I'm calling this review a "Part 1" because I feel like I need more time to truly get into and understand the new blink-182 album, but I can't ignore that it was released today. I'd feel like a failure if I didn't post something. I'm going to start off by saying that I won't prejudice this blog by overtly revealing who my favorite band is, but if you can't guess it after this blog...
Anyway, I was unfortunately too young when albums like Dude Ranch (1997) and Enema of the State (1999) came out to actually make my own decisions about music and buy my own records. However, I can imagine this is how it went. With Dude Ranch, people who knew about the album probably thought, Wow! what a great punk rock album. And Dammit? One of the greatest punk songs ever. I wonder where this band will go from here. Then came Enema of the State, and I bet people thought, Oh my God. They got better! AND they got a pop punk hit on Top 40 radio! A game-changer, for sure. And their concerts were great, and the blink boys were hilarious, and thus a star was born.
But, like most bands, I bet people thought their records wouldn't get better, wouldn't progress. Most bands don't after all; after coming out with an iconic album, they might have some more great albums, but never up to par with the one that made them famous. But then there was Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2001). And while hits like Rock Show and First Date sounded like they probably could have been included in Enema, Stay Together for the Kids absolutely rocked my world. Add in the rest of the songs on the record, and this album was somehow, crazily, another icon in the pop punk/alt punk genre. At this point, most people were probably thinking, Well this is it. There is absolutely NO WAY they can get better.
And then...self-titled. With this album, I personally feel that blink-182 rose above their pop punk roots (in a good way) and showed the world what they were really made of, and what they had learned from their past albums. For me, this is my favorite album of all time. No one could seem to classify this album, and I read a lot of reviews because I was trying to figure it out myself. It wasn't really punk anymore, but what was it? It was like they took punk and twisted its arm until it spit out its absolute best elements; then they added in their impressive songwriting and musical imagination, and came out with something indescribable. This album, it turned out, would actually be blink's legacy in the eyes of many people.
So when blink-182 broke up and devastated millions of teens and 20-somethings, I was mostly upset because I didn't think I would ever hear anything comparable to that album ever again. From anyone.
Needless to say, all these ramblings have been leading up to Neighborhoods--the very first blink-182 album to come out since the eponymous record. Does it live up to the extraordinarily high expectations? The expectations placed on it by fans, critics, and the record label? Could this be the album that inspires masses of youth to start listening to blink? In my honest opinion...it could. I'm not saying it will, but it has that potential. Its another game-changer, mixing Tom's space rock with some of Mark's indie and Travis' hip-hop. I'm not sure that every song will be a hit, a fan favorite, but there are some real gems on there. In my initial run-throughs, I love "After Midnight," "Hearts All Gone," and of course "Up All Night." I've also been drawn to "Even If She Falls," although I definitely haven't disliked any of the songs yet either.
So are you wondering if its good enough? Give it a listen. If it doesn't have you convinced to keep listening by the first few tracks, then you might not really like blink, or rock in general, because I think this album is the eventual progression from their past. Oh, and to those upset, saying blink-182 is a sellout? A sellout continues to make the same music over and over to please their fans and make money without really trying to do anything new, or real. Blink-182, on the other hand, is always progressing, and not worrying about what anyone thinks--and not so shockingly, it has always worked out for them, and probably always will.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Bad Habits
So this summer at Warped Tour, I was lucky enough to not only catch Every Avenue's set, but also get my ticket signed by them. I got to their tent just in time...to realize I had forgotten both my EA albums. Also, I wasn't allowed to take a picture with them. Is that a joke? Sigh. It would have made a great profile picture...
So, even though I got no picture and no albums signed, I still think Every Avenue is awesome and obviously bought Bad Habits. And after I could bear to remove A Day to Remember from my CD player, it was the first thing I listened to. I was really surprised, in a good way. The first song, "Tie Me Down" assuaged all my fears that Every Avenue may have changed. I didn't want them to go with that trend of auto-tune and sounding ever more poppy...not going to mention any names...
