Handwritten

Comparissons can, have and will be made between The Gaslight Anthem, Springstein and the Clash. But ultimately THIS IS THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM NOT BRUCE SPRINGSTEIN OR THE CLASH. And to penalize the band for this reason is frankly, an illegitimate one.

With regard to the actual album it is somewhere in between the second ('59 Sound) and the third (American Slang) whilst not being as cutting/hard as the former and not as fast/punchy as the latter. While it took a while to grow on me I am more than impressed with the result.

The slower offerings on the album, Biloxi Parish (my favourite track), Mae and Too Much Blood that spring to mind complement the slightly more upbeat yet equally compelling single "45, Here Comes My Man, Howl and the titular Handwritten.

My overall opinion is that this is a well balanced, solid outing from a band still (hopefully) on an upward trend. If you get the chance to see them live I strongly suggest you take it!

I can appreciate the group trying to do something different, as I feel bands in their position are in a damned if you, damned if you don't situation.

For people looking for something outside the pop/synth of the current charts this is an excellent alternative.

If you like vintage bruce and the clash, this not the album for you. I really like there 2nd album and this is nothing like it. This outing is over produced and and not rockin.

This album is amazing....If you like Gaslight Anthem you will certainly appreciate this album. Each song tells its own story and the album is completely genuine. With regards to the idiotic review about comparisons to 'Bruce' - well its not meant to sound like Mr Springsteen, they are called Gaslight Anthem for a reason!!!

Great album and certainly dont think it should sit on here with 1 star so felt compelled to write a review to get the rating up. It may not be the most original music you've ever heard but they know what they do best and they have produced a classic sounding rock album.

I never write reviews but I couldn't bear this album only having one star because someone disliked it because it didn't sound like the clash, something Gaslight Anthem have tried to do. This album does sound different to the last two outings (the 59 sound and American Slang) but that is in no way a bad thing. I could go on about how I think this album is superb and probably the best album you'll hear all year but as any true Gaslight Anthem fan will already own this album that would be completely pointless. What I will say however is that this album is stunning and regardless of whether it sounds like Springsteen or not it is still a phenomenal piece of musical poetry,