Description
Boomerang is the fourth album by the American alternative rock band Mad at the World, released on Alarma Records in 1991, a division of Frontline Music Group.
On each of its three previous efforts Mad at the World has defined itself by a unique set of popular music reference points – originally as a Depeche Mode-styled Euro-techno-pop band, complete with artificial accent. MATW then pursued the alternative moves of The Smiths, et al., before moving last time toward a hard rocking Cult-like guitar sound. ‘Boomerang’ finds MATW’s principals making its first album yet to follow logically with the sound of the previous effort. Here, brothers Roger and Randy Rose continue into straight ahead ’90s rock territory, leaning as much on Steppenwolf and other ’70s hard rock mainstays as any current music phenomenon. On this fourth album, we now get to know what Mad at the World really sounds like.
Lyrically the band continues to deal in a direct and honest fashion with the needs of young people in this culture, barraged by images and values deemed unsavory. Several tracks address issues of love and sexuality in a direct way. «Isn’t Sex a Wonderful Thing» discusses the way humanity has consistently misused the gift from God, while «The Ballad of Adam and Eve», a nice acoustic change of pace, speaks of the marital love for which the gift was intended. Other songs deal directly and indirectly with the loss of innocence throughout our culture, and the struggle in God’s grace to live in the fullness and know the love we were meant to experience.
Mad at the World has made a strong, hard-rocking album, but all the other records sounded good too. More importantly they’ve locked in on a sound that does the message justice. ‘Boomerang’ may come around again, and it’ll be welcome. [Brian Q. Newcomb, CCM, December 1991]
Retroactive Records Promo, 2024
Dive into the 1991 alternative rock landscape with MAD AT THE WORLD’s Boomerang, a pivotal album that marked the band’s evolution in musical style. This reissue, meticulously remastered by Rob Colwell, brings new life to the classic tracks that defined an era.
Boomerang showcases a rich variety of styles, each song with its unique theme and sound. From the high-energy opener «House of Sin» to the dark and atmospheric «If You Listen», the album vividly depicts themes of spiritual struggle and transformation.
Tracks like «Back to You» and «Don’t Give Up» highlight the band’s ability to craft memorable melodies and harmonies, with the latter drawing comparisons to the mid-90s rock vibe of Stone Temple Pilots. The poignant «Ballad of Adam and Eve» and the hard-hitting «Sunday» showcase the band’s versatility, from tender love themes to grittier, Alice In Chains-like tones. «Draggin’ the Chains», co-written by bassist Brent Gordon, delves into the depths of sin and redemption, offering powerful lyrics and a compelling narrative.
Perhaps the most controversial track, «Isn’t Sex a Wonderful Thing?» uses biting sarcasm to critique modern attitudes towards love and purity, reflecting the band’s fearless approach to challenging societal norms. The album closes with a robust reprise of «No More Innocence», transforming the original keyboard-driven track into a full-force rock anthem.
This reissue of Boomerang, part of Retroactive Records’ Legends Remastered Series, is limited to 200 units and comes in a stunning Boomerang Blue vinyl. This is the very first time the album has ever been released on vinyl, making it a must-have for collectors and fans. Experience one of the best Christian alternative albums ever, revitalized for a new generation of listeners.
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/boomerang/388545889)
CD tracklist:
01. House Of Sin – 2:34
02. If You Listen – 3:19
03. Back To You – 3:21
04. Don’t Give Up – 3:07
05. Ballad Of Adam And Eve – 3:33
06. Sunday – 3:08
07. Draggin’ The Chains – 4:11
08. All These Question – 4:31
09. Isn’t Sex A Wonderful Thing? – 4:47
10. No More Innocence (Reprise) – 4:04
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Alarma Records. Flowers in the Rain and Boomerang were later re-issued on one CD as a part of KMG’s Classic Archives Music Value Pak series. Remastered by Rob Colwell and re-issued by Retroactive Records in 2024 (through Limited Run Vinyl/Limited Run Music) on both CD and 12-inch vinyl LP pressed on Boomerang Blue Vinyl, as a part of the label’s Legends Remastered Series.
Boomerang, Remastered and pressed on Boomerang Blue Vinyl, Retroactive Records 2024.
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