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Rating: THE REVIEW
Alright, I admit it, even I, at the time, was annoyed by the first single from this album (You Found Me) as it was played on almost every radio station at almost every hour. However, one summer day a year later, by pure chance, I decided to listen to the whole album, and I have to say, it changed my mind.
I agree with those who believe that The Fray consistently remain "torn" between being an artist who wants to create good music and one who wants to stay at the top of the charts for a long time; I disagree, however, with those who say this Colorado quartet is too similar to other bands that share the same genre ("Pop-Rock"/"Piano-Rock") like Keane, for example.
So, this work was released in 2009 and it is the second studio album after "How To Save A Life," consisting of 10 tracks, almost all written by singer Isaac Slade and rhythm guitarist and backup vocalist Joe King.
The album opens well with one of the best songs, "Syndicate," and continues with "Absolute" where the guitars play a fundamental role. The third, "You Found Me," as much as it might not bother me now, I would prefer to skip, and we come to "Say When" and "Never Say Never," both very good, the former having a more "rock" imprint while the latter is more of a pop ballad. Following these two is my favorite song, "Where The Story Ends," which, from the main riff onwards, managed to capture me even if not fully convince me. That's why I recommend listening to it multiple times to truly appreciate it. Then comes "Enough For Now": another good pop-rock song, well-rhythmed, that flows smoothly through its 4 minutes. It is followed by "Ungodly Hour," another ballad where Joe King takes the lead vocal, and "We Build Then We Break" which, like "Little House" on the previous record, is meant to "wake up" the listener a bit by offering a more distinct and harsh sound. The last track, "Happiness," closes this decent work worthily, composed by the right combination of piano and electric guitars. Notable, as in previous albums, is Slade's accent and his way of singing: really strained and almost "whiny"; however, if one grows accustomed to these two small things, the album can become much more enjoyable.
In conclusion, if this The Fray appears better and more "lively" than the first, even the songs seem to be affected by it, becoming much more radio-friendly and no longer seeking that almost "Indie" sound that had positively characterized, in my opinion, "How To Save A Life."
Therefore, not harboring any animosity toward this Christian band and keeping the previous observations in mind, I believe The Fray fully deserve a good 3. I am also hopeful for their next album, which should be released by the end of 2011, as I hope for further artistic growth of the band, which they have partly achieved with this work.
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Summary by Bot
This review revisits The Fray's 2009 self-titled album, acknowledging its heavy radio rotation but finding merit in the full listening experience. The album balances pop-rock appeal with some artistic ambition, showcasing standout tracks like 'Syndicate' and 'Where The Story Ends.' The reviewer appreciates the band's growth since their debut but notes a more commercial sound.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
02 Absolute (03:47)
I've seen this one before, the girl she gets away
Everybody knows it but no one tries to stop it
Cause she barely even knows him but if she could see inside
Everything is quiet as she waits to tell him who she is
Is this all we get to be absolute
Quiet but I'm sure there is something here
Tell me everything cause I want to hear
It's a kiss sits upon on her lips that waits for planes and battle ships
She wants to be a dancer and he has got a picture
On his wall and it's a sailor in a new port every night
Yet man was born to trouble like sparks fly upwards innocent
Is this all we get to be absolute
Quiet but I'm sure there is something here
Tell me everything cause I want to hear
All we are and all we want
40 years come and gone
All we are in photographs
Will never be taken
Quiet but I'm sure there is something here
Tell me everything cause I want you here
Quiet but I'm sure there is something here
Tell me everything cause I want to hear
03 You Found Me (04:01)
I found God on the corner of 1st and Amistad
Where the West was all but won
All alone, smoking his last cigarette
I said, "Where've you been?" He said, "Ask anything."
Where were you, when everything was falling apart.
All my days were spent by the telephone that never rang
And all I needed was a call that never came
To the corner of 1st and Amistad
Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me
Lying on the floor, surrounded, surrounded
Why'd you have to wait? Where were you? Where were you?
Just a little late, you found me, you found me.
But in the end everyone ends up alone
Losing her, the only one who's ever known
Who I am, who I'm not and who I wanna to be
No way to know how long she will be next to me
Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me
Lying on the floor, surrounded, surrounded
Why'd you have to wait? Where were you? Where were you?
Just a little late, you found me, you found me.
The early morning, the city breaks
And I've been calling for years and years and years
And you never left me no messages
You never sent me no letters
You got some kind of nerve taking all I want
Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me
Lying on the floor, Where were you? Where were you?
Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me
Lying on the floor, surrounded, surrounded
Why'd you have to wait? Where were you? Where were you?
Just a little late, you found me, you found me.
Why'd you have to wait, to find me, to find me?
The Fray
The Fray is an American pop rock band formed in Denver, Colorado, in 2002 by vocalist/pianist Isaac Slade and guitarist Joe King. They rose to international prominence with the singles "Over My Head (Cable Car)" and "How to Save a Life."03 Reviews
