blindsider's Full Review: The All-American Rejects by All-American Rejects
"Days swiftly come and go, I'm dreaming of her..."
Lead singer of the All-American Rejects, Tyson Ritter, has this certain imploring look in his cobalt eyes that makes you believe he can do absolutely no wrong. "Wow," you think, "...but is this band any good?"
Well, it depends. How many "my ex-girlfriend made me sad" songs can you digest before your musical appetite is completely annihilated? Welcome to the All-American Rejects' debut album.
The disc starts off with the charming "My Paper Heart", which sets the tone for songs to come, with lyrics that you will either adore or find cringe-worthy (there rarely seems to be in-betweens): "Please just don't play with me, my paper heart will bleed. This wait for destiny won't do - be with me, please, I beseech you!" This is one of my personal favorites on the album. Nick Wheeler, Mike Kennerty, and Chris Gaylor are skilled musicians who complement Tyson's voice extraordinarily; the light-hearted, fun sound are a unique balance to some of the most candid (yet slightly banal - depending on your perspective) lyrics of heartbreak - "So bottle up old love, throw it out to sea..."
"Your Star" depicts some of AAR's most coherent sounds, with a beat that will seize your attention immediately, coupled with more love-or-hate syrupy lyrics resonantly crooned by Tyson: "A simple whisper from your voice, and I fade away." and "you want space / I need you, to help me see this through." This song would do fantastically if released as a single.
The transition into "Swing, Swing" is smooth and agreeable to the ear. Easily the most well-known song on the album, the verses lack any form of awkwardness; AAR seem to play music so effortlessly and simply. It is a refreshing song - once again, lyrics may be considered maudlin by many.
"Time Stands Still", track 4, is a cut above the rest. Tyson's unequivocal voice is rather enthralling in this song, and my favorite line on the album "Epitome of perfection" is in this song. Definitely a stand-out track, but at this point, you're beginning to wonder what exactly Tyson's ex-girlfriend has done to induce such emotions.
"One More Sad Song" is self-explanatory. There are actually two versions of this song: I downloaded one approximately two years ago; it's the demo version. I recommend it, as it is significantly better than this album version. The changes in the two versions are understated and subtle, but they make worlds of difference. Yet again, Tyson's relationship saga unfolds, as he whimpers, "And all the perfect words, they seem so wrong / she's gone."
Next is my least favorite song on the album - "Why Worry". The sound just isn't as polished, and it's repetitive; the song isn't a "skip-track" - the whole album does provide for a decent listen - but it won't blow you away. It seems like Tyson wrote it in five minutes - "I can't move on, I can't take it. She, she says we won't make it now" sample the sort of lyrics on this particular cloying song.
Luckily, the Rejects pick up the pace with the compelling and energetic "Don't Leave Me". Tyson sings a bit faster on this song as opposed to dragging out each syllable, which proves for a nice pick-up for the mood of the mid-album songs. No surprise, we find here more quixotically heart-wrenching words courtesy of Tyson: "Wanna be with you and that's the only way / Will you stay or will you walk? Will you let go, and leave me all alone?" Toward the end of the song, Tyson's voice fades, and he says "Don't say goodbye / just dry your eyes / I differ everything that I did wrong", and it sounds quite similar to parts of "The Last Song". You have two options: recoil with disgust or bathe in the glee and cuteness of it all.
I believe "Too Far Gone" gets the award for the most schmaltzy and slushy of them all. Shield your eyes if you can't handle the gushiness that Tyson seems to epitomize with his words: "Now we're too far gone / Hope is such a waste / With every breath you take, you give me the burden's bitter taste / you promised that you'd stay, but you say you wanna go / your lips provide the shelter for the things that I don't know." The song snaps into a memorable chorus, in which Tyson pleads, "Speak slowly / my heart is learning / teach me heartache / stop this burning."
"Drive Away" is one of the more swiftly paced songs on the album, and will undoubtedly be preferred by most listeners. "I'll write Sincerely yours, and sign my name...P.S., I love you, forever and today," laments Tyson. When he sighs "I wish I could drive away in the sunset back to the day that we first met," you can't help but be sucked into the song's tagline.
The background music in "Happy Endings" tends to sound like Christmas music at times. It is unquestionably one of my most adored songs on this album. Nice tempo, but it throws you off occasionally.
"You - you ask me what went wrong
Me - I'll write you this last song
Please - just tell me one way we can win," Tyson puts forth his final plea.
"One - more thing before I go
Two - the one who loves me so
Three - don't make me count to three again," he threatens.
At this point, the listener becomes slightly curious as to what the next song will reveal - since Tyson, dare we say it? - sounds close to giving up on this mystery girl.
Wow, I've always took note of the fact that this album is one of the few albums in which the last half of the disc seems to have better songs. Hmm.
"The Last Song" is splendid, end of story. Sure, sure, I liked "Swing, Swing" like everyone else, but this is the song that really striked me as contagious. I marvel at everything in this song. The melody, the chorus, the verses, the lyrics...It's undeniable.
Somehow I knew that it would be this way
Somehow I knew that it would slowly fade
And now I am gone, just try and stop me now
You wanted the best - it wasn't me
You gave it back - now I'll take the lead, when there's no more room to make it grow
I'll see you again - pretend you're not here
Is this what you want?
Is this what you need?
How do you end up? Let me know.
As I go, remember all the simple things you know
My mind is just a crutch and I still hope,
that you will miss me when I'm gone
This is the last song.
Brilliant! Exceptional! Luminous! "The Last Song" will leave you wanting much more, and be warned, you are likely to put it on octuple-repeat.
This eleven-song debut is remarkable and impressive. Numerous people seem to complain that every song is about the same thing - which really boils down to - if you like mushy songs, you'll be in love with this album; if they disgust you, you will loathe this album with every ounce of your being.
I highly anticipate the next move from the All-American Rejects. Unfortunately, since I met them in October 2003, I haven't heard much from them. Word scattered that a new album was in the works. We can only hope!
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