Our Lady Peace - Gravity Review
Posted by Tony Jaymz on 09.19.2002
Best CD of The Year. There's nothing funny about that.
You know what really bugs me? I as you know, I reviewed Avril Lavigne's "Let GO" two reviews ago(If you didn't read it than shame on you!). Then, searching the net, I get informed that I didn't review every track. That's right folks, the import(European?) version of the CD has an added bonus track! Upon hearing this, I heard Bob Barron, 411's resident Avril maniac, went out and paid $60 for it. Oh boy, the stories I could tell you about that man. But once again, this is just another example of the man putting America down...and the man be Europe…or wherever the CD originates from. For a FULL review of Avril Lavigne's CD, with the super secret ultra bonus track, than head on over to smarktalk.com. With that out the way, let's get to the eagerly, at least in my little fantasy world, awaited review of Our Lady Peace "Gravity"
1. All for you- This intro kicks ass…quiet and then Blam! Guitar riffs everywhere. Real high tempo song, showcasing the abilities of the groups, and really lets the singing be showcased.
2. Do You like It- Well do you, punk? There isn't really an intro to this, I started listening and it kept sounding like I joined a song in the middle. Another great song, a true rock song. The song really finds its pace about a minute and a half in, and from there its just vanilla sky.
3. Somewhere Out There- The number one hit single! Seriously, I've seen this video on VH1 and MTV, so it must be hip. This is a love ballad, through and through, but it's done so well that 250 pound construction workers can't help but sing along to it. True story. Guys, if you want to play a song to win a girl's(or guy's)heart, than play this. Hell, just listening to it myself, I'm falling for…er…myself. Oh, and this is were they got the title of the album, in the lyrics. Just a little tidbit for you trivia buffs.
4. Innocent- Best. Song. Ever. Okay, that's exaggerating but this is the best song on the CD, at the very least. Not very rock, almost a love ballad. Almost. The song deals with some very real things in the lyrics, like cancer, dreams, and the whatnot. Inspirational at the least, and the vocal talents of are really showcased.
5. Made Of Steel- Okay, I was wrong this is the best song ever. Man, I'm just a walking pile of contradictions aren't I? Lyrically, this song is smart. Talking about being there for people. Unlike other rock bands *coughlinkinparkcough* the lyrics in these songs actually mean something. Groovy.
6. Not Enough- Yes folks, the latest "Desire" song. On that note, I think the song and the video of Jeff Hardy was great, but back to the music. Another great song, as I am wondering why the hell 1) I haven't heard of this band until this CD(though I did some research on them since getting the CD and have learned that they've been around since 1992 and a pretty damn funny story I should tell sometime) and 2) Why won't this CD get the awards it so surely deserves?. Back to the actual subject matter at hand, this is a kickass song, as OLP drives home another hit.
7. Sell My Soul- Think this'll be a happy song? The band gives it their all, but this is the clunker of the CD. Too…I can't quite put my finger on it but compared to the other songs, it just came up lacking. I good song on its own. Decent. There we go, there is a word for the song. Decent to good.
8. Sorry- Hell yes, back to the goodness! If OLP comes out with another single/video for this CD, I'd go with this song. It's upbeat, but not to the point were it insults the lyrics. Speaking of which, you notice the difference between actually expressing something than just saying something? Yeah…listen to this CD and you'll find out.
9. Bring Back The Sun- Pretty mellow song, but that isn't an insult. I don't know how they did the voicing, but it sounds like he is in a hollow room. That's probably a bad description but that's the only words I can find. This song reminded me of Coldplay's "Yellow", you know, without the British accent of course. And the lyrics and everything else are different. It just feels alike, dig?
10. A Story About A Girl- Despite reports, a girl did not drown the world. Kudos to people who actually get that little joke. The band ends a great CD with an equally great song.
I loved this CD. To me, this is the best CD I've heard all year, better even than Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising", and that's saying a lot. What more can I say? Well I could give you a wordsmith equivalent of fellatio, but I won't, I'll let the CD do it for itself.
As a closing note, if there are any Maryland/Baltimore area local shows going on, please drop me a line. And be sure to check out my next review(s? S needed?), which is a two part review on the huge two disc set NOFX "45 or 46 Songs That Weren't Good Enough to Go on Our Other Records"
The 411: If you like music with riffs, music that has well thought out and well meaning lyrics, than get this cd. Don't download...that'd be a mean thing to do...go out and actually buy this CD. It's well worth it.
