Coming back after a few years apart, Jenny Lewis and the gang have joined together to put together Under the Backlight. While the pitchforks and other critics engrossed in music snobbery (oh no, not here!) have been trashing the album as “too run-of-the-mill” or “too accessible”, I would venture to say that this is the most delightful product to come from Rilo Kiley yet. Maybe I’m a sucker for those 70s-disco riffs, or those lazy guitars, or the sweet siren song of a one Jenny Lewis–but I have found Under the Backlight utterly enjoyable. There’s nothing too complex about the formula used by RK–a lovely singer-songwriter, some indie spunk, and simple, catchy arrangements.

Some indie critics have and will label this album a “derivative”, but in the end I’m not sure that’s so bad. Sure, I’ve heard songs like “Silver Lining” before, but that’s not to say I don’t completely enjoy this summery, laid-back track. Tunes like “Dejalo” are clearly standouts, what with some Latino influences and Lewis’ oddly sounding Spanish. Or take a listen to “Give A Little Love”, which is just so sugary sweet that you’re going to need some water nearby to wash it all down. Lyrically, Under the Backlight doesn’t suffer either, which makes me wonder why this album hasn’t received the accolades it deserves. Perhaps it’s just that Rilo Kiley is creating songs that are simply less esoteric, or maybe (just maybe!) it’s that their widening appeal is turning off the original fans. Well I’ve got a question for all the naysayers: how can can you listen to an album when your heads are stuck in the sand?

Take my word and get yourself a copy of Under The Backlight.
Not sure? Listen to “Give A Little Love” (4.6/5)
Listen to “Dejalo” (4.75/5)