Review of Sing Street (2016) by Jeff B — 19 Jul 2017

Still busking in the glory of Once, John Carney winningly and tunefully channels the MTV Generation through the optimistic lovestruck eyes of a band of Irish schoolmates.

In this PG-13-rated musical-dramedy, a Dublin boy (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) growing up during the 1980s escapes his strained family life by starting a band to impress a neighborhood girl (Lucy Boynton). If Carney didn't have such a gifted ear for music, Sing Street might be more of a dark alley. Having found fame writing and directing the organic love story-cum-musical Once, which went on to become a Broadway and album-selling hit as well, this former bassist and vocalist for a rock band still exhibits an enviable ability to find the perfect showcases for great original pop tunes. Basically, if he were an X-Man, his mutant power would be seek out killer songwriting. In a world where One-Hit-Wonders are lauded by music fans because it's so damn near impossible to make a catchy earworm, his soundtracks have now given us about 10 songs that are not only lightyears better than anything currently playing in the Top 40, but that also make perfect sense within the context of the films they reside. Take "Lost Stars" from Begin Again. Granted, it's much more polished than the naturalistic siren's song that is Once's "Falling Slowly" (which is ironic because Begin Again is about creating an album spontaneously), but it's an addictive confection that beautifully fits into the narrative.

For better and worse (far more better), his latest is just as polished. In fact, Sing Street is a tale as old as time and sometimes starts to feel it, but the hummable tunes and the infectiously charming cast keep the story seeming ridiculously fresh. Hope springs eternal in the hearts of these lads and it's damn near impossible not to get swept up in their enthusiasm, especially if you came of age in the 80s. Indeed, you can wonderfully chart the pop cultural shift of the decade through the changing musical tastes and styles of the young musicians. They move from emulating the jazz-synth drive of Joe Jackson's "Steppin' Out" to digging the synth-pop swell of Duran Duran's "Rio" to coveting the pop-punk party throw by The Jam's "Town Called Malice," each time delivering a damn-fine original to complement their influence. "Drive it Like You Stole It" remains a standout but there's really no plug nickel in this feelgood jukebox. Many guys have tried to get laid by starting a band but Sing Street's familiar story alternatively doesn't leave you feeling screwed.

To Sum it Up: Top of the Pups.