Semisonic is...
Dan Wilson - Vocals/Guitar
John Munson - Bass/Vocals
Jacob Slichter - Drums
I remember walking into my local record store and buying this album. As I was cashing out, I asked the cashier if he had listen to anything on it yet. He looked at me with a strange look, almost a grimace, and said... "It's Different."
That's about the only way I can describe this album. For those of you looking for "Feeling Strangely Fine 2: Electric Boogaloo," your probably going to be disappointed. The basic elements of their sound remains, the complex harmonies and sacorine hooks are abound, but they are now hidden behind a more synth and effect based sound. I remember being incredibly disappointed when I first listened through and I didn't listen to it for years. As I got older however, I found a new found respect and interest in this album, and it's s lowly overtaken "Feeling Strangely Fine" in it's own ways. Now, on to the track-by-track reviews.
1. Chemistry
The first single off the album and about as close to FSF as the band comes. The structure is pretty straightforward, with the exception of a slow breakdown after the second chorus which cuts a little of the predictability of the rest of the song. Sugary choruses abound, enough to make your teeth hurt. Simply pop bliss, but I like it.
Rating: 8/10
2. Bed
Much like Chemistry, this song has a sexual flavor to the lyrics, a trend that ends up recurring throughout the album. That’s pretty much where the similarities end. The guitar lines are dirty and synth-laden in the riffs and the lyrics are from a much darker, grittier perspective this time around. Cool vibe, decent song.
Rating: 7.5/10
3. Act Naturally
This is a really mellow song, but unlike the rest of the mellow tracks on this album, it seems incomplete. The verses are great but the chorus leaves much to be desired. Great lyrically work saves the song for me. You can feel the urgency in Wilson's voice as he's singing.
Rating: 6.5/10
4. She's Got My Number
From the opening piano line, you can see that this song is special. In my mind, this may be the most well produced pop song I've heard in the last 20 years. The bass tone on this track is superb, as Munson's bass carries the track with his little runs. Subtle and sweet, best track on the album.
Rating: 10/10
5. Follow
Another mellow track, this one much more "mainstream" that the last three. A breezy guitar line carries the song throughout with Wilson's vocal work filling out the space. The lyrics concern a man trying to put to rest any doubts that the girl he loves may have. Whimsical, and maybe the easiest song to sing along to.
Rating: 8/10
6. Sunshine and Chocolate
Following the mellow tone of the beginning of the album, this song REALLY comes out of left field. A hurried vocal performance and a falsetto chorus single this song out. The chorus doesn’t have the sticking power of the earlier songs however, which ends up making this song a little lost in the fold.
Rating: 7/10
7. Who's Stopping You?
Munson steps out from behind the bass and out to the forefront on one of the overlooked gems of this album. Carried mostly by a bouncy piano line and some great drum work (Slichter did fantastic work on this whole album), the vocals flow nicely and help showcase the songs interesting subject manner. An all-around solid song.
Rating: 8.5/10
8. I Will
One of the few songs that caught me on the first song and still maybe the most substantial song on the album. A great mix of piano and guitar, with a fantastic build-up into and extended final chorus. The song almost swells toward the climax and then dissipates just as quickly. Another example of the bands classical songwriting style.
Rating: 9/10
9. One True Love
Guest vocals on this track by Carly Simon make it really stand out. This entire album is built on Wilson's distinct vocal style, and it really shines through on this ballad about hopeless romance. Nothing special, but yet another solid track, It's filler, but it's good filler.
Rating: 7/10
10. Get a Grip
Ahhh, nothing like a pro-masturbation anthem to brighten up a cloudy day. It's a strange combination of upbeat melodies, whimsical music, and thinly veiled lyrics about rubbing one out. That's about the best I can say....
Rating: 6.5/10.
11. Surprise
The vocals range from slight falsetto early on in the verse, but it lends itself well to the music. The melodies are really nice throughout, but another example of just really good album filler.
Rating: 7/10
12. El Matador
This was a perfect choice to close out the album. The filtered drums add a whole new element to the sound, and the lyrics paint a beautiful picture for the listener. Wilson's vocals sound desperate and sad, but slightly hopeful in a way. The piano and acoustic guitar is mixed just right. Great song, great closer, almost as perfect as pop music gets.
Rating: 10/10
All in all, this is a truly niche album. For some people out there, you'll fall in love with it, but it takes a little work. This is not an easily accessible album and it requires a few devoted listens, but it's worth it. I'm not shocked that the album flopped in the US, but I am shocked that it's so under appreciated. Regardless, it's a good mellow album if you have the time for it.
=JeremiahTree=
