|
| |
|
|
|
Review Summary: Pop-Punk defined the early 2000's, and these guys defined the genre with this album. I wasn't sure whether to choose a 4.5 or 5 for this album because, while I do think it's a classic, It gives the feeling of a 4.5, not a 5. Eh...I can't get myself to choose 5. I'm goin' with the 4.5.
This band has a lot of haters, as does every band in the pop-punk genre, so let's look for a sec beyond whatever genre it falls under, as any genre has its good and bad songs/artists, and take a look at the substance, of which I'm happy to say, there is very much.
This album has all the energy of a modern rock band, combined with the aesthetics of 80's pop. It gives you a nice departure from the norm.
There's 11 tracks, and other than the unnecessary "Too Far Gone", this album is perfect. Here's the breakdown:
Vocals:
Ritter's voice, a bit nasally at times, works for their sound. At times it does sound like he's just copying Billy Joe Armstrong, but this didn't bother me much, as it didn't take away from the songs.
Guitar: I don't think Nic Wheeler can be commended enough for his guitar parts on this album. The guy rocks. People want to bash this band and call them pussies for the genre they represent, but these guys are real musicians, and Wheeler can play some guitar. Even though his skills are better shown on their subsequent album (Move Along), there's plenty of stuff on here to impress. If you were still in doubt after hearing his beautiful solo on "Swing Swing" on the radio, check out the others songs. He does not disappoint.
Of course, a Mr. Mike Kennerty is also given credits for playing guitar on this album. Nic and Tyson seems to be the dominant members of the group, so it's unclear if the other members of the band play much of a role in the song writing process. Well, whether it's Nic or Mike writing the rhythm guitar portions on here, I am pleased. This is some of the most interesting use of acoustic guitar I've seen in a while. The way acoustic guitar is paired off with synthesizers on songs like "My Paper Heart" and "Time Stands Still" is very colorful and very fun to listen to.
Bass:
Lead singer Tyson Ritter is on bass. Like many bands, you can't hear their bass most of the time, at least on studio recordings. Though, his bass playing was an essential part of their hit single "Swing Swing", without which we wouldn't even be talking about this album, so I assume it's good.
Drums:
It didn't come to my attention till I had owned this album for awhile that apparently no real drums were used on here, just a drum machine. Unless you're a drummer, you probably won't notice this. Actually, the synthetic drums work to their advantage on many songs, like "My Paper Heart", "Don't Leave Me" and "Time Stands Still", giving them a more playful sound.
Keyboard: The keyboards on this album is incredible! I can't get enough of it! From the moment opening track "My Paper Heart" comes on, it'll have you screaming "More keyboard!!!1". I love it. Used in ways both traditional and experimental on this album, the keyboards make this one creative, interesting mix. More Keyboard!!
As much flack as this band gets, there's some real musicianship here. These guys KNOW how to play their instruments, and on this album they create a very fun, pop-rock sound. Rarely is pop-rock or pop-punk or pop-ANYTHING considered genius, but there is some REALLY good material here.
This is a great debut album. I would compare it to the greatness of Weezer's debut, even though some may want to tar-and-feather me for saying that.
Pop-Punk defined the early 2000's, and these guys defined the genre with this album.
| other reviews of this album |
|
Not this band again.
| | |
*insert Tony Kornheiser pic*
| | | Album Rating: 5.0
I'd rather people didn't vote my reviews as "not well written" just because they disagree. There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes, and plenty of clear, concise, relevant analysis. Sigh...that's the internet for ya...
| | |
Lol.
| | |
There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes
| | | Album Rating: 5.0
lovely night outside. perfect trolling weather. wouldn't you agree, theacademy?
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Nice and honest
| | |
Despite my opinion that this album is not worth more than a four, you seem to write well enough. Your spelling, grammar and vocabulary are definitely sufficient, but your writing seems to lack a sense of proper cohesion, as your review seems rather loose and jagged. Try to justify your score better and cover more points than just instrumentation and vocals. Read some staff reviews and see how they do things. Overall, I'm going to spare you a negative vote. Hope to see more from you soon!
| | |
Eliminate the first paragraph as well as the asian face. Also, the review seems to lack cohesion - a bit unfocused as a whole. Otherwise a solid review. Definitely remove the aforementioned though.
| | |
and maybe, is there another way of saying
this band, this album, this is or there's (this is)?
| | |
and these guys defined the genre with this album.
wait what
I wasn't sure whether to choose a 4.5 or 5 for this album because, while I do think it's a classic, It gives the feeling of a 4.5, not a 5. Eh...I can't get myself to choose 5. I'm goin' with the 4.5.
get rid of this
This band has a lot of haters, as does every band in the pop-punk genre, so let's look for a sec beyond whatever genre it falls under, as any genre has its good and bad songs/artists, and take a look at the substance, of which I'm happy to say, there is very much.
run-on sentence
reminiscent of green day
capitalize Green Day
There's few, if any, grammatical mistakes, and plenty of clear, concise, relevant analysis.
yes there are grammer issues. and as far as I'm concerned, the only "concise, relevent analysis" I got from this was that this sounds like a poppier Green Day with keyboards. your details are not very clear or plentiful either
review's not too detailed and it needs some more work. I'm not going to neg because I disagree, I actually really like these guys' Move Along album. I'm going to neg to incentivise more effort next time. I think you should give this another try
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
You called the best song on the album "uneccessary"
Too Far Gone ftw
| | |
"This album has all the energy of a modern rock band, combined with the aesthetics of 80's pop."
If you'd like to hear a better example of this, check out The Birthday Massacre.
| | |
Album is so good
| | |
I won't lie. Some catchy tunes on this album.
| | |
well, they used to be good. 'swing swing' is still awesome.
| | |
I wish they wrote better music overall. I think their second album 'Move Along' is definitely their best. They seem like really nice guys.
| | |
only songs I heard from this were the Last Song and Swing Swing, they weren't bad
| | |
That's all you really need to listen to. =/
| | |
is it that bad? i kind of liked their Move Along album
| | | |
|
| |
