kristinafh's Full Review: O-Town [Bonus Track] by O-Town
Preamble
I was bound and determined not to like this cd. Heck, I was looking forward to the review I would write that would rip them a new one. Although I’m not completely wrong about this group and their songs, my first impression may have been oversimplified. Read on.
Here’s the Story
Lou Perlman, the anti-christ, is back with another one of his creations. (Special Note: He did NOT create NSYNC, he merely funded them.) Teaming up with ABC and the creators of MTV’s, The Real World and Road Rules, (Mary-Ellis Bunim and Jonathan Murray), Lou set out on an adventure to select five lucky gentlemen (ages 18-25) from all over the country to become his next pop phenomenon. Although I was a fan of the early The Real World shows (specifically New York), I didn’t initially tune in because I did other things on Friday nights when it was on the boob tube. Back over the summer, I did happen to catch one episode. It disgusted me. Maybe it was the exception and not the rule. Never have I seen so many young (and not very talented) egos, taking on a prima donna view about their career. Okay, you’re like 19 and you think the world owes you everything? Uh-huh. This is exactly what is wrong with a good portion of our youth today. But I digress….
So over the course of the series, they narrow it down to five guys, they go into overdrive trying to get them vocal and choreography lessons while at the same time, try to land them a deal with a major record label.
Incidentally, they did fall under a lucky star. Past Arista Guru Clive Davis signed them as his very first act on his new label, J Records. I have to tell you that even though I don’t hate this cd (a couple of redeeming qualities), I’m surprised and disappointed in Clive’s choice. He must need the money BAD.
This self-titled cd is their first release. And yes, I hear that the television show will continue showing you the ups and downs of the five guys.
Some Things You May Be Curious About
First, who are these blokes? Glad you asked.
Ashley Parker Angel (and yes, I’m not kidding) – 18, Redding, California. If he’s not compared to Nick (Backstreet Boys) and Justin (NSYNC), I’ll fall over from the shock.
Jacob Underwood - 20, San Diego, California. Jacob, like most members of boy bands, is a huge Michael Jackson fan.
Trevor Penick - 19, Rancho Cucamonga, California. He appears to want to be AJ (Backstreet Boys) and is a huge fan of Will Smith.
Erik Michael Estrada - 20, New York, New York. Laugh all you want, he is not named after that actor from C.H.I.P.S..
Dan Miller - 19, Cleveland, Ohio. Interesting enough, Dan was the “fifth” wheel. He didn’t make the initial cut and was only called back after one of the originals left the band.
Second, um the band is named O-Town? Oh yah. While they were running around trying to think of a name, everyone affectionately referred to them as O-Town because hey – that’s where they were – Orlando. I don’t think it’s an original name, guys, you could have done much better.
Third, all of you pop fans are sure to be asking the question, who do they sound like? The answer would be, absolutely NOT NSYNC or the Backstreet Boys. The closest comparison I could make would be to Lou Perlman’s other creation, C-Note.
Listener Tips
This is very important - at least for me. The first time I listened to this cd, I was in the shower. It sounded just awful. The second time I listened to it, I had my headphones on. It grew on me quickly this way. I'm one of those people who is a firm believer in that you have to bond to different kinds of music in different ways. I have an appreciation for this cd when I have my headphones on. When it's playing out in the open, the appreciation isn't nearly as great. I've experienced this with other music as well.
Tracks
Liquid Dreams
With many of O-Town’s songs, if you just tune out the lyrics and listen to the music, you’ll do alright. But speaking of the lyrics, perhaps the reason people actually try to listen to them is to figure out all the names that the boys are dropping. I dream about a girl who's a mix of Destiny's Child. Just a little touch of Madonna's wild style. With Janet Jackson's smile. Throw in a body like Jennifer you got the start of my Liquid Dreams.
Released in the latter part of 2000 as a single, it was the first time that a new artist from a new label entered the charts (Singles Sold) at number one.
