In a world full of manufactured pop and forgettable songs, the Proclaimers give a refreshing injection of life into the world of music. Like all Proclaimers albums, this is raw, honest, energetic and sympathetic. Where it fails for me is not in the songwriting as there are some real gems in here but in the production. Edwyn Collins' production seems noisy and gritty and distorts the distinct vocal sounds of the brothers Reid. You will enjoy it and some songs are so tongue in cheek, they will make you smile but the production is a little irritating for me..

I bought this CD because I so enjoy The Proclaimers music. "Born Innocent" is another winner. One of the great things about Craig and Charlie Reid is their ability to write some songs that are hilariously sarcastic ("Hate My Love" and "Role Model") and others that are genuinely touching ("He's Just Like Me" and "No Doubt"). This is a must-have whether you already know and love The Proclaimers or just like really good, original music. I wish the group was more popular in the States, but I'll happily settle for purchasing any CDs they release. FYI, I saw them live in San Francisco two or three years ago, and they were great!

Not that they've been away, but it seems a lifetime since the two time pop sensation I'm Gonna Be stirred my spirit. Sure there's been a couple of discs inbetween but nothing seems to stick quite like the undeniably catchy Hate My Love. In fact their are several tracks that keep me pushing replay. When Charlie cries out "You meant it then..." behind Craig I want to run down the street kissing everyone. This album is a gem amidst the slew of corporate muck that we are inundated with during the first half of the year. Not content being a nostalgic act, they write of mid-life woes and joys yet manage to make it sway. I'm grateful they're grateful.

Got a copy of this at Proclaimers' recent show in Chicago. This is a band you should never pass on seing live if you get the chance, their shows are consistently great. Initially I was not as impressed with Born Innocent as with Persevere. But while Persevere smacks you like a left hook with its gutsy brilliance, Born Innocent comes across more subtle but more pleasing with each listen. The Proclaimers come across with depth in their witty, poignant commentary on society, relationships etc. and throw in a lively cover of "five o'clock world". Their music never grows stale.

Born in Scotland and raised on Rock & Roll, The Proclaimers are far from strangers to the international music community. The band centers around twin brothers Craig & Charlie Reed, highlighting their forceful vocal harmonies with acoustic guitar and accordion and drawing influence form traditional melodies. They shout and wail from the bottoms of their souls, vocals intertwining with their intimate connection to the audience. "Born Innocent" is the product of extensively touring Europe in 2003, capturing the Reed's charged live and shows; in London in April and May, and the Glasgow Carling Academy in October. Currently on another international tour, they will be promoting the album in the U.S. and Canada in March and April of 2004. The Proclaimers are known to the first generation of MTV followers as the brothers who wrote "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" in 1987. Brett Lemke