| Product: |
Ocean Avenue - Yellowcard |
| Date: |
15/10/06 (163 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Gets me in a good state of mind
Disadvantages: Not for everyone
***Just to let you know that this is only what I make of the album. If you would like an excellent, detailed review of Ocean Avenue then read "angiebabyqueen's", it's top notch, a fantastic read and very accurate! If you want to know my views then read away***
Yellowcard are an unpredictable and entertaining band from California. Not your usual whiney, angry rock ensemble, their music tells tales of past experiences and highlights morals, providing music with meaning. Fair enough, every band claims to do this at the moment, and at first glance Yellowcard do seem like just any other band, but give them time and attention and their music will get to you. It’s not for everyone I agree, but give them a chance. I did, and I’m glad.
Ocean Avenue tends to give off a aura of triumph, not so much having achieved something material, but as though good times have been had. Something similar to the nation’s feeling during autumn, as winter approaches but summer was generous. I understand that I sound like a greenpeace poet when I say things like that, but music has a huge impact on our lives, and it is important to understand how and why.
1. WAY AWAY- A personal favourite and the first Yellowcard song I heard. I caught it while playing SSX3 and it fitted the atmosphere perfectly. You have to give credit to the game makers for that, but I also credit Yellowcard for such an active and determined track. It focuses on the struggles of being alone and becoming independent.
2. BREATHING- Another song I caught from a game, this time Burnout 3 for Ps2. Again it suited a racing game, a very progressive and urgent song. One to go in the get-up-and-go category.
3. OCEAN AVENUE- This one seems to be one of those songs about that someone that you miss, about being together one day. Not depressing in the slightest, this gives visions of hope and reunification.
4. EMPTY APARTMENT- The first slow song of the album, this could be a mood killer. Still full of hope, this song highlights a lack of presence. Unfortunately the chorus of “you forget, where the heart is” to me sounds like a cheesy TV soap on in the early afternoon that no-one watches.
5. LIFE OF A SALESMAN- A little more manic, and unfortunately a song about ‘Dad’. This is may be a no-no for some listeners, but the closing lines “Now I’m older, I want to be the same as you” makes this one a little more respectable.
6. ONLY ONE- Loud but with soul. This is similar to ‘Believe’ in terms of power and purpose, about that special someone that means just that little bit more to you than anyone else. (Hence the title Only One).
7. MILES APART- Slightly more imperative again, but filled with life. You can bet that they enjoyed performing this, and I can’t wait to hear it live.
8. TWENTY THREE- Unsure about this one, afraid it makes them sound like any old rock band. The drumming is still very impressive and maybe I‘m just not catching it, but the rest of the song seems rushed and in need of fine-tuning.
9. VIEW FROM HEAVEN- Very different to last few, thing song means a lot to many people that I know. Not disheartening as the title suggests, this one is full of promise and is unique with its assisting female vocals. Sincere and dominant, this often goes down very well.
10. INSIDE OUT- A shame to be placed in between two very good songs, a mish-mash of futility and despair, again simply needs perfecting.
11. BELIEVE- Lots of people are only reluctant to listen to Yellowcard because they insist on using orchestral instruments in their otherwise rock group, but not only does this make them a bit different but it gives many songs, including this one, it’s sincerity. A vital song on the album, another encouraging and self-confirming tune.
12. ONE YEAR, SIX MONTHS- One of the softest and most universally accepted Yellowcard songs around, One Year, Six Months is more like a story with music added to it. It tells a tale again of that special person, but with reasoning. Can uplift your mood very easily, this is one for the couples.
13. BACK HOME- Not my choice of track to end the album with, but a good one to sum up the previous twelve. Not much too it, but then there doesn’t need to be. A reasonable closing number.
If you know Yellowcard then you know what you like/dislike about them. You don’t need me to tell you what to think, these are just my opinions, and should you believe the opposite then so be it.
If not, then give your CD player a run for its money.
Summary: I like it, do you?
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