The title of Belle and Sebastian’s A Bit of Previous is apt, as the songs consolidate the influences that the Scottish band has drawn on for their entire career.
The cover art, like that of their prior studio albums, is a monochromatic photograph, this time of young people—there are four different covers in all—pictured alongside specters of the past. Throughout the album’s 12 songs, Belle and Sebastian continue to do what they’ve always done best: expand on their inspirations from the past, including ‘60s soul and ‘80s Britpop.
Driven by propulsive acoustic guitar and presenting a glossier version of Belle and Sebastian’s early sound, “Young and Stupid” ends with a sample of a woman speaking: “You’re so small, nothing matters, so whatever.” She isn’t a nihilist, though, as she’s describing youth’s apparent freedom from consequences.
It’s a sentiment that’s echoed, in reverse, on “Unnecessary Drama,” where frontman Stuart Murdoch sings, “And it’s probably not surprising/You’re burning through your life/And if I had a second encore/I would probably do the same.”