Guano Apes – Sunday Lover Album Review (2011)
Alright, let’s talk about Sunday Lover, the Guano Apes' comeback album from 2011. If you’re into alternative rock with a splash of pop and electronic vibes, this one might just hit the spot. Released across Finland, the UK, and Europe under labels like Sony Music and Columbia SevenOne Music, it's got that polished-but-edgy feel. The band clearly put their heart into this project, with credits showing Kai Blankenberg mastering it and producers like Arne Neurand and Tom Lord-Alge lending their magic touch to specific tracks.
Now, let’s break it down. There are some standout moments on this record, but two tracks really stuck with me: “Staring At The Sun” and “Sunday Lover.”
“Staring At The Sun” kicks things off strong. It’s got this raw energy mixed with catchy hooks—it feels like classic Guano Apes but with a modern twist. You can tell they were aiming for something anthemic here, and honestly? They nailed it. There’s this part where the guitars swell up and Sandra Nasić’s vocals just soar; it gives me chills every time I hear it. Plus, it’s one of those songs you can blast in your car or scream along to when life feels overwhelming.
Then there’s the title track, “Sunday Lover.” This one leans more into the electronic side of things, which is kinda unexpected but works surprisingly well. It’s smooth, almost hypnotic, and has this vibe that makes you wanna chill on a couch while also tapping your foot uncontrollably. The radio edit version strips it down a bit, but honestly, I prefer the full-length cut because it lets the layers breathe. Also, shoutout to whoever thought adding a “Making of Video” was a good idea—it adds an extra layer of connection to the song.
The rest of the album keeps things interesting too, though nothing else quite hits the same way as these two tracks. “Fire,” for example, brings back that edgy rock sound, but it doesn’t leave as lasting an impression. Still, it shows how versatile the band is—they’re not afraid to experiment within their genre.
What strikes me most about Sunday Lover is how it balances nostalgia with innovation. Longtime fans will recognize bits of the old Guano Apes charm, but at the same time, they’ve grown. Like, remember when you ran into an old friend after years apart, and they seemed kinda the same but also totally different? That’s what listening to this album feels like.
Oh, and here’s a random thought—how wild is it that this album came out over a decade ago? Feels like yesterday, right? Time flies when you're busy staring at suns and falling for Sunday lovers. Anyways, if you haven’t given this one a spin yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. Just don’t blame me if “Staring At The Sun” gets stuck in your head for days.