But the album is really, really good. "Tie Me Down" is the lead in to what is definitely tied for my favorite song on the album: "Whatever Happened to You." With this song, listeners are introduced to a different aspect of Dave Strauchman's voice; he is nearly screaming during these verses, and I love it; it has so much feeling. Then "There Tonight" comes in, and its a change from the past two songs, which is great--keeps life interesting. "Fall Apart" is also a favorite of mine from this album and is so catchy, I couldn't get it out of my head even before I really knew the words. How annoying!
"No One But You" is a good song, although it was a little anticlimactic; the verses were a lot better than the chorus. However, it doesn't matter because "Only Place I Call Home" comes next. Basically, it has the impact of getting punched in the face, but feels as good as the first day of spring. The chorus is a great complementing contrast to the verses, and Dave's falsetto is better than expected. He really pushes his voice and shows his talent through the whole chorus. "Someday Somehow" is also a really good song, and I like the lyrics and the meaning behind them (however, the lyrics are about staying home and not touring, which scares me a little). "Hit Me Where It Hurts" is catchy, as is "Watch the World." The real gem towards the end of the album, though, is "I Can't Not Love You." This song is actually soulful. I love the piano, and the vocals, and the songwriting...its such a positive step from their last slow-down, "Between You and I," and that song was really pretty good to begin with.
In conclusion, this album definitely borders more on rock, and slightly punk, than pop. I think its great, and a surprising album after the release of Picture Perfect. My favorite Every Avenue song up to this point has always been "Empty Room," but I might have to revise that decision after listening to this album a few more times. Shout out to Dave's mega-talented voice, and the rest of the guys for the awesome contributions in guitars, percussion, and songwriting. (Also, shout out to Joshua Withenshaw, who was especially nice when I met the band this summer--fans always remember that.)
Overall, great job on Bad Habits. I'm recommending this album to anyone who likes music, or just general happiness.
So, even though I got no picture and no albums signed, I still think Every Avenue is awesome and obviously bought Bad Habits. And after I could bear to remove A Day to Remember from my CD player, it was the first thing I listened to. I was really surprised, in a good way. The first song, "Tie Me Down" assuaged all my fears that Every Avenue may have changed. I didn't want them to go with that trend of auto-tune and sounding ever more poppy...not going to mention any names...
But the album is really, really good. "Tie Me Down" is the lead in to what is definitely tied for my favorite song on the album: "Whatever Happened to You." With this song, listeners are introduced to a different aspect of Dave Strauchman's voice; he is nearly screaming during these verses, and I love it; it has so much feeling. Then "There Tonight" comes in, and its a change from the past two songs, which is great--keeps life interesting. "Fall Apart" is also a favorite of mine from this album and is so catchy, I couldn't get it out of my head even before I really knew the words. How annoying!
"No One But You" is a good song, although it was a little anticlimactic; the verses were a lot better than the chorus. However, it doesn't matter because "Only Place I Call Home" comes next. Basically, it has the impact of getting punched in the face, but feels as good as the first day of spring. The chorus is a great complementing contrast to the verses, and Dave's falsetto is better than expected. He really pushes his voice and shows his talent through the whole chorus. "Someday Somehow" is also a really good song, and I like the lyrics and the meaning behind them (however, the lyrics are about staying home and not touring, which scares me a little). "Hit Me Where It Hurts" is catchy, as is "Watch the World." The real gem towards the end of the album, though, is "I Can't Not Love You." This song is actually soulful. I love the piano, and the vocals, and the songwriting...its such a positive step from their last slow-down, "Between You and I," and that song was really pretty good to begin with.
In conclusion, this album definitely borders more on rock, and slightly punk, than pop. I think its great, and a surprising album after the release of Picture Perfect. My favorite Every Avenue song up to this point has always been "Empty Room," but I might have to revise that decision after listening to this album a few more times. Shout out to Dave's mega-talented voice, and the rest of the guys for the awesome contributions in guitars, percussion, and songwriting. (Also, shout out to Joshua Withenshaw, who was especially nice when I met the band this summer--fans always remember that.)
