¬Formed in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1991 The Dave Matthews Band would eventually grow to become one of the most popular bands of the modern era. Fueled by a unique sound reminiscent of jam bands from the past The Dave Matthews Band shows that you can still be successful in modern music without down tuning your guitar or screaming your lyrics.
Dave Matthews is:
Dave Matthews - Guitar, Vocals
Stefan Lessard – Bass Guitar
LeRoi Moore – Saxophone, Woodwinds
Boyd Tinsley – Violin
Carter Beauford – Drums
After the release of several major studio albums The Dave Matthews Band have established themselves as one of the major forces in the 90’s music scene. With major hits such as “Crash Into Me,” “Two Step,” and the Grammy-winning “So Much to Say,” the band has been able to reach new audiences and grow in their fame. This legacy has also carried on into the 21st century, and with the release of their newest album Stand Up the band hopes to maintain their status as one of leading modern bands. In this release the band hopes to retain their familiar sound, yet experiment a little in the process as well.
Dreamgirl
DMB kicks off their album with the inspiring song “Dreamgirl.” The song starts out with the band harmonizing beautifully together setting the mood for one of the most peaceful pleasing songs on the cd. Following this Dave comes in with a catchy riff that is used throughout most of the song. Through the chorus the band can be heard harmonizing behind Dave’s voice helping to add to the mood. This is one of the better songs on the cd and is a great opener for it.
4/5
Old Dirt Hill (Bring That Beat Back)
This song opens with a very catchy riff played by Boyd on the pizzicato violin. This is backed by a simple beat provided by Carter which opens up to the verse. In this song Dave talks of his first love when he was innocent and young.
Quote: First time I kissed you I lost my legs,
Bring that beat back to me again.
This song has a carefree manner, and is one of the catchiest songs I’ve ever heard. It’s one of those songs that you could whistle all day, and is my favorite on the cd.
5/5
Stand Up (For It)
One of the worse songs on the cd “Stand Up” opens with what is meant to be the devil speaking. I have no idea why they would put this in a song, but for some reason they felt it necessary. The song then goes into a verse in which Dave sings about angles and saving his soul. The chorus is annoying and repetitive and consists of all of the members of the band shouting “Stand Up” as loud as they can. The one high point of this song is the brilliant saxophone solo by LeRoi at the end of the song. Overall this song seems too confused and frantic, and the chorus is repetitive and irritating.
2.5/5
American Baby Intro
The intro opens up with a very sad piano tune. Eventually drums come in, and the whole song slowly builds towards Dave singing a couple of lines. The song slows to just the piano with Boyd coming in with the violin. Overall nothing special, but could be a great song.
3/5
American Baby
The actual song itself strays far from the intro. Like “Old Dirt Hill” this song also opens with yet another catchy violin riff. This song boasts some of Dave’s better lyrics on the cd.
Quote: Nobody’s laughing now,
Gods grace lost and the devil is proud,
But I’ve been walking for a thousand miles,
One last time I could see you smile,
At the end there is another great saxophone solo which helps conclude the song in a nice way. This is one finer song on the cd.
4/5
Smooth Rider
This is one of the different DMB songs of the cd. Unlike most DMB songs Dave is accompanied by a piano throughout the entire song. This gives the song a bluesier feel to it making it easier to listen to for some. Unfortunately for fans of this type, the song clocks in at a short 2:17 only a few seconds longer than the “American Baby Intro.” This song is one of the easier listeners on the cd, slow paced and relaxed.
3.5/5
Every Body Wake Up (Our Finest Hour Arrives)
This song opens up with an assortment of stringed instruments all playing together leading up to the verse. Carter then comes in providing a stellar beat paving the way for Dave’s vocals. In this song the band harmonizes beautifully, however this does not hide Dave’s raspy voice. Throughout the song it sounds as if Dave has been smoking for years, or has finally lost his voice. On top of that the violin in the background is annoying and repetitive. I recommend skipping this song.
2/5
Out Of My Hands
One of the slower songs on the cd, like “Smooth Rider,” this is a really easy listener. Dave’s quiet vocals are accented by a piano for the entire song, while Carter’s drums only come in a few times. For the most part this song is simply Dave accompanied by a piano. For this reason the song seems monotonous, and boring.
3/5
Hello Again
A very fast paced song that opens with a blue grass sounding beat which quickly charges into the verse. This song boasts some of Dave’s worst singing. It feels as if he is trying too hard to sing blues grass, leaving his voice sounding phony and dramatized. This song is one of my least favorite on the cd.
2.25/5
Louisiana Bayou
This song starts out with another blue grass sounding riff. It then enters a fast paced verse in which the lyrics are very interesting.
Quote: No no momma now devil don't do si do
Two young boys lyin' dead by the side of the road
The coins in their eyes represent the money they owe
No judge or jury ever gonna hear the story told
Sweet girl daddy done beat that girl like he's insane
Brother can't watch him beat that girl down again
So late one night cookin' up with a couple of friends
Swears his daddy never gonna see another day
The chorus becomes a little repetitive when Dave constantly sings “Down by the bayou,” but this is not enough to ruin the song. Overall this song has a great jam band feel to it.
4/5
Stolen Away On 55th and 3rd
This song opens with LeRoi playing a nice tune on the saxophone which helps open to the verse. In this song Dave’s singing is sweet, and beautiful making this what I feel is his best vocal performance on the album. The lyrics are also very well written and composed telling of Dave’s uncertainty towards another woman, conflicting with his lover for her. During the second verse the violin comes in helping to add to the mood of this great song.
4.5/5
You Might Die Trying
Track 12 opens with a great guitar riff that compliments Dave’s voice. The verse builds towards the chorus in which Carter enters with Dave singing so matter of factly “Cause you might die trying.” This song lets LeRoi showcase his amazing saxophone skills eventually leading to him closing the song for the band with one of his saxophone solos fading out at the end.
3.5/5
Steady As We Go
This is yet another piano song however this song triumphs over all of the other pianos songs. Dave’s singing in this song is beautiful and touching, and the lyrics are well written and meaningful.
Quote: Troubles they may come and go,
But good times they are the gold.
And if this road gets rocky girl,
Just steady as we go.
For most of this song it is just Dave and the piano, but eventually the entire band eventually joins in with about :30 left making this a truly beautiful song.
5/5
Hunger For The Great Light
This song has great energy from the entire band. Carter’s drumming is spot on, and Dave’s singing is good. The band harmonizes well together during the chorus in this song. The energy and intensity of this song help make this song a great closer for the cd.
4/5
Pros
-good sax solos
-piano songs
-catchy riffs
Cons
-raspy singing at some points
-repetitiveness
-not enough jams
FINAL SCORE: 3.5/5
