Razorlight

Razorlight's self-titled second album, released in 2006, marked a significant pivot from the 'spiky' post-punk revivalism of their debut, 'Up All Night'. Produced by Chris Thomas (known for his work with Roxy Music and The Beatles), the album moved toward a more refined, classic rock sound. This shift was highly successful commercially, yielding the UK number-one single 'America' and the ubiquitous 'In the Morning'. Sonically, the album is characterized by clean guitar tones, tighter arrangements, and a focus on anthemic choruses. While it alienated some early fans who preferred their raw beginnings, it solidified Johnny Borrell as a major, if polarizing, figure in British music. The recording process famously involved Borrell taking a more dominant creative role, resulting in a record that feels more like a singular vision of pop-rock stardom than a collaborative band effort. It remains their most commercially successful work, defining the peak of the mid-2000s indie-pop boom.