Blaze took about 4 years to make. So by the time it came out, fans were anxious to see how much they've evolved from the masterpiece that is "Let's Talk About Feelings" from 1998. Blaze reaches back ever so effortlessly to the good old days of 1995 when Hoss ruled the underground upbeat-punk scene, and it gracefully reminds you a great time when punk rock meant something and was revered for its meaningfulness and heartfelt stylings. Lagwagon magically contorts such nostalgia into present-day revolution with their recollection of great punk tunes with heart.
"Burn" - This song blows me away each time I hear it. The vocals are flawless, the lyrics are one-of-a-kind, and the music makes one helluva lagwagon tune. "...and any fool can play. I'll raise the stakes with another turn. We risk/We roll/We Burn". I love it, it's probably one of my favorite intros I've heard for any CD I own. Thank you again Lagwagon. 5/5
"E Daggar" - Haha, this song is great. It reminds me of a tune called "Lori Meyers" from NOFX, but this one is really upbeat and funny. "C'mon E, it's just a party. Let's go to PartyTown, then we can party down". Obviously, Joey is trying to convince E to join him and his comrads in some disorganized punk fun at a party (that is greatly diplayed at the end with the whistling and Whooing). Great fun tune, this album's got something. 4/5
"Dancing The Collapse" - You have to love the uniqueness of this song while it speeds through a simple punk chord-progression, and it just shows how Lagwagon can tke the simplest of songwritings and mold them into punk greats with a little help from Joey's amazing lyrics and the superb musicainship of each member. Nice Work. 4.5/5
"I Must Be Hateful" - Uhhh, I'm not sure of my stance in this tune. I've gotten used to how Lagwagon writes their tunes, and this one kinda falls of the trail a bit. It's a fast-paced ballad about self-pity and uncertainty, but it's a little too eccentric to be associated with the other great tracks on the disc. 3/5
"Falling Apart" - Psyche! You thought Blaze was gettin weird, but it's kickin' ass now. It's a really funny tune about getting old and fading out. Not too fast, but why push the old guys? Funny lyrics: "Ostheoporosis, glaucoma, and neurosis. The vultures circling above our balding heads". Makes me laugh every time. I think Lagwagon needs a funny song for every CD, and this is it. 5/5
"Max Says" - Great song. Punk stylings gallore in this fast-paced jig about a simple boy living in an oh-so complicated world. Time signatures are being jossled around in the interlude, and I thought that was neat. Enjoi! 4/5
"Billy Club" - Lots of name dropping on this CD, which I guess is afterall reminiscent to Hoss (Track 3 is called Name Dropping for christ's sake). This one kind of slows the CD down, but in a good way. This song is catchy and exuberant, and the audio sample are a great touch to further deliver the message with ease. This song starts off a great section for the CD that reflects on Lagwagon's political standpoint. And believe me, they're not gonna be supporting "Iraq 2: The Search For Georgey's Gold". 4/5
"Dividers" - Joey's heart comes out on this one when he rants about the war going on between Cowboy Bush and the desolate middle-east where we wanna stick our democratic dick in Iraq's bloody Saddam Hussein-run ass. While we do this, we also shun anyone who thinks America is dumb for doing so, thus dividing the nation into redneck nationalists and bleeding heart intelligents. Nice powerful message, leading into the best song on the CD. 4/5
"Never Stops" - It seems like this war never stops. Joey makes it clear that the battle we're fighting's gonna be long and hard, and the fearful and distressed will need to get over it and wait it out. Great political message with amazing music and vocals. Every word is an observation we see everyday, and every observation is seen by all. That's what makes this song important, and the best tune on the CD. 5/5
"Dinner and A Movie" - Takin' a break from bush-bashing, the Lag never fails to give the listener a good love tune in return for their incessent listening and understanding. It's short, sweet, upbeat, and reminds you of an 80's tune off of a John Hughes movie. hey, It's poetic justice. 4/5
"Lullaby" - A lullaby hardly, by the lyrics speak of a resolution that can appeal to anyone that has been jaded by the graphic world we live in. "If I could sing them all to sleep, if I could sing myself deaf, wouldn't it be lovely? Doesn't it sound perfect?" An anthem, for lack of better words, no less, and you'll the enjoy the 2 faces the song seems to have. With dark verses explaining the chaos we feel, and the complimenting chorus where Joey graciously offers relief for those affected by such terror. Great song. 5/5
"Billionaire" - Wow, I absolutly love this song. The whole song is catchy and will get stuck in your head, no doubt. Name one part in the song, whether it be the acoustic intro, to the subtle verses, to the blasting chorus, the short softer breakdown, or the "Leave with an impact" drama the ending brings you, and I assure you one of those, if not all of them, will get stuck in your head the whole day. Great blast of solid goodness. 5/5
"Tomorrow Is Heartbreak" - Eh, good song. Not great, but it's good. Nothing special about it, except for the lighter take on heartbreak and the scar it leaves. Nice love touch. 3.5/5
"Baggage" - Wow. This song is ripe with raw power and energy. It's a great way to end it all, and the punch it throws leaves a throbbing bruise when it's done with ya. "It's a measure of pity, but I won't carry...I won't carry you", AND it's a got a great guitar solo. Excellent way to wrap up the CD. 5/5
Blaze blew me away when I first heard it. 80% of the songs on here are punk gems, thus crowning Lagwagon the kings of SoCal punk. Listen closely...that's the sound of Lagwagon STILL kickin ass after 15+ years in the biz, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
Recommended for your listening pleasure:
Burn, Falling Apart, Never Stops, Billionare, Baggage
4.5/5
