Review Summary: A catchy album that will keep you singing along the whole way through
The All-American Rejects are an Alternative Rock band formed in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1999. They released their first album "The All-American Rejects" in 2003. This is the bands follow up to that album, entitled "Move Along".
The All-American Rejects are:
Tyson Ritter- Vocals, Bass
Nick Wheeler- Lead Guitar
Mike Kennerty- Rhythm Guitar
Chris Gaylor- Drums
This album holds a lot of memories for me. Back when i was about 7 years old, i heard a song on a bionicles commercial that i thought just kicked ass. Turns out it was "Move Along". Then my dad got me the album for christmas, and my i heard for the first time a superb rock band.
The opening song, "Dirty Little Secret" is one that i think everyone knows; a quick, simple pop-punk diddy. Other songs that people are quite familiar with are the swinging "Move Along" and the piano ballad "It Ends Tonight". Now personally i think every song on this album could be a hit, with "Can't Take It" being the exception. They are all catchy, mostly upbeat songs about love and loss, something that appeals to most audiences.
This album does see growth for the band, Mostly in Tyson's voice. On their first record, his voice was incredibly nasally, and it sounded like he was trying, but failing, to sound British. The other big change this time around is real drums. The first record had an electronic drum kit, and Chris's drum playing is very strong and very appreciated.
Another thing you'll notice about this album is more ballads. "It Ends Tonight", "Straitjacket Feeling" and "Can't Take It" are all very ballad sounding and that is something yhou would not here on the first record.
At the other end of the spectrum, they still have the faster, livelier songs, like the happy-go-lucky "Change Your Mind" filled with string instruments the whole way through, the mellow yet still up-tempo "Dance Inside" or the energetic "11:11P.M." A song you'd think came straight from the debut album.
The band even manages to throw some distortion in there; "Night Drive" is among their heaviest, "I'm Waiting" has a very hard rock-esque riff, and "Top of the World" sounds like a spanish punk song.
Tyson's voice is at it's best on this one. He's still a kid basically, and can reach those high notes great, but also has a very mature sound to him. Just listen to him belt out some notes on string-driven "Can't Take It".
Nick's guitar is much more simple on this album, but a lot more catchy as well. He still throws in the odd solo, and his riffing is really improving here.
Mikes rhythm guitar isn't really all too unique, he's basically following Nick's lead; But no complaints there as they both fit each other suitably.
Chris is a HUGE addition to the band. He hits the drums so hard, you'd think he was in the same room as you. He really gives this album that extra step.
Tyson's bass playing is very audible, but never really strays too far from the guitar. At least you can hear it well though.
Now for the few cons i have on this album. They never really rocked out as hard as they did on their debut, which kind of dissapointed me just a tiny bit. "Night Drive" i consider to be a skip track, just because it's too heavy to fit the mood of this album if you know what i mean.
I would highly recommend checking out this album. It's nothing groundbreaking, but it's certainly great for a collection, and after one spin of the record, you'll be singing along to every track.
Pro's: Tyson's voice
Chris's drumming
Extremely catchy songs
Dance Inside
Can't Take It
Cons: No really punk songs on this record
Night Drive
Recommended Tracks: Dance Inside, Can't Take It, Straitjacket Feeling, Dirty Little Secret
This is my 2nd review, and my first non track-by-track review, so any criticism/feedback would be greatly appreciated!
and yaa music theory sucks :/ had it 2 years straight -.-
