In 2004, Say Anything released “…is a Real Boy,” which, in my opinion, is one of the best albums released in the past five years.
It was catchy, and it was an album that was so brutally honest that is was bitter, yet sweet. The lyrics cut through your soul and mind like a double-edged sword. There really wasn’t a bad song on that album.
Then, in 2007, the band released their eagerly anticipated album “In Defense of the Genre,” which was two discs of crap.
Their new self-titled album isn’t as good as the band’s earlier work, but it’s definitely a huge step up from their last album.
Upon first listen, one may think the songs are throwaway tracks, but after listening to it a couple times, fans will find it a hit-or-miss.
The first single off the album, “Hate Everyone,” is practically note-for-note “Rudie Can’t Fail” by The Clash with new lyrics. Although I wasn’t fond of it at first, it began to grow on me.
Other standout tracks include “Cemetery,” a slower song that seems to be about lead singer Max Bemis finding someone who turned his life around; “Eloise,” a song Bemis said is about addiction; and “Ahhh… Men,” which could be the best song on the album and is saved for last.
Other songs have their moments and feel like they’re about to reach a climax, but fall short and end up sounding dull. The rest of the album, like their previous ones, sounds forced and overproduced.
Say Anything’s early albums had an indescribable punch and edge that Bemis could deliver on almost every song with only a guitar and drums. However, it is as though production takes away that sense instead of enhancing it.
Bemis asked fans for their thoughts on the new album on Twitter.
Well, here it is: Take your time on the next album, don’t overproduce, and don’t force it. Just let it come, even if fans have to wait five years.
johnray@dailynebraskan.com
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