Review Summary: MCR releases the final installment in the "Conventional Weapons" collection..And ends their career with a near perfect two songs.
0 of 3 thought this review was well writtenWell, after MCR's breakup a month or two ago, I figured out that the release of Conventional Weapons was just the bands parting gift. No final tour. No final album. Yes, I know I am nearing a fanboy breakdown, but will say that I am not giving this album a good review because I like the band (as a matter of a fact I was highly disappointed by the No.2 album).
I will say for one, that I like MCR's slower songs alot more than the fast/popular ones (Disenchanted, Kids from Yesterday being my current favorites). And this album, both musically and lyrically nails basically everything I (or anyone else for that matter) could want in an MCR ballad. And about 70% of that includes Gerards voice. It soars beyond belief during both of the songs, electrifies at times. Another key element are the backing vocals (remember Heaven Help Us anyone?) The next 30% being melody. These songs are probably MCR's most melodically perfect songs, and in its own special way, takes you in. Verse by verse slowly building up to the powerhouse chorus where we finally get to hear Gerard's raspy voice fly and hit the high notes with perfect presicion.
So I'll get to the songs. "Surrender the Night" begins with a great guitar riff, kicking off the album perfectly. A few seconds in, Gerard kicks in with the opening line, and as the song builds, your tension does as well. The first verse was, (and I'm not going to lie) a bit rough around the edges. But once the pre-chorus kicks in, the song (and Gerards voice for that matter) picks up quite a bit. And then, with a burst of someones guitar, the chorus kicks in, and his voice soars considerably high. And not to rave about it too much, but I will say that (save a song or two) these are MCR's best lyrics to date. And quite possibly in my top 5 favorite songs by them.
The next song "Burn Bright" starts with a cool tom beat, and the vocals begin quite raspily. And very slowly, the song heads into a crescendo, and swings right into the chorus. Which is not only catchy-but also very well written. The song is coming straight from the bands heart, and is very sad once you listen to what he is actually saying. ''Burn Bright'' isn't as good as ''Surrender the Night'' but just a half step down from it.
If I had to complain about anything on the album, it would be that they use mild effects on Gerards voice. No auto-tune, but just put a slight tinge on it (similar to the ''Robot'' sound on the GarageBand app) if you know what I mean. It doesn't wreck the songs in any way, but they would have been just as good without them.
In conclusion, I think that ''No. 5'' perfectly wraps MCR's career. As a band that was neither unknown or completely famous, but a group of guys dearly loved by their fans.
