Golden Rule has become a typical Powderfinger album and a worthy finale: there's plenty to hear acoustic and electric guitars, the arrangements are well thought out and reveal only after repeated listening all the details, and there's a balance between rock and calmer tracks, and Bernard Fanning's distinctive voice gives the songs as often happens that certain something. Ever every song has something unique to offer characteristic. "Burn Your Name" is the emotional hit single with classic sing-along chorus, "Sail The Wildest Stretch" the obligatory ballad. "All of the Dreamers" is the rocking opener, "Poison in your mind" the unassuming gem. And in general there is little filler: "A Fight About Money" scores with its intersecting guitar riff, and "Iberian Dream" is a driving rock song with brass section, the Fanning wrote for his Spanish wife. "Jewel" could also fit on VULTURE STREET, while the ethereal sound of "Awake" is more reminiscent of ODYSSEY NUMBER FIVE. In a word, there is something for everyone, and in literally a beautiful journey through the "band-width". "Stand Yourself" is eingängier pop rock with not so merry lyrics before "Golden Rule" can suitably end with his melancholy the last Powderfinger Album again. I am delighted that the band (which always remained a secret in Europe, while they filled in their home stadiums) is a good last album has succeeded and you go apart in freunschaftlicher connectedness. Official Statement of the band is that they have delivered with GOLDEN RULE their best album, and nothing more to add or want. They have not so far wrong, I think.
Note: In the Australian import, there is still a bonus CD with live tracks, but I have my downloaded the MP3 version of the album and therefore can not comment.
