Jet - Get Born (2003)

One and a half decades ago, rock 'n' roll and hard rock weren't as popular as they have become today with the emergence of bands like Wolfmother, Airbourne and Greta van Fleet. Australian quartet Jet took everyone by surprise with its vibrant hommage to the genre's greatest bands from the Beatles to the Rolling Stones. Energetic hit single ''Are You Gonna Be My Girl'' was used in numerous commercials and has stood the test of time as it's still played regularly on the radio. The band's debut album Get Born has the same status as the first efforts of several bands the young Australians honoured back in those days. The quartet never managed to come close to its debut record's success and vanished after two rightfully overlooked successors. The band has reformed recently and unsurprisingly focuses on material from Get Born when playing shows without any intention to release new material so far.

One element that makes Get Born stand out is its balanced mixture of punchy hard rock tunes and heartfelt ballads. Ferocious opener ''Last Chance'' starts like a jam session but soon gets focused and delivers the goods in less than two energetic minutes. ''Take It or Leave It'' isn't much longer and quickens up the anger, energey and pace level with almost hysterical vocals that leave a lasting impression. ''Cold Hard Bitch'' is a tad bit slower but just as energetic with passionate screams and angry lyrics.

The quartet also offers several really beautiful quiet tunes. ''Look What You've Done'' is a harmonious piano rock ballad that would make both the Beatles and Elton John jealous and the wonderful music video featuring scenes of nature that comes along with is just as memorable. ''Lazy Gun'' does its title justice as it starts very slowly to become more and more emotional and leave the listener on a melancholic note. The airy, mysterious and almost otherworldly ballad ''Timothy'' is a grower that ends the record on an almost enigmatic note to be revisited over and over again.

This record that has sold more than three and a half million albums was recently reissued as deluxe edition with a second disc including three bonus songs, four demos and four live songs. This version isn't essential but a nice addition for those who are in love with the original album. It's great to have this album back in stores around the world for that occasion. 

Jet's music was already timeless back in the days and has stood the test of time. Whenever I feel like listening to rock 'n' roll or hard rock, this record is among my very first choices. It's a perfect fit for car rides or parties with my friends but also for more introspective and solitary moments. Everybody who is boarding the hype train around Greta van Fleet these days should check out Jet's Get Born which is still superior in every single aspect as youthful energy meets poignant references to classic rock music.