Review Summary: Maybe not the album I wanted but it was the one I needed.
Manchester Orchestra has always been a favorite of mine. Ever since I first listened to Where Have You Been, I knew this band was going to be something special. I've read a lot of reviews for the album COPE and I have to say I'm surprised at the mixed reactions this album has received. There tends to be a complaint that there are no emotional burners/tear-jerkers (EX- I Can Feel A Hot One ) but what did you expect, the album is even titled COPE it's not suppose to have a song on it that will get the water works going. From a personal prespective I couldn't be happier with COPE. It was just the album I needed to help boost my attitude. Now to get into the album itself. COPE doesn't try to do much, but what it does do, it does perfectly. It's a cohesive piece of work that creates an atmosphere of upbeat instrumental music and lyrics that not only increase ones moral but also is great for just rocking out.
This album is so well focused that it could be considered more of a concept album then it's predecessor Simple Math. Some might say that the album is to "Repetitive" or "Samesy" because of that reason but I would disagree. Andy Hulls lyrics are still as amazing as always. A standout line for me would be in the song Choose You, when Andy say, "You don't determine greatness from a mans intelligence. No you won't determine greatness until you really start to dig. And you find out all the emtpy things he lets discourage him. " Truly listen to this album and absorb it you'll find something new in every listen. I too was at first a little let down when I wasn't depressed after listening to this album but then I realised that's what makes this album so great. It might not have been the album I wanted from this band but it's the one I needed. It separates itself apart more than any other album in their discography. And for once it feels nice to leave the pitty party and just rock out and feel like nothing can stop you, and that's what COPE captures better than most albums out there. So in conclusion give this album a spin and just embrace the side of you that just wants to feel unstoppable and I promise you'll enjoy this album.
