It's perhaps inevitable that Keane's debut album, Hopes and Fears, will draw numerous comparisons to Coldplay. Like them, Keane were discovered by indie label Fierce Panda, who released a single ("Everybody's Changing"). And, like Coldplay, Keane also do a fine trade in catchy and heartfelt indie-pop, all bruised verses and soaring choruses. But though their sound is sure to please fans of Coldplay and Travis, the reality is that Keane manage to sound that little bit more delicate. This could be due to the band's relatively unusual makeup: rather than guitars, the trio uses a piano.

At its best, Hopes and Fears is reminiscent of Bends-era Radiohead, and singer Tom Chaplin's voice is closer to Thom Yorke's falsetto than Chris Martin's cracked whine. On tracks such as the hit single, "Somewhere Only We Know" they manage to squeeze an epic-sounding poignancy from their stripped-down sound (a lot of this is due to the album's superb production). Across 10 tracks, all this slow-burning melancholy skates a bit close to self-indulgence, and you can't help but wish they'd rock out a bit. But Hopes and Fears is still a remarkable and surprisingly mature debut album from a young band with a bright future. --Robert Burrow

This is a different album from their second one, with a sound that's slower, with more ballads than Under the Iron Sea.

Since I haven't paid exact attention to some tracks, I'll do a "key lyrics" type review - with my favorites on the album, which are quite a few.

Somewhere Only We Know - the single. This song is midtempo, but has emotional lyrics which can make an effect on you later in life. Great for those who like to "escape the world" and stay in a little hideout that "only you know".
Key lyric: "I walked across, a fallen tree, I felt the branches are they looking at me? Is this the place, we used to love, is this the place that we've been dreaming of?"

This is the Last Time - I didn't like this song before because it was a bit loud for me - but gradually I looked at the lyrics and it's my new favorite now! Great for those who let people "lean on them" mentally.
Key lyric: "The last time, you fall on me for anything you like."

We Might As Well be Strangers - It isn't the lyrics that make this song, but the basslines and power balladry. Powered with a good subwoofer, the bass just POUNDS out. For those who are in a tough relationship crisis.
Key lyric: "I don't understand your heart - it's easier to be apart."

Everybody's Changing - Another power-driven song. About changes in people. Good for those going through changes in life.
Key lyric: "You say you wander your own way, but when I think about it I don't see how you can."

Your Eyes Open - It's the simplicity and beauty of the chorus that makes this song. Nice and relaxing - for those who are truly seeing another person in another light.
Key lyric: "I don't know you, I don't want to till the moment your eyes open and you know all the things I ever wanted you to know."

Can't Stop Now - Power rocksong. The melody and musicality, especially Rice-Oxley's power piano are amazing. As with the bass - simply phenomenal. For those in a rush and are feeling bad about letting others down about their promises because of that rush.
Key lyric: "And I can't slow down, for no one in town, and I can't stop now, for no one."

Sunshine - I just like it. So...bizarrely interesting!
Key lyric: "Can anyone find their home?"

Bedshaped - Perfect - musically brilliant, instrumentally perfect, technically amazing, vocally stunning and lyrically beautiful. if this was out of 10 I'd give it 10/10. Great for those tired of a relationship but are getting back together with their partner. Rice-Oxley has crafted an ethereal melody which is nice and slow, Chaplin reaches a great high register with straining his voice which can be a bit hard on the ears to me, and that bass drum from Hughes goes great with a subwoofer.
Key lyric: "But what do I know? What do I kno-ow? I know."

BONUS

I got the special DVD edition, so there is one more track which is actually my favorite
Snowed Under: Upbeat, but it's the most relevant song I've ever heard, and is absolutely perfect in every way. As an album closer it's actually like Pt. 2 of Bedshaped, because it ends the album for me on a high note, like the sun coming out after a storm. The end is just where it belongs - it's be out of place anywhere else. PHENOMENAL bass thump, drum beat and the best piano on the album - tied with Bedshaped. It's about letting insults after a relationship or hard words bounce right off you.
Key lyricS:
"I don't know why I waste my time, getting hung up about the things you say when I open my eyes and it's a lovely day."

"Now you think that you're alo-ne, and you make your way back ho-me. I'd love to greet the weary traveler, but your time has gone and I'm glad it's over."

THANKS!

I've heard good things about Keane, and had heard the debut single "Somewhere Only We Know". I finally got around to giving "Hopes and Fears" a good few listens, and for me it just boils down to this: this is musical wallpaper for the uncritical listener's lifestyle schemata. It's safe mid-tempo rock music that all sounds perfect, it's been auto-tuned and beat-corrected and tweaked within an inch of its life, with soaring melodies by a singer who can obviously sing but who's voice lacks a distinctive character (unlike Bono, or Thom Yorke, or even Jeff Buckley) that sets him apart from a throng of imitators.

Proclamations of wonder about the fact that there aren't guitars and it still sounds great are pretty pointless, because drums and vocals are so dominant in this kind of music... turn the volume down real low and see what you hear... vocals and drums. It would be far more impressive if they could have a massive hit with guitar, keyboards and bass and took away the drums. The recording studio (and producer, engineer, mixing engineer) should get a cut of the profits from this, actually, it's SO important to the sound of this record.

Anyway, kudos to Keane for sticking it out and to the main songwriter for not joining Coldplay when he had the chance long before this record came out. Their efforts have paid off, and I'm always glad when musicians can make a living at their craft. I just hope they invest wisely, in case they don't last.

I highly recommend getting this cd - every song is worth listening to, over and over again. It is that good. All relatable lyrics and the melodies are fantastic. A must have in any ipod/mp3...

I have just recently discovered Keane and love their music. After listening to song samples on Amazon I decided to buy this one as my first CD of theirs but will buy more I'm sure.

This CD has so many great songs, not your typical one or two hits. It's so worth it -- I'm looking forward to purchasing their other CDs!