Overall, great job on Bad Habits. I'm recommending this album to anyone who likes music, or just general happiness.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Tell All Your Friends to Get the New Album.
"It doesn't feel a thing like falling." Actually, when I fell in love with Taking Back Sunday's latest album, it did feel a little bit like falling...like falling off a cliff and landing in a refreshing pool of great music.
I had honestly lost a little faith in Taking Back Sunday after New Again. It did have some good songs, but as a whole was not up to par with their previous releases. Then, a friend who is an avid TBS fan informed me earlier this year that they were back to their original line-up; I was so excited I may or may not have listened to Tell All Your Friends for the entire next week. The same guy loaned me their new self-titled release when it came out, and I remember tentatively placing it in my car's CD player the next morning. This was one album I was actually worried about not liking--I needed Taking Back Sunday back in my life.
Well, I didn't need to worry. "El Paso" hit me like a ton of bricks. The slow verses and screaming choruses actually remind me a little bit of Nirvana, and show a really mature quality to Adam Lazzara's voice. The next song on the album is "Faith (When I Let You Down)," and I found the lyrics incredible. I interpret it as a really cool love song: "Don't lose your faith in me...I'm not going anywhere!" John Nolan in the background along with the chorus of voices at the beginning and end also give this song a really spectacular quality.
Luckily, I had already bought a ticket to their headlining tour, because even after these first two songs I was so excited. I only made it through the first four songs on my way to work that morning, and I was kicking myself the whole day for not uploading it to my iPod so I could keep listening. I did manage to listen to the whole album that night...and the next day, and the next...
If I had to pick other favorites from the album, my choices would be "It Doesn't Feel a Thing like Falling," "This is All Now," and "Since You're Gone." In the latter, Lazzara puts so much feeling into the choruses; it paints a clear picture of a man in pain about someone. Also, "Falling" has the best guitar intro, in case you were wondering.
All in all, you can't go wrong with this album. Every single song is above average, and most reach the status of being great. Taking Back Sunday shows their maturity with this album, but still incorporates so many of the aspects that gained them most of their fans in the first place. Nolan's back-up vocals are again the perfect accompaniment to Lazzara; TBS's affinity for using multiple voices in songs has always been one of my favorite things about them. Maybe the best part about this album is that it belongs on the shelves of all rock fans--not just the punk rock fanatics anymore.
Also, as a side note, they are fantastic live. They have so much fun and get the crowd involved, but they don't lose track of playing the music well. When I went, Lazzara crowd surfed all the way to the back of the room and up to the front again. I had my hand on his shoulder for part of "Cute Without the E," and it was probably the best concert experience of my life. And if you've never seen him do his signature microphone swinging, you need to put "attending a Taking Back Sunday concert" at the top of your to-do list. I went so crazy at the concert I was dehydrated and sick for a week, and my phone was water damaged from sweat. Worth it.
I had honestly lost a little faith in Taking Back Sunday after New Again. It did have some good songs, but as a whole was not up to par with their previous releases. Then, a friend who is an avid TBS fan informed me earlier this year that they were back to their original line-up; I was so excited I may or may not have listened to Tell All Your Friends for the entire next week. The same guy loaned me their new self-titled release when it came out, and I remember tentatively placing it in my car's CD player the next morning. This was one album I was actually worried about not liking--I needed Taking Back Sunday back in my life.
Well, I didn't need to worry. "El Paso" hit me like a ton of bricks. The slow verses and screaming choruses actually remind me a little bit of Nirvana, and show a really mature quality to Adam Lazzara's voice. The next song on the album is "Faith (When I Let You Down)," and I found the lyrics incredible. I interpret it as a really cool love song: "Don't lose your faith in me...I'm not going anywhere!" John Nolan in the background along with the chorus of voices at the beginning and end also give this song a really spectacular quality.