Grade: B-
Every Six Seconds
If you can get past the initial cheesy lyrics every six seconds or less preoccupation with the opposite sex, then the rest of the song is catchy and grabs your attention. The best part of this song is the guitar riff during the chorus. Sounds as good as the guitar riff from Janet Jackson's song Black Cat. You know, it's a typical pop/boy band sound...very overproduced. But that's okay. If I feel like strutting around while this plays, you know it's gotta be decent.
Grade: B+
Girl
We switch from an overproduced pop single to a smooth (but still overproduced) R&B feeling tune. I wish I could tell you something special about it. It just doesn't stand out.
Grade: C
Sexiest Woman Alive
Here's the song where they try to be Joe. Hello, it doesn't work. First, what's with the name dropping? You mention MTV, Haagen Daas, and Soul Train. If you want to seduce a woman (as it states in your title), you don't name drop. Second, these lyrics make me want to vomit. I'm gonna make you my wifey. Okay, do you think you're Next? What saves me from killing this song is that if I go by my new rule - don't listen to your lyrics - the musical part is actually decent.
Grade:C
Love Should Be A Crime
This is the first song we get to where the lyrics don’t scare the living daylights out of you. It’s co-written by songwriter, Desmond Childs. Unfortunately, this song sounds like a Jon Bon Jovi reject. What makes matters worse is that it is the most ill-fitted song on the cd. O-Town is a boy band, not a man band. You really can’t believe any of the lyrics they’re singing –they’re too young to even understand.
Grade: D
Shy Girl
Now, this is more like it. Upbeat and overproduced. This is believable stuff. The boys sing about a girl who thinks she's nothing special. It's even a throw back to the NKOTB days but not nearly as bad. I almost expect it to show up on some pre-teen show as a song played during one of those pivotal, I-wish-you-would-dance-with-me moments. Gosh I love it when a song reminds me of being young!
Grade: C+
All Or Nothing
First and subsequent impression - this song, both in lyrics and sound, remind you strongly of another fine group - Westlife. Their first ballad on the cd, it's also their best effort so far. Yes, it's sappy and sweet. Think that Titanic song that everyone says they hate, but they secretly love. The piano intro draws you into a soft endearing male voice. There's no where else to fall. When your reach the bottom, it's now or never. If good ole Clive was smart, he'd see that this single made it on to a soundtrack for a good movie.
Grade: A
Sensitive
The first fifteen seconds of this song didn't endear me. It's not until you actually get to the chorus that you perk up and realize, it's not half bad. Some might refer to it as a pretty generic song. Much in the vain of I'ts Gonna Be Me, it's upbeat but not entirely danceable.
Grade: B
The Painter
This song grew on me because of the heavy emphasis of the accoustical guitar throughout the song. As a ballad, it's not nearly as good as All Or Nothing but gasp they sound little like 98 Degrees in this song! Such sweet lyrics play off of the melodic steady beat. I'll try to find a melody as beautiful as you. Grade: B
Take Me Under
Flashes of Pink enter your ears. It's the play of the synthesizers against the echos of the vocals. The lyrics attempt to show us a "dirtier" side of O-Town. Like I said, ignore the lyrics, listen to just the music.
Grade: C
All For Love
Now this is about the harmonies and the cheese! I have an appreciation for this exact formula. The chorus is the best part. This is when they get to shine with their harmonies. Leading up to the chorus is some strut yourself attitude type lyrics. This song reminds me a bit of NSYNC's first efforts on their self-titled cd.
Grade: B
Baby I Would
One listen and you’d know this tune was penned by romance queen, Diane Warren. Finger snaps, swaying back and forth, the boys start to serenade you with the lyrics. I'll keep you from the cold. I'll be there to hold you. Any tear that's by your eyes. I would be the one to dry them. I would risk it all to give it all to you. Grade: B
The End
I struggled back and forth on whether or not to recommend. I’m going to recommend it with reserve and caution. If you’re looking for a substitute until NSYNC releases their next cd, this work will disappoint you. If you go into it knowing that it’s just fluffy pop, then you’ll be okay with it.
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