Having not blogged about anything significant over the last few weeks (months?), I make my triumphant return to the blogging scene to provide what few readers we have left with some freaking music. It seems like it was just yesterday that we were all watching the ball drop to mark the end of what has been quite a depressing 2008. But a new year brings new resolutions and hope (the latest trend, it seems), and all we can do is keep doing what we’ve all been doing: survive.
/end thoughtful remark of the day
In any case, The Fray’s highly anticipated sophomore album drops tomorrow. They’re quite an interesting case in music: Everyone has heard of them and knows the lyrics to at least two of their songs, but almost no one will admit to listening to/liking them. I was interested in seeing what direction they would take with their second album, seeing as though it was given ample time to diminish at least some of the massive expectations set by the first, 2x-platinum-winning album, How to Save a Life. Would they choose a more experimental approach to their song writing, or would they follow the adage of most money-grubbing bastards in the music industry: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”?
Alas, I should have been able to answer that question for myself upon just seeing the title of the album. (Self-titled, conveniently.) The Fray have chosen to pigeonhole themselves as a cookie cutter band with similar melodies and stylistic devices from their first album. While more piano-driven than their previous songs, you could mix up all of their tracks from their first and second albums and I probably wouldn’t be able tell them apart for you. But you know, that might not be such a bad thing. The Fray serves their purpose; they give you catchy music with easily understandable lyrics that is simple and fun. In a few weeks, the whole world will probably be singing to the lyrics of Syndicate much like it did with Over my Head a few years ago.
Decent album. I just wouldn’t cross my fingers on having The Fray release groundbreaking material anytime soon. Or ever, for that matter.
Baby close your eyes
Don’t open til the morning light
Baby don’t forget
You haven’t los… Fuck. See what I mean?
The Fray - Where the Story Ends
- Lloyd