Luckily, I had already bought a ticket to their headlining tour, because even after these first two songs I was so excited. I only made it through the first four songs on my way to work that morning, and I was kicking myself the whole day for not uploading it to my iPod so I could keep listening. I did manage to listen to the whole album that night...and the next day, and the next...
If I had to pick other favorites from the album, my choices would be "It Doesn't Feel a Thing like Falling," "This is All Now," and "Since You're Gone." In the latter, Lazzara puts so much feeling into the choruses; it paints a clear picture of a man in pain about someone. Also, "Falling" has the best guitar intro, in case you were wondering.
All in all, you can't go wrong with this album. Every single song is above average, and most reach the status of being great. Taking Back Sunday shows their maturity with this album, but still incorporates so many of the aspects that gained them most of their fans in the first place. Nolan's back-up vocals are again the perfect accompaniment to Lazzara; TBS's affinity for using multiple voices in songs has always been one of my favorite things about them. Maybe the best part about this album is that it belongs on the shelves of all rock fans--not just the punk rock fanatics anymore.
Also, as a side note, they are fantastic live. They have so much fun and get the crowd involved, but they don't lose track of playing the music well. When I went, Lazzara crowd surfed all the way to the back of the room and up to the front again. I had my hand on his shoulder for part of "Cute Without the E," and it was probably the best concert experience of my life. And if you've never seen him do his signature microphone swinging, you need to put "attending a Taking Back Sunday concert" at the top of your to-do list. I went so crazy at the concert I was dehydrated and sick for a week, and my phone was water damaged from sweat. Worth it.
Friday, September 16, 2011
A "We the Kings" State of Mind
My background on We the Kings music began a couple of years ago, when I heard they were coming to my college campus to play a free show. I had previously only vaguely heard their radio hit "Check Yes Juliet," but I figured a show is a show. I turned to YouTube for help, and the first hit that came up when I searched "We the Kings" was some song called "Skyway Avenue."
I listened to "Skyway Avenue" all the way through, and afterwards just sat at my desk with my mouth hanging open. Replay! Replay!! I couldn't believe what I was hearing--how was I such a newcomer to such a great band?! The next night I went to the free show, caught the pick Travis Clark used when they played "Skyway Avenue," and to this day its hanging on the wall I'm facing as I type this--and that song is still in my Top 10 favorite songs of all time. (Pretty hard list to make when blink-182 alone takes 3 of those spots.)
After that night, I listened to the self-titled album over and over. I was definitely a fan, and bought Smile Kid when it came out. I would be lying if I said I didn't like that album; it has some great songs, specifically "The Story of Your Life" and "Anna Maria." I maybe wasn't as crazy about Smile Kid as I was about the self-titled album, but I thought hey! every band changes.
Also, at this point, I'd heard enough We the Kings to convince me that nobody, ever, has incorporated the bridges that WTK does, and seems to put in almost every song. Its truly insane. They change keys, they get heavier, and sometimes the lyrics even get deeper. And I think that's what saving me from crossing the line with Sunshine State of Mind--the line between liking it and just feeling blah about it.
This album is catchy. Its poppy. Its super, super polished. And its...sort of lacking in substance. I wish I could say I wasn't expecting it. We the Kings is a great, incredibly talented band, but in my honest opinion, I think they need to go back to their roots if they want to stay as successful as they are currently. "Check Yes Juliet" caught everyone's attention, as did "We'll Be A Dream." These may have been more pop hits than alternative or punk rock, but I can guarantee the kids standing front row at your shows are also waiting for your less commercial hits, too.
I know that "Friday is Forever" is the headlining single from this album, but I've heard them do better. However, the album isn't bad, and while not groundbreaking, I think most would definitely find it somewhat enjoyable. I particularly like the slow tune, "The View From Here," and also "Kiss Me Last," "Somebody to Call My Own," "Say You Like Me," and "The Secret to New York." Most of the ones I like include a great bridge--again, how do you do that? The slowdown in the bridge during "Secret to New York" might be my favorite moment on the whole album. If you are into the type of pop-inspired, immediately catchy, ready-for-radio tunes, then you'll probably be into this album; its just not my cup of tea.
