The Prodigy’s ‘Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned’: A 20th Anniversary Reissue
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After years of being out of print, The Prodigy has reissued their third album, “Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned,” just in time for its 20th anniversary. This album, produced by the iconic Liam Howlett, delivers a punch with its hook-laden tracks and marks a return to the gritty, bass-heavy sounds that defined the British rave scene.
Maintaining their signature fusion of rock and electronic music, The Prodigy continues to bridge the gap between genres with unrelenting energy. This reissue is a reminder of the band’s unique ability to blend raw rock elements with pulsating dance beats, a hallmark of their sound that has captivated fans for decades.
The album features notable contributions, including Hollywood actress Juliette Lewis, who channels a PJ Harvey-esque vibe on the standout track “Hot Ride.” This energetic number captures the venomous spirit of The Prodigy’s earlier work, showcasing Lewis’s dynamic vocal performance.
Lewis’s influence extends to the album’s opening track, “Spitfire,” where her alluring sighs contrast with the menacing bassline and wailing sirens, setting a sinister tone. The album closes with a bang, featuring the Gallagher brothers of Oasis fame. Liam Gallagher provides vocals while Noel Gallagher plays bass on “Shoot Down,” a track that hints at Oasis’s punk potential when pushed.
“Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned” also sees Liam Howlett collaborating with Kool Keith on “Wake Up Call,” creating a sturdy foil to the exuberant raps and old-school hip-hop beats of “Girls,” which features disco-punk outfit The Ping Pong Bitches. These collaborations highlight The Prodigy’s willingness to experiment and push their sound in new directions.
Despite some fans lamenting the absence of Keith Flint’s ghoulish presence, the album retains the irrepressible flair that The Prodigy is known for. Flint, who became a cultural icon with his pierced face and spiky hair, famously horrified audiences with “Firestarter” on Top of the Pops. His absence does not diminish the album’s impact, which remains a storm of apt samples, grumbling percussion, and memorable riffs.
While “Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned” may not possess the immediate malice of earlier releases, it stands as a testament to The Prodigy’s enduring ability to innovate within their established formula of dance and punk. The album’s reissue reaffirms their place in the music landscape, even as newer acts continue to raise the bar.
The 20th-anniversary reissue of “Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned” showcases The Prodigy’s talent for blending rock and electronic music into a cohesive, energetic package. The album’s mix of high-profile collaborations and experimental sounds ensures that it remains a vital part of The Prodigy’s discography, proving that their music still resonates with fans old and new.
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