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The Daily OrangeNot much said: Say Anything's latest self-titled album is a poor departure from previous ones with whiny lyrics, complicated arrangements
By Olivia St. Denis
Posted: 11/3/09, 1:30 AM EST Section: Decibel
BAND: Say Anything
ALBUM: "Say Anything"
GENRE: Alternative Rock SOUNDS LIKE: Saves the Day, Hot Rod Circuit, Brand New SCORE: 40 Decibels
After spending the last two years tirelessly touring across the states and the United Kingdom, the Los Angeles-based band Say Anything has come out with their fourth album. The self-titled release features 13 tracks, including the single "Hate Everyone."
Catchy choruses, dramatic arrangements, witty lyrics and a touch of self-loathing - yep, it's certainly a Say Anything album. Unfortunately, it's not a very good one. It has its moments of brilliance, but most of the disc is muddled with underwhelming verses and one too many whiny songs about girls.
The album opens with the mid-tempo "Fed to Death," a short introduction clocking in at just over a minute and thirty seconds. Acoustic chords suddenly give way to an intense electric wall of sound at the thirty-second mark. Concise and poignant, "Fed To Death" serves as a perfect album opener.
"Hate Everyone" and "Do Better" follow, and serve as two of the best tracks on the album. "Hate Everyone" is a bitterly humorous pop-rock anthem where singer Max Bemis repeatedly chants how he, well, hates "everyone on this cursed earth." Upbeat and undeniably catchy, "Hate Everyone" will have you singing and hating right along with Bemis.
"Do Better" is arguably the best track on the disc, and gets better with every listen. A Death Cab for Cutie-esque tune, "Do Better" is a unique combination of sounds centering around a violin loop and an electronic drum beat. Lyrically, "Do Better" is a witty but self-deprecating tune about wanting to become a better version of you.
The only other standout track of the album appears in "Less Cute." At first listen, it's a seemingly average break-up song. But its jazzy horns, punchy bridges and sing-along chorus demand more attention. The song climaxes towards the end with a dual vocal dynamic.
ALBUM: "Say Anything"
GENRE: Alternative Rock SOUNDS LIKE: Saves the Day, Hot Rod Circuit, Brand New SCORE: 40 Decibels
After spending the last two years tirelessly touring across the states and the United Kingdom, the Los Angeles-based band Say Anything has come out with their fourth album. The self-titled release features 13 tracks, including the single "Hate Everyone."
Catchy choruses, dramatic arrangements, witty lyrics and a touch of self-loathing - yep, it's certainly a Say Anything album. Unfortunately, it's not a very good one. It has its moments of brilliance, but most of the disc is muddled with underwhelming verses and one too many whiny songs about girls.
The album opens with the mid-tempo "Fed to Death," a short introduction clocking in at just over a minute and thirty seconds. Acoustic chords suddenly give way to an intense electric wall of sound at the thirty-second mark. Concise and poignant, "Fed To Death" serves as a perfect album opener.
"Hate Everyone" and "Do Better" follow, and serve as two of the best tracks on the album. "Hate Everyone" is a bitterly humorous pop-rock anthem where singer Max Bemis repeatedly chants how he, well, hates "everyone on this cursed earth." Upbeat and undeniably catchy, "Hate Everyone" will have you singing and hating right along with Bemis.
"Do Better" is arguably the best track on the disc, and gets better with every listen. A Death Cab for Cutie-esque tune, "Do Better" is a unique combination of sounds centering around a violin loop and an electronic drum beat. Lyrically, "Do Better" is a witty but self-deprecating tune about wanting to become a better version of you.
The only other standout track of the album appears in "Less Cute." At first listen, it's a seemingly average break-up song. But its jazzy horns, punchy bridges and sing-along chorus demand more attention. The song climaxes towards the end with a dual vocal dynamic.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Kyle
posted 11/03/09 @ 8:28 PM EST
I thought the new CD was amazing and their best yet. It's a lot more musical and catchy.
Max
posted 11/04/09 @ 11:30 PM EST
I'm obsessed with the new album, it definitely exceeded my expectations & I couldn't be happier right now, as I'm currently listening to it :)
dan
posted 11/08/09 @ 11:41 AM EST
are you insane ahhh men is one of the best songs max has ever written theres more heart in that song then any and damn hate everyone is the worst song on the album and its a damn good single still
Corey
posted 11/09/09 @ 8:28 PM EST
granted "hate everyone" is a good single, but compared to other songs it doesnt compare. "Less Cute" i thought was a par song, on of the songs on the album i occasionly skip when listening. (Continued…)
Bobby
posted 11/15/09 @ 4:53 PM EST
I'm sorry. I couldn't disagree more... I am extremely frustrated having read this. I want to hit something.
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