I love the We the Kings and I want to see them succeed and get even more popular, so that's why I feel the need to dole out a little bit of tough love. They need to start focusing on their next album, and instead of going even more pop and commercial, they need to regroup and come out with another great album. My bottom line is, don't be afraid to push the boundaries--playing in safe territory is not going to get you that next definitive album or song. I think some bands reach fame and have all these amazing fans, and they forget which albums and songs made them famous in the first place. We the Kings: you are a great, talented band who I'm rooting for--for your next album, I am hoping you release something that lives up to what I've come to expect from you.
I listened to "Skyway Avenue" all the way through, and afterwards just sat at my desk with my mouth hanging open. Replay! Replay!! I couldn't believe what I was hearing--how was I such a newcomer to such a great band?! The next night I went to the free show, caught the pick Travis Clark used when they played "Skyway Avenue," and to this day its hanging on the wall I'm facing as I type this--and that song is still in my Top 10 favorite songs of all time. (Pretty hard list to make when blink-182 alone takes 3 of those spots.)
After that night, I listened to the self-titled album over and over. I was definitely a fan, and bought Smile Kid when it came out. I would be lying if I said I didn't like that album; it has some great songs, specifically "The Story of Your Life" and "Anna Maria." I maybe wasn't as crazy about Smile Kid as I was about the self-titled album, but I thought hey! every band changes.
Also, at this point, I'd heard enough We the Kings to convince me that nobody, ever, has incorporated the bridges that WTK does, and seems to put in almost every song. Its truly insane. They change keys, they get heavier, and sometimes the lyrics even get deeper. And I think that's what saving me from crossing the line with Sunshine State of Mind--the line between liking it and just feeling blah about it.
This album is catchy. Its poppy. Its super, super polished. And its...sort of lacking in substance. I wish I could say I wasn't expecting it. We the Kings is a great, incredibly talented band, but in my honest opinion, I think they need to go back to their roots if they want to stay as successful as they are currently. "Check Yes Juliet" caught everyone's attention, as did "We'll Be A Dream." These may have been more pop hits than alternative or punk rock, but I can guarantee the kids standing front row at your shows are also waiting for your less commercial hits, too.
I know that "Friday is Forever" is the headlining single from this album, but I've heard them do better. However, the album isn't bad, and while not groundbreaking, I think most would definitely find it somewhat enjoyable. I particularly like the slow tune, "The View From Here," and also "Kiss Me Last," "Somebody to Call My Own," "Say You Like Me," and "The Secret to New York." Most of the ones I like include a great bridge--again, how do you do that? The slowdown in the bridge during "Secret to New York" might be my favorite moment on the whole album. If you are into the type of pop-inspired, immediately catchy, ready-for-radio tunes, then you'll probably be into this album; its just not my cup of tea.
I love the We the Kings and I want to see them succeed and get even more popular, so that's why I feel the need to dole out a little bit of tough love. They need to start focusing on their next album, and instead of going even more pop and commercial, they need to regroup and come out with another great album. My bottom line is, don't be afraid to push the boundaries--playing in safe territory is not going to get you that next definitive album or song. I think some bands reach fame and have all these amazing fans, and they forget which albums and songs made them famous in the first place. We the Kings: you are a great, talented band who I'm rooting for--for your next album, I am hoping you release something that lives up to what I've come to expect from you.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
I'm Through Thinking
"Do you remember when I said you were my Only One?" I do. I remember rocking out to that like it was yesterday. Actually, it probably was yesterday.
When you're through thinking about whether you should listen to Yellowcard's latest album...say yes. Now, I realize this album isn't brand new, but it has come to my attention that not enough people have given this album a listen. Even some people proclaiming themselves die-hard YC fans haven't even checked it out. Really?! So I'm going to review it anyway. Deal with it.
