I think it's excellent...people have forgotten what great pop music can sound like. The Jonases do genuinely deliver it, even if their youth and inexperience sometimes shows through - it's still good stuff, even better live. Most people just don't *get* them, and it's their loss.
Hopefully the death of Michael Jackson will remind us how great mainstream pop used to be...not just raunchy, faux-angsty or fake-indie - just pure, funky sounds full of heart.
The first time I listened to it, it was kinda of iffy. But, after I got over the shock of how different this album is, I decided to give it another chance. It has really grown on me now. I love all the different styles of music on this cd. They are so passionate when they sing. Please give this album another chance.
I think it's good. Sure, it's a BIT pretentious but eh, they're teenagers (most of them, anyway).
The horn solo in 'Much Better' is sheer genius. It gave me goosebumps. And it just fit with the other instruments.
'Don't Charge Me For The Crime' is... interesting. Okay- I'm lying. It was pathetic. Fine, it was weird crap. What the hell were they thinking? Common is fantastic but a teen band should NEVER collaborate with a rapper. It was like watching 4 year old's rapping with baggy pants- just weird. (4 year old's who rap are cute, Don't Charge Me For the Crime was NOT cute.)
'Black Keys' is beautiful. The sincerity of Nick's voice, the lyrics, the idea itself, the metaphors, the music, EVERYTHING about it was lovely.
'Turn Right' is cute & Joe's voice was nice here. But that's pretty much it. The lyrics aren't exactly ground-breaking.
"Turn right into my arms. Turn right, you won't be alone. You might fall of this track sometimes. Hope to see you on the finish line."
It was a better 'Hello Beautiful'. An adorable ballad; when it's played live... cue the squeals & euphoric sighs.
'World War III' has to be the crappiest song in this album. At least 'Don't Charge Me For the Crime' was TRYING to be different.
WWIII was horrible. It was trying too hard, Nick's voice was (even more) constipated, and the lyrics were... I didn't get it. What's the connection with a PMS girlfriend and the destruction of the world? It didn't connect well.
Anyway.
At the end, I think my favorites are 'Much Better' (love the stab at Taylor Swift) and 'Black Keys' (most genuine & genius).
It would really be nice if these 'critics' could actually critique an album without a bias and just listen to the music. I know that if that were the case, this rating would be much higher than a C-.
Although there are a few misses on the album (I do believe the metaphor in 'Poison Ivy' is a bit too much, to the point that it makes the song seem like its actually about being allergic to poison ivy [although it is very catchy]. And their attempts at rap fell just a bit short.) The hits far out-way the misses.
Overall, I love this album and see great growth in the songwriting department. The lyrics and general ideas showcased in each song are far more mature then any of their previous albums. The music shows more depth, and I believe that everyone (unless they're a metal-head or something) can find at least one song on this album that appeals to them.
I give the Jonas Brothers kuddos for trying and succeeding (for the most part) at branching out into a more funky sound.
Must hear:
-Before the Storm- absolutely beautiful song. I believe it is the most mature song on the record, lyrically and musically (even though I'm not a Miley Cyrus fan. That's saying a lot.).
-Much Better- Insanely catchy! The guitar and sax solos are awesome.
-Black Keys- Extremely heartfelt song. The emotions really shine through & the message is beautiful.
-Turn Right- It is the shortest song, but it still has so much to offer. Its a really encouraging song & it has a beautiful melody--very soft.
Spring Break
Melissa
posted 6/25/09 @ 8:38 PM MST