"Build a Rocket Boys!" is the fifth studio album by British alternative rock band Elbow. Released on March 7, 2011, the album was produced by Craig Potter, a member of the band.
The album maintains the band's signature sound: immersive production, engaging lyricism, and a mix of melancholy and hope. Lyrically, the album is flooded with reminiscences of frontman Guy Garvey's adolescent years in Bury, Greater Manchester. This focus presents a reflective mood, ruminating on themes like the passage of time, lost youth, and the challenges and joys of growing up.
The album includes several distinct singles such as "Lippy Kids" and "Neat Little Rows". Despite being less commercially successful than their previous album, "The Seldom Seen Kid," it received much critical acclaim. Critics appreciated its thematic cohesiveness and mood.
Significantly, "Build a Rocket Boys!" quickly gained recognition becoming a nominee in notable music awards including the Mercury Prize and the Brit Awards for Best British Group. The album’s title is thought to reflect the band's keynote to encourage younger generations to dream and aspire.
In terms of production, it followed a similar pattern as their previous releases, with the band recording in their own studio - Blueprint Studios in Salford. It was hailed for its innovative use of space and texture, blending rock elements with lush orchestrations.
Overall, "Build a Rocket Boys!" is an introspective, beautifully crafted journey into nostalgia, maturity, and the human experience.
