Lights and Sounds

I am currently in the 2nd listening of Yellowcard's new album "Lights and Sounds", however I thought could start writing about it and perhaps go into detailed track analysis later. I could just always go back and edit this post if I feel something has changed my opinion of the album. I also must let you know that the copy of this album I have has a corrupted first track and a missing sixth track so it isn't a full review. Now, all that being said, onto the review.

Yellowcard has come a long way from their roots. From a band that used to play free lunchtime shows at high schools while it was on the road to a band that fills venues and makes platinum records. Of course many things have changed. Founding member and lead guitarist Ben Harper was kicked out of the band this past year. Vocalist/lyricist/rythmn guitarist Ryan Key wasn't even a member of the band when they released their first CD. Violinist/Back-up Vocalist Sean Macklin and Drummer LP are the only remaining original members of this band. I think all the shake-ups have left this band without a real identity. Or perhaps they have an identity just one that is different from the Yellowcard identity I have become familiar with over their last three releases.
Lights and Sounds kicks off with a ballad sounding track with full orchestral accompanyment however I can only hear parts of it and it is all distorted so I will have to get back to it later when I get a better copy of this album. The second track is the title track and first single. It leads off with a heavy guitar riff and jumps into a fast paced rock blitz. Solid track but it doesn't really sound like Yellowcard. The third track "Down on My Head" is a slower more melodic song. This track really highlights one of my major issues with this album. There is a serious lack of emotion in the vocals. It feels as if Ryan Key is just reading off a page as he sails through very forgetable song. The fourth track "Sure Thing Falling" is very similar to "Lights and Sounds" as it is very rockin and heavily guitar driven. The fifth track "City of Devils" is a softer song that again lacks the emotion needed to carry a softer song. I don't have the sixth track so I can't comment on it. Track seven could very easily have been done by a different band as it sounds nothing like Yellowcard has ever done before. The guitar plods along and drags the song down lacking hooks and creativity. The 8th and 9th tracks are a nice break from the rest of the album. Clever guitar riffs and technical drum work shine through in these two tracks that I greatly enjoyed, Track 9 "Martin Sheen or JFK" shines out as my favorite song on the album. Unfortunetly, this doesn't say much. Alright, I think the track by track analysis is done here.
The main problem with the album, besides the lack of emotion is that many of the songs just don't stand out. The ballads don't carry that emotion or lyrical brilliance needed to make them stick. The songs that are more rocking generally are easier on the ears however many of them riffs are uncreative and very reminiscent of other bands in the pop-punk genre. I never felt that Yellowcard was a band that would put out creative and earth-shattering music, but with their past releases I always felt like they poured their heart into the work. This release seems very mechanical and over-produced. The thing is that this is the kind of album that has the potential to sell lots of copies. I mean a real lot. I can see this album easily going platinum. It has a lot of elements that play well on the radio now-a-days. Simple lyrics, quick and simple guitar riffs with some fun orchestral breakdowns and easy sing-a-long choruses.
After reading this review one might expect that I hate this album. That is far from the truth. I find "Lights and Sounds" to be a decent album. However, unlike their past releases, I can very easily see this CD finding it's way to the back of my CD binder within two to three weeks.

Pros: Excellent Drum Work, LP never lets me down.
Great album to just pop in and listen to mindlessly while doing something else that will grab your attention.

Cons: Not much creativity
Lacking emotion, especially in the vocal department
Violin not prominent in most of the songs

Tracks to Download: Martin Sheen or JFK, Holly Wood Died, Lights and Sounds

Overall: 6 out of 10