Review Summary: Senses Fail, All Grown Up
I must say that i've always liked Senses Fail for the subtle simplicity and catchy chord progressions in their music. This album definitely caught me off guard. I fully expected another CD packed with screamo/emo hits like "Rum Is For Drinking, Not For Burning" or "The Irony of Dying On Your Birthday" from the previous album. But after hearing it... I realized how clearly mistaken I was.
This album is a much greater musical effort. Consisting of more mature, intricate guitar playing, heavier bass lines, amazing drumming as always, and emotional, heartfelt vocals.
I believe the incredible improvement of talent and ability came partially from the addition of guitarist Heath Saraceno, and the emotional awakening of vocalist Buddy Neilson after his experiences with depression pills. Although, i'm sure the band as a whole has gained a lot of experience and writing ability after their years together.
Here's a track-by-track review:
1. The Rapture- This album opener is a good way to kick things off... with a kind-of spacy feel. The vocals in this song might be the best in the whole album, and the guitar is simple for the most part, yet very catchy. Although the song is short (about 1:57), it's sure to get you into it.
4.5/5
2. Bonecrusher- An awesome song, simple as that. Very powerful guitar and drums. Short verses and choruses, but still good content. The lyrics in this song are very well-written, as well. "And I've got romantic ideas, But they're not meant for you, And my bed's filled with, Black roses to show that our love is through"
5/5
3. Sick Or Sane (Fifty For A Twenty)- This song slightly resembles Bonecrusher, with a very catchy intro and short verses and choruses. However, just when you think the song is going into repetition mode... the solo hits. This might be one of the first Senses Fail solos listeners will hear (with the exception of American Death). The guitar work throughout the entire song is quite incredible, and the lyrics are excellent as well.
5/5
4. Can't Be Saved- Not the best song on the album. Although the intro and verses are catchy, the chorus is kind of lacking and empty. Overall, the music is spot-on as usual, but the chorus could've used a little work. Still good, but not the best.
3.5/5
5. Calling All Cars- This is the first single off the album, and it definitely is above my "single" expectations. Although it does have a more radio-friendly vibe, it's still very well written and layed out. The guitars and drums are, as always, very well done and right on que every second. The chorus is a bit more lengthy than the others and is super-catchy. The bridge is almost too repetitive but saves itself just in time. Overall, very good for a single.
4/5
6. Shark Attack- Probably one of the most aggressive songs on the album. It gets off to a fast start and keeps the pace throughout its entirety. The drums in this song are incredibly catchy and the guitar follows well in-suit. The verses are unique and supply a great foundation for the chorus. Toward the end there's a very metal-sounding breakdown that's sure to please the kids waiting for, vocalist Buddy, to scream. Just after the breakdown is yet another very well-written guitar solo. Very upbeat, yet aggressive song.
5/5
7. Still Searching- This song is very up-and-down for me. It starts off with a slower, emptier sound, but quickly jumps into an aggressive verse. The guitars are heavy throughout most of the song, and the choruses are faster and might make you want to dance. Don't be surprised to catch another, 'sort-of' breakdown toward the end. However, what makes this song for me are the lyrics and drumming in the bridge and outro. Pretty powerful.
4.5/5
8. To All the Crowded Rooms- Quite an upbeat intro to this one, leading into a kind of spacy, but heavy verse. The chorus is super-catchy, but too short for my likings. The bridge area of this song is pretty awesome, however, with a kind of interlude sounding part going into a 'screamo-ish' breakdown. Rounded off with some repeated choruses.
4/5
9. Lost and Found- One of the more under-rated songs on this album, but one of my favorites. This song is definitely a song to show maturity in Senses Fail's writing style. It's slower, and more melodic than almost all of the songs. The lyrics may sound slightly cliche but have good meaning and are heartfelt. The chorus is simply amazing; blending acoustic and electric guitars, and simple, but powerful drums. The second verse is actually slightly different than the first, with the addition of a catchier guitar riff. Although there aren't any amazing solos or breakdowns, this song is still one of the best in my opinion.
5/5
10. Everyday Is A Struggle- Very fast and aggressive right from the get-go. The whole song is very catchy and has well-written lyrics. Some of the pieces seem slightly rushed or too quick, but it's still intriguing and will keep you listening. A little over halfway through the song there's a break and it slows down a bit, building up into a guitar solo. Just after the solo is an almost-Fall Out Boy sounding peice. The outro is a little different, but still good.
4.5/5
11. All the Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues- Very different for Senses Fail. This song starts out with a digital-electric sound that is soon taken over by a guitar riff that could have been written by Sum 41. The verses are catchy and unique and the choruses are filled with group vocals harmonized by Buddy. Very catchy altogether.
Just when you think the song will hit it's repetitive parts and finish off... you're hit with a surprise.. The song slows down and then builds back up with suspenseful guitars and amazingly catchy lyrics. Then you're hit with a guitar break and shoved right into an aggressive breakdown. To put it all to an end, there is a short piano peice.
This song is surely one of the most unique, aggressive, and catchy songs on the album. Definitely a favorite of mine.
5/5
12. Negative Space- This is the intro to 'The Priest and the Matador' so to speak. It's an electonic song, with every element of a good electronica song. Too be honest, it kind of reminds me of Christmas. Haha.
3.5/5
13. The Priest and the Matador- Hands down, the most mature song ever written by Senses Fail. It's very melodic and emotional. It's based around the suicide of a man and his relation with religion. The song includes; heavy drums, acoustic and electric guitar work that will leave you feeling like you have to have more, and bass supplying an amazing depth. The solo in the song is also very catchy and melodic. Very amazing song, and a great way to end a great album.
5/5
Overall this album, Still Searching, deserves a 90%, or a 4 in this case. Although I still love old-Senses Fail (From the Depths of Dreams) and mid-Senses Fail (Let It Enfold You), this CD was and probably always will be astonishing. A must-buy for anyone who either loves Senses Fail, likes Senses Fail, or has been waiting for Senses Fail to put forth a mature musical effort.
