Review Summary: There comes a point in an artists career when they reach a peak of creativity and maturity. When that musician has truly found himself and has discovered just who he is and what he is all about. For Dan Layus, Life Imitating Life is that point.
I have always been a fan of Augustana from the moment I heard "Boston." There is something about this band that grabs me, and I can't explain it. Can't Love, Can't Hurt solidified my liking, and that album permanently landed a spot in my all time favorite list. Now, it would seem that Dan has found himself at a crossroads in his life and career. An established family man, it was beginning to feel as if music had taken a backseat. To my astonishment, not only was that untrue, but it has sparked a very rare creative imprint, and the outcome is Life Imitating Life.
I heard Ash and Ember the day it was released as a single. My first thought, "Maybe a little too generic, but the lyrics are great. This album could go either way." Then "Youth is Wasted on the Young" was released, and I got my answer. Creative lyrics, nostalgia present, THIS is the Augustana I know. I was first in line to buy this 10 song collection.
As I played through "Ash and Ember," and the intro began to "Need a Little Sunshine," I smiled. I knew it would be a great experience. Dan's vocals have not regressed, the instrumentation is spot on, with the piano present in the background. I then began critiquing every song word for word. "Love in the Air" is a sweet song about his family, with an awesome groovy melody. Win. "Youth is Wasted on the Young," win. The beautiful melody flowing through the crescendo into the chorus of "Say You Want Me" is a defining moment on the album. This is Dan at his best. Then came the ONLY reason I gave this album a 4.5 instead of a 5.
"Fit Together," and Life Imitating Life do not fit together. Pun intended. The lyrics are generic, the melody is mundane, the vocals are sub par. Not to say it's not a sweet sentiment with good intentions, but it is not in keeping with the rest of this fantastic album. "According to Plan," is quite possibly one of the most impeccably written songs in Dan Layus' songbook. The lyrics are extraordinarily written, the melody is winning, and Dan's vocal performance is top notch. Do not miss this one.
After drifting back to Earth, it got weird. Weird in a good way. "I Really Think So," is a new direction for Augustana. It's so different, but amazingly, it works perfectly. Soulful vibes, great instrumentation, and fantastic lyrics and vocals. What's not to like? "Alive" is slightly above average. Not much else to say about this one. Then, the final track began to play, and I was floored by the somber and beautiful piano. I felt the deep melody right to my core. "Remember Me," is hands down the best song Dan has ever written. This song is pure emotion. Reminiscent Of "20 Years," but there is an added element to this one that is unexplainable. Even if you don't like Augustana, this song is an absolute must.
Life Imitating Life is a benchmark for future gems. 10 songs that are permanently placed with the likes of Can't Love, Can't Hurt. Dan's maturity is displayed, and all the suffering and circumstance that has occurred is evident on mostly every track. Hopefully, this is only a taste of more to come.
Recommended songs:
All except Fit Together
