As much as I like a good chunk of the record, it bothers me a lot that Nuno and Gary worked with outside writers on most of the tracks. No one in the media has brought that up (mostly because the "media" is full of too many bloggers these days who just want to kiss bands' ass, as opposed to asking actual questions) and I'm really disappointed that it is flying under the radar.
Why, after 15 years, did Nuno and Gary need to bring in some dudes to co-write their songs? I think they did it on a song on SdR, but Six is literally filled with outside writers working with them. That's just absolutely odd to me, given how great Nuno and Gary are as a songwriting team. Thoughts?
Count me in as perplexed.
Your thoughts on the media are spot on–Trunk had Nuno for an hour (and Beato did a solid two) and neither really dove into this topic. It's a shame, because while I disagree with the approach, a solid explanation might shift my perspective a bit.
As for why the band went down this road–the best I can figure is one of two reasons:
A: They sincerely thought that seeking some outside writers would infuse the album with a 'contemporary' edge that would aid them in whatever constitutes as 'airplay' these days.
B: They were at a creative crossroads (Nuno spoke about how they had been intermittently tracking for a decade), going in circles, and needed an outside perspective to help get things going.
If the reason is A, then I am really confused because no-one is going to confuse Extreme with Drake. These days, the best a band can do is put their best foot forward and hope their aging fanbase comes along for the ride.
I get that Nuno has the Rhianna connection, but there is nothing on this album that is going to cross over to pop radio.
If the reason is B, then I at least understand it a little bit better, as I have been in that situation myself many times.
Sometimes, especially when their are multiple creative forces, you get stuck in a stalemate and can't go forward because no one is on the same page. One guy wants it to sound 'modern,' one guy wants it sound 'retro,' and one guy wants to add a rapping part (I've literally been there...ugghh).
Still, I'd argue that an outside producer can provide this role, and the band can still keep the actual writing in house. I mean, this album kinda sounds awful, so perhaps an extra set of ears behind the mixing board is where they should've called in those favors.