Review Summary: Though the beats get repetitive very quickly, you have to persist until the end to get the almost flawless material. Listening to the album too much will get annoying pretty quickly. OVERALL SCORE: 40/120 or 3.33/5
Falling Up's inception "Crashings", released in 2004, was generally successful, specifically with 3 songs making #1 on the Christian Rock Charts: "Broken Heart", "Escalates" and "Bittersweet". That's a quarter of their music at the time, which is what I regard as a success.
1: Bittersweet - 3:15 {4/5: Excellent}
A smooth and soft introduction, which seems to fit in with the beginning of a series of song. The verses aren't anything special: though, that is to be expected with most songs. However, it's the chorus that is strikingly catchy instantaneously. This song seems to withdraw any listeners into the remainder of their music.
2: Symmetry - 3:13 {3.5/5: Great}
The introduction seems to fit in well with Bittersweet, which is alright. Sometimes his voice gets a little screechy, and it seems a little too fast beat for the vocals to handle. The chorus, however, has an unforgettable rhythm that will catch on you fast.
3: Broken Heart - 3:07 {3/5: Good}
The vocals in this song seems extremely darker in comparison to the first two - not that it's a bad thing. The chorus isn't very attachable in my opinion. In fact, I find the verses easier to listen to. The music in this song is very well played.
4: Escalates - 2:48 {4.5/5: Superb}
The vocals begin in sync with the music, which gave me quite a shock (prepare yourself!). This song seems to be a big highlight of the album, as both the verses and the chorus are easy to listen to, which is rare for a song. The lyrics seem to lean towards Pop Culture, but that doesn't bother me, because lyrics aren't everything.
5: New Hope Generation - 2:55 {2.5/5: Average}
The introducing lyrics are soft and peaceful, though the guitar and drums seem heavier in this song than any before, which seems odd for such soft verses. It leads well into the chorus, which seems to be a mixture of rap and rock. It has a rap bridge, but it's nothing huge (personally, I don't like rap). It has a good mixture.
6: The Gathering - 2:33 {2/5: Poor}
Finally, a song that seems to reflect their future, or so it begins. Then it phases into their "Crashings" music. There is no distinct chorus, and there is an annoying ringing sound played during the song, which hurt my ears. It's only until the bridge when the vocals calm down a bit, momentarily.
7: Jacksonfive - 3:56 {4.5/5: Superb}
If you do not like rap, you will now. This song has a nice beat and rhythm, and a good mixture of vocals. The lyrics give the song meaning - something I thought was impossible for a rap song. There are numerous echoes throughout the song: it reflects the five vocalists. And in the bridge, something I never thought I'd hear from Falling Up: Screaming. A very unique experience of music.
8: Divinity - 3:18 {1/5: Awful}
Sometimes I can't hear the vocals over the music. In my opinion, that should never happen. The chorus is annoying to listen to, it is so repetitive. Whilst listening to it, I wanted to skip the song. A let down to the album.
9: Place - 2:42 {3/5: Good}
The vocals are very nice in this song, but the music still seems distorted. The chorus isn't very distinct, or catchy, but it is tolerable. There are moments in the song where the music actually falls into place with the vocalist.
10: Falling in Love - 4:04 {4/5: Excellent}
A song where the vocals fit with the music, what I believe is the first step to where they should be. There are still periods where music seems distorted, but overall, a beautifully written song and lyrics you can actually hear.
11: Ambience - 3:33 {3/5: Good}
An entrance to the song where music flows with the vocals. A very spacious entrance, and a drumbeat that isn't annoying. When it leads to the chorus, it seems to cut everything good off, however. Everything I liked about it, anyway.
12: Arafax Deep - 3:19 {5/5: Classic}
Saving the best till last. Last but not least. It is a beautifully written song, almost flawless. The music isn't annoying. Love seems to be a good subject for this band, as the two (obvious) love songs are my two favorites.