Let's start off by saying that while there were definitely great songs on Lights and Sounds and Paper Walls, I didn't think either album as a whole was spectacular. I still listen to them frequently (if i want violin rock, where else am I supposed to turn?) but it is obvious that the small time-out Yellowcard took was beneficial.
My favorite song on the whole entire album is "With You Around." This song alone makes the album worthwhile...and makes me wonder which Saves the Day record they're talking about. (Hence, it was mighty disappointing this spring when they played "Hang You Up" instead on their tour. Hello, that's my least favorite song on the album. Whatever.) First runners up are definitely "Hide," "See Me Smiling," and "Soundtrack," although all of the songs are really pretty good. "For You and Your Denial," and "The Sound of You and Me" get stuck in my head and "Sing for Me" is a nice ballad-ish tune.
In conclusion, I would definitely, definitely check out this album especially if you've been a Yellowcard fan in the past. We're never going to get back to Ocean Avenue, but the face of pop punk is changing, and besides, that album is just plain historic. When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes makes me happy because it brings back some of the roots of Yellowcard, but stays current. Just try not to look like a loser on the street when you're accidentally headbanging to it on your iPod.
Also, happy 10-year anniversary to Yellowcard on One for The Kids. I freaking love that album...okay, I love at least like 4 songs on it.
When you're through thinking about whether you should listen to Yellowcard's latest album...say yes. Now, I realize this album isn't brand new, but it has come to my attention that not enough people have given this album a listen. Even some people proclaiming themselves die-hard YC fans haven't even checked it out. Really?! So I'm going to review it anyway. Deal with it.
Let's start off by saying that while there were definitely great songs on Lights and Sounds and Paper Walls, I didn't think either album as a whole was spectacular. I still listen to them frequently (if i want violin rock, where else am I supposed to turn?) but it is obvious that the small time-out Yellowcard took was beneficial.
My favorite song on the whole entire album is "With You Around." This song alone makes the album worthwhile...and makes me wonder which Saves the Day record they're talking about. (Hence, it was mighty disappointing this spring when they played "Hang You Up" instead on their tour. Hello, that's my least favorite song on the album. Whatever.) First runners up are definitely "Hide," "See Me Smiling," and "Soundtrack," although all of the songs are really pretty good. "For You and Your Denial," and "The Sound of You and Me" get stuck in my head and "Sing for Me" is a nice ballad-ish tune.
In conclusion, I would definitely, definitely check out this album especially if you've been a Yellowcard fan in the past. We're never going to get back to Ocean Avenue, but the face of pop punk is changing, and besides, that album is just plain historic. When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes makes me happy because it brings back some of the roots of Yellowcard, but stays current. Just try not to look like a loser on the street when you're accidentally headbanging to it on your iPod.
Also, happy 10-year anniversary to Yellowcard on One for The Kids. I freaking love that album...okay, I love at least like 4 songs on it.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Am I The Enemy? RJA's Latest Release
When I think Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, it automatically takes me back to high school. We couldn't get enough of False Pretense, Guardian Angel, and of course Damn Regret and Seventeen. I waited three long years after that for RJA to release another album and finally secure their spot as one of my favorite bands. Unfortunately this didn't happen: Lonely Road happened instead.
I'm not saying that album was necessarily bad--it just was not up to par with Don't You Fake It. Sure, it had a few good songs, and showed off Ronnie Winter's impressive voice in a couple (which I have yet to experience live--what kind of headliner plays Warped before 3 p.m.?! Ridiculous. My greatest disappointment of '07, people).
Anyway. Moving on. With Am I The Enemy, I don't think RJA has quite gotten back to Don't You Fake It territory, but they've sure come close. (Clarification! I know everyone hates when people expect bands to stay the same. "Of course the album is different! They've matured! How dare you insult their evolving creative genius?!" I'm not expecting another album like the first, just another album as good as the first.)
