Leaders of the Free World

Released in September 2005 in the U.K. and in February 2006 in the U.S., Leaders of the Free World was entirely self-produced at Blueprint Studios in Manchester, England. All the songs were written by Elbow, and lead singer Guy Garvey wrote the lyrics. “Forget Myself” and the title track were released as singles in the U.K., while in the U.S., the band settled for alternative rock status. Reviews were largely ecstatic. Garvey’s lyrical wit—which toys with his cynicism—adds another brilliant dimension to songs that go well beyond their lineup of two guitars and keyboards. While there’s still a gorgeously somber moment in “The Stops” and a laid-back glam to “An Imagined Affair” and “Great Expectations,” the upright confidence behind “Station Approach” and “Forget Myself” and the impatient politics of “Leaders of the Free World” make Elbow one of the best bands of the new century in terms of promise and of delivering on that promise.