First things first, say whatever you want about this band and this album, but I don't care what you think. Hawthorne Heights is actually a great band with a lot of potential. And this album is a step up-much better- than their debut album. You would know that if you took the time to appreciate it instead of saying to yourself, "well a lot of people dislike this band so I won't even give them a chance". I'll admit it, I'm a Hawthore Heights fan. And a big one.
1. This Is Who We Are: What a way to open the album. This song kicks off with a powerful guitar riff, and it's all great from there. It's a fast song, and when you buy this album it comes with a DVD, and a live version of this song is featured on it. 4/5.
2. We Are So Last Year: Well, the intro sounds a bit like the last one, but this song is a bit better. I love it because it's fast and fun and the lyrics are powerful. The drums are a bit out of place here, but the guitar and bass make it worthwhile. 4.5/5.
3. Language Lessons (Five Words Or Less): The intro to this song is just a simple palm-muted guitar riff, and then the drums and bass come in. It's not my favorite and it's not exactly a highlight, but it's still enjoyable. 3/5.
4. Pens And Needles: Not the best and not the worst. This is just a tad slower than the last two. I think it doesn't show the band's instrumental talent as much. 3/5.
5. Saying Sorry: The first single off the album, and it simply rocks. You may have seen the video or MTV2 or something like that. It is one of the best songs on the album. It has a weird keyboard addition at the end, which makes it sound really cool, and the guitar and drum work are great here. 5/5.
6. Dead In The Water: This is one of the best songs by the band, in my opinion. It is one of the heavier songs on the album as well. It starts with a kick-a*s heavy intro and then goes into a slower verse. The chorus rocks too, and there's a wretching screaming breakdown towards the end. 5/5.
7. I Am On Your Side: I don't really listen to this song as much as the other ones, but it's still pretty good. JT's vocals in this one are not as good as the other songs, but all in all it is a good song. 3/5.
8. Breathing In Sequence: I don't really like this song, but it's not the worst on the album. It is slow, and that doesn't work for this particular song, but the vocals are good here. 2.5/5.
9. Light Sleeper: This song is really slow in the beginning. But that doesn't always automatically make me skip it. It is actually a very good song, but it doesn't really show how talented the band really is, because it is probably a filler. 2/5.
10. Cross Me Off Your List: This song is okay, but it's not the best. It doesn't really do it for me. It's just not as good. This is probably the point in which the album begins to weaken. Wait, on second thought, scratch that, because you need to be prepared for the next song. 2.5/5.
11. Where Can I Stab Myself In The Ears: Oh dear Lord, this song is great. Now this is what I call a song. It really expresses the band's musical talent. And I actually enjoy the screaming interlude in this one. This may be the best song on the album. If not, then I don't know what is. 5/5.
12. Decembers: Well, this is probably the worst on the album. I don't exactly hate it, but I don't exactly love it either. It's definately the slowest song on this album, and it's really boring and bland. 1.5/5.
So, this album is very good. If you didn't like their first album, you should still try this because it is much better. Pick up a copy today.