I really like this album. I first listened to it on Spotify (if you don't have Spotify, you need it like yesterday) and I might actually have to buy it. This album is full of what I would call power choruses, and RJA gets back to a bit of screaming in a couple of songs. And in classic Red Jumpsuit form, they've got that softer tune on the record, and I think Dive Too Deep is great. I'm a fan of Reap (one complaint: the non-screamo version for the radio edit...hmm) along with Salvation and Wake Me Up. Dreams has a really strong intro, and Where are the Heroes has a really cool breakdown. Fall From Grace is harder, more screamo again, and Choke is an overall mediocre song, but has a great ending.
What songs are left? Am I the Enemy, Angel in Disguise, and Don't Lose Hope are all good songs also, and add to the overall album; they just didn't stick out to me in particular. One more note: if you're listening to the album and not realizing how versatile and gifted Ronnie Winter's voice is, from screaming to high notes, then you're not listening hard enough. Or you've just never tried singing. Whatevs.
Final ruling on this album is LISTEN TO IT. That's like, not as good as BUY IT NOW, but substantially better than IF YOU HAVE TIME. If you've been a fan of RJA in the past and been wishing for a real follow up to Don't You Fake It, I think this is as close as you're going to get. A few more listens to this album might put RJA right back in their place of favor with me...where I've always felt they could be someday.
I'm not saying that album was necessarily bad--it just was not up to par with Don't You Fake It. Sure, it had a few good songs, and showed off Ronnie Winter's impressive voice in a couple (which I have yet to experience live--what kind of headliner plays Warped before 3 p.m.?! Ridiculous. My greatest disappointment of '07, people).
Anyway. Moving on. With Am I The Enemy, I don't think RJA has quite gotten back to Don't You Fake It territory, but they've sure come close. (Clarification! I know everyone hates when people expect bands to stay the same. "Of course the album is different! They've matured! How dare you insult their evolving creative genius?!" I'm not expecting another album like the first, just another album as good as the first.)
I really like this album. I first listened to it on Spotify (if you don't have Spotify, you need it like yesterday) and I might actually have to buy it. This album is full of what I would call power choruses, and RJA gets back to a bit of screaming in a couple of songs. And in classic Red Jumpsuit form, they've got that softer tune on the record, and I think Dive Too Deep is great. I'm a fan of Reap (one complaint: the non-screamo version for the radio edit...hmm) along with Salvation and Wake Me Up. Dreams has a really strong intro, and Where are the Heroes has a really cool breakdown. Fall From Grace is harder, more screamo again, and Choke is an overall mediocre song, but has a great ending.
What songs are left? Am I the Enemy, Angel in Disguise, and Don't Lose Hope are all good songs also, and add to the overall album; they just didn't stick out to me in particular. One more note: if you're listening to the album and not realizing how versatile and gifted Ronnie Winter's voice is, from screaming to high notes, then you're not listening hard enough. Or you've just never tried singing. Whatevs.
Final ruling on this album is LISTEN TO IT. That's like, not as good as BUY IT NOW, but substantially better than IF YOU HAVE TIME. If you've been a fan of RJA in the past and been wishing for a real follow up to Don't You Fake It, I think this is as close as you're going to get. A few more listens to this album might put RJA right back in their place of favor with me...where I've always felt they could be someday.
Monday, September 12, 2011
The Beginning
I love music and I love to talk about it, but let's be real: talking about music to your friends who aren't interested becomes increasingly less fun as the days go by.
Me: "Have you heard the new album from [fill in artist]?"
Friend: "...What's an album?"
So, I've decided to unleash my opinions, wanted or not, into the internet world. I'll be reviewing new music in a somewhat timely fashion, and while I'll focus mostly on rock (go with what you know), I'll touch on a little bit of everything. I hope you don't agree with everything I say...that would get boring.
Read. Comment. Enjoy. Learn something new.
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