James Blunt "All the Lost Souls" review

Ok, so you know how sometimes you have an idea and you wanna do something about it because it's something that for once is not difficult and it's something that you enjoy, and yet you can't get yourself in gear enough to actually do it? lol.

Well, that's been my problem for the past week and a half with trying to decide how to review the newest James Blunt album "All the Lost Souls". I finally figured the best way to do this is to review each song so here we go (I'll once again include my favourite lyrics):

1973

I really love this track, there's just something about it, when you listen to it you feel like you're going back in time to the 70's (or what I imagine the 70's were like since I wasn't born yet lol), anyway it's just a really catchy, mellow tune. Actually that can pretty much be said for this whole album.

Simona
Wish I had known that
What seemed so strong
Has been and gone

I would call you up every Saturday night
And we'd both stay out 'til the morning light
And we sang, "Here we go again"
And though time goes by
I will always be
In a club with you
In 1973
Singing, "Here we go again"

One of the Brightest Stars

The melody in this one is actually similar to a lot of the tracks from his first album but the lyrics are the thing that get my attention. It's a very humble, personal view of the singers take on fame. Perhaps the reason I like it so much is because it's very true.

One day your story will be told,
One of the lucky ones, who´s made his name

One day they´ll make you glorious,
Beneath the lights of your deserved fame.
And it all comes round once in life a lifetime like it always does
Everybody loves you cause you´ve taken a chance out on a dance to the moon, too soon

And they'll say told you so, we were the ones who saw you first of all
We always knew that you were one of the brightest stars


I'll Take Everything

This one is once again a very relaxing mellow song, maybe a little to mellow bordering on depressing since it talks about human mortality. But I guess at the same time the message is to not take life for granted.

Have my body, have my mind
Have my coat, take my time
These I borrow.
Borrow so far
Turn to dust
Fall apart
Here I swear
Forever is just a minute to me
And I'll take everything!
In this life!
I'll join everyone
Oh, and understand
'Cause all men die ('cause all men die)
'Cause all men die

Same Mistake

This is by far my favourite track on the album, because it's sang with so much emotion and there's just something about those soft oooh's that get to you.

And so I sent some men to fight,
And one came back at dead of night,
said "Have you seen my enemy?"
said "he looked just like me"
So I set out to cut myself
And here I go

oo oooooo ooo ooo oo oooo...

I'm not calling for a second chance,
I'm screaming at the top of my voice,
Give me reason, but don't give me choice,
Cos I'll just make the same mistake again,

Carry You Home

This is another beautifully arranged song with very poignant lyrics, sang with tender emotion something James Blunt is a master at in my opinion. It's definitely another fave of mine.

Trouble is her only friend and he's back again
Makes her body older than it really is
And she says it's high time she went away
No ones got much to say in this town
Trouble is the only way is down, down, down

As strong as you were
Tender you go
I'm watching you breathing
For the last time
A song for your heart
But when it is quiet
I know what it means
And I'll carry you home
I'll carry you home

Give Me Some Love

Musically this is my fave track on the album, I love how it starts out slow and then builds to an energetic chorus. The lyrics of this song make you wonder, now James himself has said the song was written to be fun and silly but to me it has a very serious undertone.

Me and my guitar play my way
It makes them frown
The little pieces by the highway
Bring me down

Mine is not a heart of a stone
I am only skin and bone
Those little pieces are little pieces of my own

Why don't you give me some love
I've taken a shipload of drugs
I'm so tired of never fixing the pain
Valium said to me
I'll take you seriously
And we'll come back
As someone else
Who's better than yourself

I Really Want You

This song although it has another interesting sound I'm not really a fan of it maybe because again it sounds too much like a lot of his songs from "Back to Bedlum".

Many prophets preach on bended knee
Many clerics wasted wine
Through those bloody sheets
On those cardboard streets
I have wasted time

I really want you to really want me
But I really don't know if you can do that
I know you want to know what's right
But I know it's so hard for you to do that
And time's running out as often it does
And often dictates that you can't do that
If they can't break this feeling inside
That's burning up through my veins

No matter what I say or do
The message isn't getting through
And you're listening to the sound
Of my breaking heart

Shine On

Along with "Carry You Home" this is my 2nd favourite ballad, James's vocals blend perfectly with the soft piano and acoustic guitar. Giving it another very sweet very tender feel. Which as I've mentioned is pretty much the singers staple sound. The lyrics are beautifully bittersweet as well. I really like it.

And when silence greets my last goodbye
The words I need are in your eyes
And I'll sing .....

Shine on, just shine on
Close your eyes and they'll all be gone
They can scream and shout that they've been sold out but it paid for the cloud that we're dancing on
So shine on, just shine on
With your smile just as bright as the sun
Cause they're all just slaves to the Gods they've made
But you and I just shone, just shone

Annie

This one is not really a favourite of mine either, again a little too similar but still a very solid track.

Annie, would it be nice to be recognized?
Did you practice your autograph?
But now no ones asked
And it's such a shame
Your dreams are crumbling

'Cause Annie you're a star
You're just not going very far
And all the world will know your name
And you'll be famous as you are
'Cause I'll sing for you

I Can't Hear the Music

Once again a very personal track, the sound reminds me of a particular song but I just can't put my finger on it.

Is it a warning?
Is it an evil sign?
Is it a people
who have lost their mind?
Is it the darkness?
Is it a man resigned?
Is it a best friend
leaving you behind?
Is it ever gonna stop
will they ever let you go
your in a rush they don't care enough
cause there lives are very slow
time is ticking on
you don't get a second shot
and when you sell your soul
for a leading role will the lost souls be forgot

And if I can’t hear the music
And the audience is gone
I’ll dance here on my own.
And I hope the lonely hearts club band
Will play out one last song
Before the sun goes down.


Overall this album is an absolute pleasure, I honestly didn't think James could top the success of his debut CD but he proved me wrong.

After multiple listens I still can't get enough. It has completely won me over to the point where I'm enjoying this one even more then "Back to Bedlum".

Definitely a worthy follow up and a worthy purchase, so go out and get yourself a copy if you haven't already that is;).

Taking "The Walk" with Hanson part 2

What? you didn't seriously think I divide my posts into parts for no reason at all did you?. Well I guess some people do, but I'm not one of them:P.

Nope, this is a continuation of my Hanson rant lol. Now that I have the album I feel the need to describe how I feel about it through a more detailed review of each song (including my favourite lyrics). So here we go:

Great Divide

The album starts off with the African children's choir chanting "Ngi Ne Themba" ("I have hope" in their native language). It leads right into the first few bars of electric guitar, with a steady beat of snare, and a melody that grabs you right up to the very end. This song may just be Hanson's best, musically, lyrically and spiritually. A fine piece of work.

With words like:

" The earth is shaking under siege And every breath will meet its fate
Still we hunger for a moment of freedom. Even though the hour is late, I find hope and it gives me rest, I find hope in a beating chest, I find hope in what I don't see, I find hope in your hate for me, have no fear when the waters rise, we can conquer this great divide."

It's hard not to pay attention.

Been There Before

This is one of 2 songs that has been in the works for years, and I for one am so glad it made it on this album because it is one of my absolute favourites. Here the children's gospel choir once again perfectly complements the "bluesy" sound of the song. To me the chorus of this song describes exactly what the album manages to accomplish and in a way what it's all about.

" Tell me does it, move you? Does it soothe you? Does it fill your heart and soul with the roots of rock and roll?"

And the answer to that is a resounding YES!!.

Georgia

The piano bars of this song get you instantly. The whole song is a soothing slow melody, up until the chorus that is, at which point it lifts off into an energetic harmony so characteristic of the band. This is one of two favourite Taylor vocals for me (the other being "Blue Sky").

"Georgia, you know that you've been on my mind. Georgia, we've both learned to compromise. I'll be there for you, when everybody's coming unglued. I'll be there for you; I won't say you have to choose. `Cause I don't want to let you go, and I don't want to lose you slowly. I just want to let you know, that it's only just a little back and forth lately..."

Watch Over Me

Sadly the only Isaac lead on the entire album:(. But certainly not disappointing. Ike has proven time and time again that he is the king of raspy edgy rock songs. But with this track he's proven he can croon a sweet, sad ballad just as effectively.

"She wakes and takes her place in line, and never bothers asking why the mirror sheds no light at all. The days turn into lesser days until there's only night. The light it wouldn't help she's too far gone. Her time is up it's five o'clock. It never stops. And she says please, and she says please. And she says please, watch over me".

Running Man

Or as Tay calls it "the party track". And it certainly is, this is one you can definitely dance to. The first of many leads by Zac. The song itself is fairly simple: Guy wants girl. Girl's with another guy. The guy is sad and runs away. But it's got a groovy melody that's sure to stick with you for weeks.

"Waiting up all night, there's something on my mind; I need to tell you why (whoa-oh-oh.) He's playing you for a fool, he's fooling `round on you, and I just lost my cool, feeling so sad. Too bad for the running man, cause he waits too long so he can't come back again. Too bad for the running man, cause I'm right here waiting to make that girl forget. Too bad for the running man, goodbye."

Go

The second lead song by Zac, it's not hard to see why they chose this as the first single. It's got another great melody and some nice lyrics to boot. I've wondered though what the "pipes get rusty" part of the lyrics refers to. My first thought was definitely not of the plumber variety. Guess that's just my dirty mind at work lol.

"For all the love we've made, just one thing stays the same, the lamp gets dusty, the pipes get rusty, but I don't want to wash my hands clean. You say you love me too, then why won't you go through, with the nightly kisses, with the hits and the misses, if you can make it on your own then ... Go, if you wanna go, but stay, if you wanna know the way, through the mess we've made, and lie in a bed you know, or go."

Fire on the Mountain

Another Zac lead, driven by acoustic guitar. It's a simple short yet poignant song about life with some political bits thrown in for good measure. The chorus is what really gets you, it's a slap in the face if you will on the basics of life. I think out of all the songs on the album this is one I identify with the most. The length of the song leaves you pining for more.

"We sit secure in time-honored traditions made, never wondering where or when the sickle may come, if we don't seek our knowledge to be greater men, when the rain starts falling gonna drown before we get our feet wet. We build our ivory towers to protect us from the flood, a fleet of vessels made of wood so they won't rust, but can we see the bottom of the bottle when we start to drink, there's fire on the mountain, fire and it's coming our way."

"Live. Learn. Life. Love. Die. Dust. Gone".


One More

This one took a few listens, but it has more then grown on me. Like all the other tracks the music is great, it's the lyrics in the song I didn't have a feel for. I'm not exactly sure why, but again after multiple listens you definitely start to get the full impact of the song. Props to Tay for a variety of vocal ranges on this one, oh and love the acapella intro of "Blue Sky" by the children's choir at the very end.

I sit here by myself, just staring into space. I thought I knew you well. Well who can ever say. It seems I've spent so long, I can't define my right from wrong. One more for the night, one more for the pain and one more, long goodbye. And one shot to the brain, and one more takes the knife. And one more takes the train. Who do I name today"

Blue Sky

As I mentioned earlier this is my second favourite Taylor lead. Another great rock tune, full of energy largely due to the children's choir once again, and Taylor's raspy vocals of course. The music and beat of the song much like "Running Man" make you wanna get up and dance. And the lyrics aren't half as bad either ;).

"I'm blind with eyes wide open, my body's tired and broken, I want a taste of something that doesn't leave me dry. This hope for answered questions, as rare as true conviction, I stare into the distance, there is no truth in sight, who can tell me why... I've seen the main attraction, I've felt the moment's passion, I won't be no soap box teacher, just taking your time, just taking your time, who can tell me why."

Everybody's looking for a blue sky, searching for an answer on a satellite.
I know that there's got to be a blue sky out there to see. A blue sky waiting for me."

Tearing It Down

By far my favourite Zac song (after "The Walk"). Such a fun rock number with awesome hooky accompanying guitar. Absolutely love the lyrics in this one, and the simple yet very effective bridge :).

I am, taking a chance. Walking with my laces loose, wrapped up, taking the maze. That everybody's running through. I'm sick of, black tie, nickel and dime. We're going through the roof. I'm not a wise man, but I see the haze. And this is what I'm gonna do. Tearing it down.
tearing it down."

Something Going Round

Another favourite on the album for me, you can't help but move when listening to this one. Alternating lead between Taylor and Isaac, this is another tune where Hanson makes great use of their voice, and harmonizing talent.

"Are you hungry? Won't you come get your fill. We'd get this thing in motion, if you stop acting tough. Superstar you sit up high on your hill. Well I know why you're running, only you know what you've lost. I've got this something that's been going `round, I've got this something, you don't know it, but you need it."

Your Illusion

A track that has been in the works since 2000's "This Time Around". According to the guys the song never seemed to fit anywhere on the previous album. Well, it certainly fits perfectly on this one. It's a vocally and musically haunting tune that just gets to you.

With another solid lead performance by Tay. Oh, and I admit the first line of the song caught me by surprise. Never thought I would see that in a Hanson song lol. I guess that's another proof that these guys have definitely matured.

"You say you want to kill yourself, it might make it just a little bit easier. You think you're the only one who hurts, try looking just a little bit harder. I don't know why you're holding on.
To the damage that's been done. 'Cause you've got me wrapped up in your illusion, I keep on trying to change your conclusion, but you've got me wrapped up in your illusion, I keep on dying, cause you're busy wasting life."

The Walk

The title track, and deservedly so. It's my second favourite Zac song on the album, and the first ever lyrically. He's really come a long, long way from his early days of writing and this song is the perfect example. I've loved this one ever since getting my first taste of it on the "Underneath Live and Acoustic" DVD.

This is also the track where you notice how far he has come vocally as well. His voice used to really irritate me, but now his tone has a soothing quality to it and like Taylor's a great vocal range. A range that is perfectly demontrated in this song with tone changes that go from comforting and sweet to forcefull and demending with effortless ease.

"Everyone waits on the walk, some are long and some small, but all of them tall. And everyone must make a choice. Will I go for it all, possibly fall? The tightrope is thin, I could possibly win, on the walk. Well high on the walk, the tightrope it bends, and nobody knows where it ends. To win or to lose, you're all on your own, `cause everyone must be alone. On the tightrope, everything's bare, all that there is, is from here to there. On the tightrope, the goal is quiet clear, don't lose yourself in your fear."

I really like the overall messege of this song, facing the uknown as described by the band and over coming the challanges life throws your way (that's my interpretation).

In A Way (Japan only track)

Oh, how I wish this one was included on the North American version. This is another one of Zac's songs and it tells a sad poignant story of a mother wanting to leave this world. Who knew Zac was so deep?. I certainly had no clue till I heard this song. Aside from the music this song contains my fave piece of lyric ever written by Hanson.

"Love is only what you give up, life isn't what you get, love won't always fill your cup, but life's when you start to live, life's when you learn to give."

I am (Japan only track)

Another Zac lead I really wish was included on all versions of the album. There's something about the melody in this one that I can't quite put my finger on, but it's that same element that makes this song irresistable to the ear.

The tune itself is the bands ( well perhaps maybe just Zac's) interpretation of the world we live in and the situations we face. This song is also quite ironic, in that Zac is signing about being a father (and son).

And yet he's the only one of the members without a little bundle of joy. Unless maybe he's talking about being a father in the greater sense of the word, or maybe I'm just reading way too much into it lol.

"Gone astray, we find ourselves, right on the edge, of falling apart. Don't you see, it's in our ways, when something's done wrong, we just go along. It lights a fire, inside of me, just show me when, this living stops. I am father and son, I am all that I fear, I could choose to give up, we could tear the world apart. All on my own, I'm trying, to change how you see and what you believe. To fight fire with fire and live eye for eye, we'll all end up blind and burning."

This album was completely worth the 3 year wait and it is undoubtedly one of their best. I can't wait to hear what they'll come up with next :).

Taking "The Walk" with Hanson part 1

I don't get a chance to do this often, and I've been waiting for this opportunity a very long time so you will all just have to excuse me, while I go all teenager on you and gush about one of my favourite bands, Hanson. Say what you will about these guys but there's no denying that they've worked hard and honed their craft over the years.

I have been a fan of theirs since I was 14 (and no it's not just about the looks, well ok maybe now it is a part of it lol, but overall it's always been about the music). Honestly over the years these 3 guys have gotten better and better.

I think what I like about this band the most is that every album of theirs has a different sound, showing their evolution, and more so since they've split with Island Deaf Jam and started their own recording company (3CG Records).

Hanson's latest album entitled "The Walk" which comes out this Tuesday is by far one of their best pieces of work to date. Three years ago I thought that nothing could top the mellow and brooding sound of "Underneath", but I am happy to say I was wrong. "The Walk" has an even more mature sound and feel, musically and lyrically.

The sound itself ranges from soul to gospel to straight feel good rock and roll with familiar harmonies throughout. I think this latest effort also possess something that went missing on a lot of the songs from "Underneath".

And it is particularly evident on the track called "Great Divide" which is sang with an enormous amount of passion, vigor and conviction (give me goose bumps the first time I heard it). Those three elements bring a wonderful energy to the album that hasn't been heard since "This Time Around" (2000).

"Great Divide" is also one of 3 songs which features the south African children's choir, the other 2 being "Blue Sky" and "Been There Before". Two of my favourite songs on the album. On all 3 of the songs the children's choir blends in effortlessly with the brother's harmonies giving the songs an inspirational feel and energy.

Speaking of harmonies there is plenty of that on this album as on all other Hanson albums. Harmonies are a staple of the band and they always give all their songs that extra 'umph'. This album also showcases some great guitar riffs by Isaac Hanson which demonstrate just how far he has come.

And for the first time ever Zac Hanson sings lead on 6 songs. In terms of vocals Isaac has always been a favourite but after hearing Zac on this album I think that's changed. He's got a great falsetto, might even be better then Taylor's.

I think what's most interesting about this album is it's message of as Hanson themselves describe in one of their podcast "stepping out there and facing the unknown" as well as the message of vulnerability. Something that is perfectly illustrated on the title track.

Every time a new Hanson album is released the question of radio playable songs is always raised. And the truth is Hanson may never have completely radio friendly songs because they keep re-inventing their sound. Which is the only thing any good band should concern themselves with in my opinion. And I appluad them for that.

From what I've been able to gather over the years Hanson is not 'playable' partly because some folks think the use of harmonious "oooh's, aaah's and nanana" sounds in their lyrics shows lack of maturity and or ruins the songs. Personally I don't give a frak, that's always been part of the bands appeal for me. And I think more bands should adapt their sound.

It is a solid piece of work the only thing that could have made it better (at least for me) would be more lead tracks by Ike. And the inclusion of 2 tracks that were on the Japanese release "I am" and "In a Way". Two of my perhaps all time fave songs done by Zac. Hopefully they'll be included on one of their DVD's.

Ok, I think that fills my ranting quota for the year lol. If you haven't got the album yet go out and get it, it'll be worth your while (I'm getting mine tomorrow). Their "Mmmboping" days are far behind them. They've been replaced by 3 guys who sing feel good rock and roll. You can check out the new album on AOL's Listening Party it will be available till next Monday.

Avril Lavigne: The Best Damn Thing

I wonder if Avril noticed the title rhymes with her name? lol. Anyway, I have just listened to the aforementioned album courtesy of AOL and decided to share my thoughts on it. To be honest after listening to the whole thing I still can't make up my mind on whether I like it.

I thought songs like "Innocence", "When You're Gone" and "Keep Holding On" were quite good. All the songs I mentioned are slow songs, the rest are fast paced and pop induced.

And to be honest I didn't like them as much as I have her previous ones with the exception of "The Best Damn Thing". That one I did enjoy. I will admit that the songs are fun and some are very funny which is I guess what she was aiming for.

The first single off the album "Girlfriend" which she recorded in 5 different languages, although catchy gets really annoying after the first couple of listens.

It's actually sort of ironic that so many of her songs on this album center on breaking up and general guy-bashing. When her personal life is quite the opposite.

I think that this album is perfect for all the teenager girls out there who wanna blow off some steam and stick it to their ex-boyfriends. I believe for that reason alone the album will probably sell well.

As you can probably guess by now I'm not that impressed with this album and I think her previous efforts were much better. Maybe it's because I'm used to her albums having more of a brooding rock edge to it.

And I also think that her previous albums were a little deeper lyrically, but with that said the album is not too bad. The slow tracks are definitely worth a listen particularly "Keep Holding On" and "When You're Gone".

You can check out Avril's new effort on the AOL Full CD Listening Party site. Once again all you need to do is download the AOL player. The album will be available on the site until the following Monday only. And it comes out in stores this Tuesday April 17th.