Review Summary: Mayday Parade takes every emotion available to humans, puts it into words, and pairs it with a beat you can't get out of your head.
Usually when I listen to a new band or song, I don't pay a lot of attention. If it catches my ear, I'll look into them, if not, I've forgotten their name 30 seconds later. Not only did Mayday Parade catch my ear, but it wouldn't let go. the lyrics made me wonder, "Have these guys been stalking me? Reading my mind?" It seemed as thought they had spelunker-ed into the very caves of my heart and pulled out exactly what I'd been trying to say all along. Put that with excellent guitars and drums and stellar vocals, and you've got Mayday. Now. Time for A Lesson In Romantics...
1- Jamie All Over- Too bad this is the first one, it really didn't enthrall me. And while it's one of the bands personal favorites and the lyrics are still quite good, it had a different sound, almost EP-ish, raw perhaps. A good song for driving, windows down in the summer time. If it shuffled on, I wouldn't skip it, but I wouldn't go searching for it either.
2- Black Cat- This is the first one I heard. It's fun, you'll find you shoulders moving, your head bobbing, and your lips wishing they knew the words. Lyrically this one is all right. It puts you first on the set of a movie, and refers to what seems to be a cat fight between actresses. Very often nonsensical, the chorus is ridiculous, but you'll feel like you know exactly what they mean...or at least you won't really care.
3-When I Get Home, You're So Dead- Probably their best known thus far, the intro is my favorite part. The perfect angry boyfriend song. VERY angry boyfriend. Hammering guitars and split vocals mid-end that is tell-tale of Mayday Parade add to the fun air of what seems should be a heavy, angst filled song.
4-Jersey-I've never been to Jersey, but with another great intro, they put you there, in the cold Jersey night watching him/her just walk away. There's an wonderful key change for the last chorus. It gives the feel of him actually starting to get over it, right after a particularly dark length of lyrics...really really great.
5- If You Wanted A Song Written About You, All You Had To Do Was Ask- Very post-breakup. Quite angst-y, she obviously cheated and felt no remorse. It's not one of my very favorites but its definitely next in line. "Take me home, I'd rather die than be with you" It makes you want to go up to her, shake you fist and say "JERK! YOU HURT HIM!" Lyrically, this one nearly takes the cake, but I like cake, so I want to keep it for myself.
6- Miserable At Best- Wow, how many girls hurt this guy? Selfish though it may be, at least we all got wonderful songs out of it! Love, love, love the lyrics. Ever get sick of people saying they "can't live without someone" when that person is obviously not a life support machine? “I can live without you, but without you I’ll be miserable at best.” It’s so hard not to quote these guys constantly. This one is slower, as it should be, and lacking in guitar and drums. The piano takes center stage and adds just the right bit to make the song great. Another success for Mayday. I just noticed it’s a little over 5 minutes long. It never become dull or boring, in fact until just now I hadn’t even noticed it was any longer than the rest.
7-Walk On Water Or Drown- This one’s a bit more upbeat, happier lyrics, refreshing especially after the last one. A little more pop-ish than the rest, but not enough to actually switch genres. With the great drums, it’s a toe tapper. It’s about nearly falling apart and having someone rescue you, letting you know they love you just in time. Great words, catchy tune, yet again. Another good one.
8-Ocean And Atlantic- Inspiring and uplifting. Empowering and fun. Just a few adjectives for consideration. It’s an escape from where you are, it puts you on the coast, just letting go. Splendid backup vocals harmonize and add dimension. It’s actually rather simple feeling, like a breath of fresh air after angst and rejuvenation. The lyrics are, as usual, outstanding.
9-I’d Hate To Be You When People Find Out What This Song Is About- About letting go, and knowing it’s for the best. A little sad, but not depressing. Another “sway-er” The harmony gets me again, irresistible. Great guitar solo, as well. It has an ethereal feel, and I find myself closing my eyes, not to sleep, but to listen.
10-Take This To Heart- A little slower tempo, but no where near a ballad. Lyrically, Take This to Heart is a bit more incoherent but you get the idea that if you knew the situation you would realize how sweet it actually is. “I have finally found a reason to come home” Not one of my favorites, but again, I don’t avoid it.
11-Champagne’s For Celebrating (I’ll Have A Martini)- Upbeat again, this is a pick me up from the last. The tune and tempo sharply contrast the lyrics, which are downtrodden, perhaps even begging “Why’d you have to go? Is there something I could say?” Heavy guitar and forceful drums. It ends midline, which seems to be a Mayday trend. This is another great. I feel like I’m repeating myself…
12-You Be The Anchor That Keeps My Feet On The Ground, I'll Be The Wings That Keep Your Heart In The Clouds- Really long title, but it's sweet. This song is much more deep and thoughtful that the rest. With references to God and self-searching, it's more swaying then jiving and it will have you pondering your existence as well.
Ah! I feel like I’m saying the same thing about the lyrics, but they really are great. Unlike Fall Out Boy’s newest album, which I enjoyed for a short time, the words actually make sense. Derek’s voice is, while not unique to the point of weird, and embrace-able different. Mayday Parade has it all.
