Review Summary: Review 3 of 7: Loaded up with enough content to please anyone, History For Sale is Blue October’s break into the mainstream, and a much deserved one at that.
Blue October took another change after Consent to Treatment, after switching up its line-up a bit, and their guitarist that joined for Consent for Treatment departed. Blue October had a choice to make with two clear options, rather return to their somber image of The Answers or keep the gritty Post-Grunge of Consent to Treatment. Their answer? Screw that, lets just do both.
Thus we had History For Sale, the album that would get Blue October’s name up on the charts. It was a gutsy move for Blue October to make, blending two and two as much as they did in History For Sale. It’s experimentation that would lay most bands to waste. Lucky for them though, as they were unknown pretty much everywhere beforehand.
As mentioned before, the problem with Consent To Treatment was it was unwelcoming for many listeners in general as much of the songs off of the album were sloppy, as Blue October had yet to fully discover what it was they were going to be. So when History For Sale came along, they found it, and not only did they find it but they took it to the max.
There’s something for everyone in this nice little package of layered ear candy with a pretty cover. Gritty Post-Grunge for the angtsy, fun and energetic radio rock, sweet and somber tunes with the groups iconic violin playing, and best part of it all, no matter what you’re looking for you’ll enjoy every second of it.
The band’s members have all evolved and matured up with this album, playing to their highest and greatest capabilities. Instrumentally the album is at it’s peak, stuffed full with grit and somber the songs never feel like too much or too little, sitting in the between as just right. Each member of the band does well where they’re needed, Ryan’s playing as always getting smoother with each release as his new tried techniques on his violin never fall flat or ever feel out of place.
Their new guitarist Charles Hudson brings the radio friendly glow the band needed, while still maintaining the integrity that made the band the great collective they always were. Solid and polished, Charles playing fits comfortably with the rest of the band and only further improves the group as he drops styles of many different kinds.
As for Justin, vocally he’s peaked easily being able to balance the grouchy vocals that while present in Consent To Treatment weren’t easily developed yet. Though with this, his song writing feels a little rusty in this album as he’s embraced more explicit themes and lyrics as some of his lyrics, mainly the ones trying to play the “Edgy” card rub off as try hard or just downright cheesy (See: Razor Blade, Somebody) though where his songwriting excels it excels.
Their album’s hit, “Calling You,” which was written for his Ex-Girlfriend while on touring is a sweet and tender love song that layers textures that appeal to its listeners and more importantly the radio agenda. Though a little too paint by numbers in lyrics and structure, you’ll be too busy entranced by its charm to really care.
There are also some other things that keep the album’s score from getting any higher though, this is the album’s filler. There sadly happens to be quite a bit of it, mostly weakly written or played and quite forgettable. You’ll be finding yourself skipping through them more often than not. Also mentioned earlier is the subpar songwriting in a few of the album’s track and also before forgetting the nine minutes of silence that bridge “Amazing” and the acoustic cover of “Calling You.” Thankfully the rest of the tracks will help make up for it’s lacking features.
Also needing mentioning is album’s closer “Come in Closer” which is easily one of the album's best track. Amazing lyrics, powerful vocals, and a distorted guitar that sets the unsettling mood of the track. The female vocalist also brings up a great backer and the closing voicemail is sets the chilling path for what is to come next.
Overall History For Sale is one of Blue Octobers best, with excellent performances from the bands members as radio rock and classic roots blend together in beautiful unison along with some of Blue Octobers best tracks. One can only wonder how Blue October can top themselves off after this.
Recommended Tracks:
Calling You
A Quiet Mind
Chameleon Boy
Come in Closer
