Pros: "Across Waters Again", variety of tempos and song 'moods' - create a flawless album
Cons: Tracks 5, 6, and 7, although wonderful, display Blindside at their worst
The Bottom Line: From "I think I've stayed for the last time" in 'Eye of the Storm' to the last note in 'About A Burning Fire', this album is, put simply, perfect.
blindsider's Full Review: About a Burning Fire by Blindside
Track 4 on this album, "Shekina", has two lines that I absolutely adore.
Like joy was something you can touch
I wrap it around me like a blanket
So I'll just use a lame-but-true analogy, and say "Like good music was something you can touch, wrap this album around you like a blanket."
Well, everyone, Blindside has done it again. Done what, you ask? Created a magical musical masterpiece (those Swedes always get me into a fit of alliteration). Having loved Silence, I was counting down the DAYS until this CD came out. Every millisecond of agony was well-spent, because this is a beautiful album...
"Eye Of The Storm" is the perfect album opener, because it's almost a Silence-type song, and I just can't think of it being anywhere else but at Track 1. Christian's voice shows so much diversity merely in the first three lines of this song; never have I been exposed to someone whose singing is so versatile. When he adamantly proclaims 'And I still come out loving You even more', your hair will stand on end.
The album then surges into the energetic "Follow You Down". I'm not going to guarantee that everyone will assess this as the BEST Blindside song - it might take a few listens. With a pounding beat and the occasional wail from our favorite Lindskog, this song begins with Christian nearly whispering the lyrics "It's the smallest things that have a tendency to hurt for the longest time"...only to be followed seconds later by a wail, "But this time I'm NOT gonna follow you doooown..." and a continuation of "I'll fall in love with the sound - of silence." It's one of those songs you love or hate. Personally, I think it's fabulous.
Track 3 - the most well-known song from AABF. First single, the medium-tempo "All Of Us". The main thing that sticks out in one's mind about this song will absolutely be the chorus; it's catchy and beautifully sung by Christian, with backup vocals by guitarist Simon Grenehed and bassist Tomas Naslund.
"Shekina" - hands down, the most unique song on the album - ...I'm not sure there are even words to describe this song. My eyes fill to the brim with tears everytime I hear "Like joy was something you can touch / I wrap it around me like a blanket". It's just one of those parts of a song. It will tug at emotions you didn't even know you had - in a good way. Christian's vocals are possibly the best on this song, and if you've ever seen Blindside perform this song live, you will fully understand the emotion conveyed, and the raw beauty of such a song. It's one-of-a-kind.
The next three tracks, "Hooray, It's L.A.", "Swallow", and "Die Buying" - although they're just fine - would have to be my three least favorites. In fact, the first time I heard this album, I got a bit concerned that the latter half of the album would be "okay". With time, they grew on me, but they wouldn't be included on a compilation of Blindside's greatest songs.
True to what they've always done, Blindside will always compensate for a few songs that might be lacking that particular quality. Hence, track 8 - "Across Waters Again", a gorgeous jewel of a song that you might recognize as sort of a sequel to "Across Waters" from A Thought Crushed My Mind, in which Christian describes missing his wife Elina. As you probably know, a certain lyric in this song has caused quite a stir - but it's funny...if you aren't listening very carefully, you won't even hear it. After the first chorus is belted out, Christian says,
But you were never late
To pick up the phone and call
Now it's fall
AndImissmakingloveintheSundayyyy afternoon sunlight
Take it or leave it, it's a fantastic song and hands-down my favorite on the album.
"After You're Gone" and "Where The Sun Never Dies" are extremely unique Blindside songs. Their tempo changes displayed during mid-song are ones that are somewhat reminiscent of songs on Blindside's 1997 self-titled debut album. I love both of these songs, and the lyrics in "After You're Gone"'s unforgettable chorus are well-known as some of Blindside's best:
But what if You'd sing me alive
I'm ready to give up the fight
'Cause I'm just a stone
Right after You're gone
"Roads", a mellow, jazzy song is probably my second favorite on this album. It's a nice diversion from everyday life - it puts you in almost a trance-like state, when Christian wistfully murmurs, "I wanna fall in love and leave tonight." Excellent track.
It's funny that Track 11 ("Roads") and this next track were placed side-by-side on the album. Actually, it's a really cool thing. They're possibly the most different sounding songs on the album (not necessarily lyrically; I mean as far as tempo, and DEFINITELY a change with Christian's voice).
I strongly attest that all Blindside fans - and I mean serious Blindside fans - even if they don't like this album overall, they will love Track 12, "About A Burning Fire." It puts together all the elements of Blindside's sound, and while it's so raw, it's so structured at the same time. Amazing production, awesome lyrics, and Christian's voice - no surprise - shines. It will definitely increase your heart-rate a beat or two.
With the combination of stellar lyrics and musicians who perfect what they do in every aspect, About A Burning Fire will always be a fixture in my CD player.
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