Memories... Do Not Open The Chainsmokers (Columbia) One star
The Chainsmokers wowed with their single Closer, and gave Coldplay a trendy EDM makeover on Something Just Like This. But high hopes for an entire album by DJ duo Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall have been dashed. This 12-track collection not only fails to break new ground, it spins its tyres into a deep hole. The songs begin with slow, moody piano that builds into monster synth beats, interrupted by periods of calm. This is thrilling once or twice – but formulaic and tiresome for a full album. The Chainsmokers are best when they let others sing, as with Emily Warren on Don't Say and Just My Type; Jhene Aiko on Wake Up Alone; and the Coldplay collaboration.
Standing still in EDM is dangerous. Other DJs are creating thrilling stuff, so to hear The Chainsmokers blowing the same old smoke is a real disappointment.
* Mark Kennedy / AP
