Band: Brand New
Album: Your Favourite Weapon
Released: 08/09/2001 (Re-released 10/03/2003)
After being blown away by the smash hit "The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows" from their sophomore album
Deja Entendu, I decided to dive deeper into the world of Brand New. Then I found out their latest album had been discontinued, and was left with an album I knew nothing about, named
Your Favourite Weapon. But, trusting my instincts and what I heard from that 1 song, I decided to purchase the CD and give it a chance. I'm so glad I did.
The Shower Scene - 8/10
A great opening to the album. No stupid intros, just getting straight into the song. This is like no other BN song in my opinion, with it's hardcore riffs, fast beats and distorted vocals, this is a one of a kind. Yet it works well with Jesse's lyrics. A great start to the album...
Jude Law And A Semester Abroad - 8/10
This song is catchy and one of the best off the album. It has catchy lyrics ("But it's the genie at the bottom who I'm sulking at/He owes me one last wish!"). The great guitar melodies and drum beats add to the songs pop punk style, making this another classic Brand New song.
Sudden Death In Carolina - 7/10
A very happy intro with quick riffs lead into a slower, more emotional song. The difference between this and JLAASA is that this is exactly the same, and nothing stands out. Nevertheless, this is a great song with amazing lyrics.
Mix Tape - 8/10
This is a different song from the last two. First half is very slow and quiet, with lyrics sung very emotionally. This leads into the heavier second half, with the same lyrics but changed slightly. A good recovery from the last repetitive song.
Failure By Design - 8/10
Another slowish intro builds up to a melodic verse. This is another
Jude Law..., but this has something special. It is different and slower, and the lyrics are more meaningful. There isn't really much more you can say about this song, but it is another reasons why this album should be bought.
Last Chance To Lose Your Keys - 7/10
Another
Sudden Death In Carolina, with nothing really special and unique to offer, but it still gets the job done. Reminds me of Dawson's Creek for some reason, which is strange because I have never seen the show.
Logan To Government Center - 6/10
One thing is certain by now. Brand New have a talent; they can write great story-telling lyrics that go with catchy and melodic, yet heavy riffs. But their songs are basically the same. This is another example. The same "I hate you, biatch!" lyrics and same riffs. The bridge stands out though, very interesting.
The No-Seatbelt Song - 8/10
By now I'm dying for something different. This is just that. A slow song with the lyrics used before work well for Brand New. This is a deep song with not a lot of musical value to offer, but the lyrics are so emotional that you forget about the acoustic. A great song.
Seventy Times 7 - 10/10
I rarely give 10/10's away, but this deserves it. The "mosh-friendly" intro leads up to a fast paced song, which eventually dies down into one of the greatest bridge's I have ever heard. The lyrics are very deep again ("And you can think of me when you forget your seatbelt/and again when your head goes through the windshield") and the musical value is great. The best song on the CD IMO...
Secondary - 7/10
Now the album is losing it's energy again. This sounds repetitive again and feels empty and lifeless. The chorus is another stanza of heartbreak and the music is again another JLAASA.
Magazines - 8/10
This sounds like another
Jude Law..., but it is actually quite good. The verses are a bit strange witht he break, and the chrouses are hard to spot as they go straight from the verse, which makes this song good to me. The quiet part finishes off this song for me, with catchy and meaningful lyrics.
Soco Amaretto Lime - 8/10
Another acoustic song to finish off the album. Again, the musical value is overtaken by the story the lyrics tell, yet the guitar is still noticeable and adds to the songs feeling. This is a great finish to the album, and the end of the song where it skips like a vinyl sounds affective and cool.
After listening to a few repetitive songs, and some that stand out a lot as masterpieces by this band, Brand New have proved that they can make an emo album into a collection of chapters and memories. Their ability to create the story-telling like lyrics and blend them with melodic yet heavy riffs is unique, and this proves that they can do it right.
So after listening to a novel of past experiences, romance turned bad and friendships turned to animosity, I have a lot of respect for Brand New, and believe they can get far. If you have heard
Deja Entendu, expecting another sophomore album, dont! This is more energetic and heavy than their latest release. Yet, you should buy it to see what they have matured into.
I give it 4.5 smiley faces out of 5
:D:D:D:):upset:
