Example’s latest album entitled ‘Playing In The Shadows’ has definitely been a pleasant surprise. Combining rap with dubstep with electronica with pop, this album proves to be an absolute hit! 8/10

     1. Skies Don’t Lie

A perfect, eerie start to set the mood for this dark (hence the title) album. Quick melodies hold the chorus together along with Example inviting you into the album saying “just take my hand, don’t let go.”

     2. Stay Awake

The track starts with a summery feel under more sinister lyrics, “if we don’t kill ourselves, we’ll be the leaders of a messed up generation”. This then drops into an unexpected dubstep beat.

     3. Changed The Way You Kissed Me

The lead single off the album boasts cutting synths in the build up to a dramatic drop with Example rapping on the top. Definitely an incredible way to lead an album.

     4. The Way

A more laid back beat this time almost a mixture of La Roux and the Ting Tings on a bad day. A bit of a dip in quality on this track.

     5. Natural Disaster

The tune starts off with a piano building up to a half decent drop followed by a break where the music starts again sounding like something by Hot Chip. One of those hate it or love it tracks.

     6.  Never Had A Day

You cannot escape the fact it sounds like the soundtrack to a in-the-British-ghetto movie, however, there is something very reflective about this track. In this case it is a good thing.

     7. Microphone

As the song starts you begin to question whether it’s actually Example. The chorus comes around and it seems this song would be really useful at the gym. One of those just-crossed-the-finish-line songs.

     8. Playing In The Shadows

Undeniably my favourite off the album. Without doubt it is the most obscure song on the album yet it works so well. Mixing acoustic guitars with synthesizers leading to a dubstep drop creates a beautiful yet enigmatic atmosphere. Absolutely brilliant!

      9. Midnight Run

Produced by Feed Me, the beat to this track is not far from genius especially during the chorus. Also with catchy lyrics.

     10. Under The Influence

The intro is very mysterious and strange but the lyrics “I love being under the influence of you” completely change that eerie feel. As the verse drops into a dubstep beat it completely changes the mood again.

     11. Wrong In The Head

Describing scenes of “stumbling home” and “getting tapped like spinal” in the East End of London over a fast paced beat, this tune did make me chuckle a bit.

     12. Anything

You’d think this album would end on a bang but no it’s a “man-with-a-guitar” type song. Filled with guitar slides to “excite” the piece, it really it is a sad ending to an incredible album.