol got a long list to get through, i'll work up to it.

Cygnatti
April 5th 2013


36114 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

"lol Crazy Rhythms still doesn't have a review"



Crazy Rhythms is too good.

WeepingBanana
April 5th 2013


11394 Comments


for a band that's consistently listed off as one of the most essential post-punk bands you think it'd have more votes

Cygnatti
April 5th 2013


36114 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

"for a band that's consistently listed off as one of the most essential post-punk bands you think it'd have more votes"



The Feelies are widely considered classic?

CaptainHadouken
April 5th 2013


1963 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Yeah, i wish they got a little more recognition. The only reason im lacking votes is because of the reviews still being written.

WeepingBanana
April 5th 2013


11394 Comments


they have like 2000-something votes on RYM idk



You have to be logged in to post a comment. Login | Create a Profile





STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS // CONTACT US

Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


Site Copyright 2005-2023 Sputnikmusic.com
All Album Reviews Displayed With Permission of Authors | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy