The All American Rejects – When The World Comes Down
When The World Comes Down was released in December of last year so this review is months past its due date. I only recently bought the album after hearing their single Gives You Hell, and it’s fantastic. The All American Rejects are a fairly mainstream band, and have seen much success over the years, coupled with tons of radio play. I’ve been a fan of theirs since hearing their first single Swing Swing (2003), this being despite their popularity. Part of the reasoning is their loyalty to their music and unchanged efforts. Over a span of 7 years they have released 3 albums, each one surpassing the next. Their self-titled debut was a great listen, but obviously it felt a bit weak and shy of their full potential. Move Along, their sophomore album, took things to another level with a more fulfilling sound and just overall development in their music. Finally, When The World Comes Down is not an upgrade by any means, but it’s positively different, and in my opinion their best album yet.
One of the mains reasons I like The All American Rejects is because of lead singer Tyson Ritter. The man is one of the most charmingly funny and charismatic individuals behind a laid back and cool demeanour, I’ve seen yet. Don’t believe me? Check out his interviews on youtube. But besides his one of kind personality, he also possesses an original sound. Ritters vocal work is incredibly original and simply addictive. He has a wild style where he can sound mellow and nasally suddenly switching into an awkward falsetto, or into a loud passionate almost-scream. This versatile structure translates well into this album because of how deep and varied the tracks are.
The single Gives You Hell is a summertime track, that’s fun to listen to. It’s classically pop, emphatic and catchy. The melody is absolutely chill, and the vocals compliment that feel good and carefree style. However, this is the only track that emulates this nonchalant business. Perhaps to add to the richness of the album, or maybe just all in good fun, it’s a great track but not nearly as deep as the rest of the album.
The majority of the album has some very meaningful tracks that range from elegantly beautiful to hopelessly romantic. The first track is one of my favourites; I Wanna is a pretty ditty about love and romance. While the lyrics aren’t particularly deep, the delivery is. The vocals are amazing in this track, not because they are super talented, but because he uses so many tones it’s a bit odd at first but also incredible. The verse is sung in a chilled out and nasally voice, whereas the bridge slowly commits to something more passionate. The chorus however remains slow and strangely soulful. Gradually the song gets faster and more exciting, but it’s a great blend of paces and sounds. The instrumentals are also very epic and sound well produced and choreographed. Breakin is another emotionally driven track about heartbreaks and love. The melody in Breakin is just over the top and perhaps a little more dramatic then the situation calls for. Nonetheless it grabs all of my attention and can alter my feelings in an instant.
Another notable track is Mona Lisa, which is an acoustic ballad, again about a love. Perhaps a cliché theme, but the track is satisfying and engaging for listeners. Another Heart Calls, has female and male vocals, with the help of The Pierces (two sisters), and it’s absolutely heart breaking. The back and forth duet, is engaging to say the least. Another favourite of mine, it’s one of the best songs I’ve heard this year.
One of the most fulfilling albums I’ve heard this year (I know it didn’t come out in 2009). While the band hasn’t matured in what they sing about (alot of reoccurring themes about love), their delivery is at a high level. The music does its job, taking me on an emotional journey, and bringing out the hopeless romantic in me. Obviously I don’t take the words to heart, but it’s epic for the time being. A great album, I only wish I had heard it sooner.
Check out their Myspace for more info about them.
The All American Rejects – I Wanna
The All American Rejects – Another Heart Calls
Tags: album
