Review Summary: Darker and more intricate than it's predecessor. The perfect mix of modern alt-rock and 80's hair metal.
Released in 2005, Move Along is the second LP from Oklahoma band All-American Rejects (3rd if you count a demo cd they did). It's not necessaarily an improvement over their self-titled debut, but then again, that would be hard to top.
This album shows how the band has grown up more. No more cute, whiny, punk-pop songs as the Rejects take a much darker tone on this album. They have matured lyrically, but also musically, as this album showcases some very fine tuned guitar skills. The moment I first heard the guitar solo in their 2003 breakthrough single "Swing, Swing", I knew guitarist Nic Wheeler had potential, and on this album he harnesses that potential and then some. Lots of stuff on Move Along is very metally. The guitar portions are very technical and intricate. Lots of palm muting, bends, and, what would appear to be on "Top of the World", some Spanish style finger-picking. It's quite impressive.
Despite even stronger 80's overtones than their previous album, keyboards take a backseat this time around, though they are still a background instrument in many songs, and are the main focus of the closing track "Can't Take It" (hilariously, some people think that those are REAL string instruments).
Somtimes singles are just other songs on the albums, and a reviewer won't address them much, despite their name recognition. Not the case here as the Rejects give us not one, but TWO great singles to talk about. To date (2011), "Dirty Little Secret" and "Move Along" are still probably the band's best songs. The title track can't be beat in terms of innovation as it delivers a very colorful, interesting, choppy guitar riff; a sort of jungle drum beat reminiscent of Green Day's "Long View"; and some very low, loose-stringed bass work from lead singer Tyson Ritter.
Still, even the great title track can't be beat by lead single and opening track "Dirty Little Secret". Some despise this song for it's oh so overt poppiness, but there is so much to commend it for. The main riff is both energetic and ridiculously infectious, and the band is able to carry its catchiness all the way through the song, which in itself is impressive. The bridge is a play on the same riff, and it is incredibly shimmering and cathartic. Some people are gonna want to shoot me in the head for saying this, but by the end of the bridge/solo, I can't help but feel like I've found the meaning of life! (Ok, maybe a bit much? ;) )
Move Along has very few weak points in my opinion, but I'd be remorsed if I didn't address the few it does have. The album gets a little weaker during the second half. My main complaint would be "Waiting", which really doesn't belong in this mix in the first place. There's two slower tracks, "Dance Inside" and "Straightjacket Feeling",that aren't bad, in fact they do have their qualities, but they just aren't as catchy as the rest of the album. I would exempt the closing track "Can't Take It" from my complaints; it is very good; but the last 40% of the album or so does see an overall reduction in quality.
I would recommend this album for new fans and old fans alike.
