Comparing Notes: Glad All Over

Comparing Notes: Glad All Over

Overview:
The Wallflowers are not for everyone. Lyrically they are not too far above average, so their appeal lies predominantly on their musical production. So obviously if you aren’t into their style, they won’t do much for you. Not to mention singer Jakob Dylan—yes, son of THE Bob Dylan—is not a great singer (I guess it runs in the family.) But if you like soft rock featuring a wide range of guitars, pianos, and slow drumming then this album just might be the best thing under those specifics that has been released in a long time. I personally can appreciate the type of production put into this album and find it overall pleasing to listen too, however, this album calls for a specific relaxed and inattentive mood that is often a few and far between occurrence for me. The Wallflowers seem to be unscathed by the seven year hiatus, alternatively they don’t seem so make a huge progression in their sound lyrically or musically either. So the look on the album comparatively to the band’s previous work is open to a wide range of opinions that are largely dependent on thoughts on said previous work. I am a fan of the work done in the past by The Wallflowers, and this album is no different. I wouldn’t say it is one of the best albums so far this year, but it makes me happy to know the band is back and representing the forefront of what I consider to be good soft rock music today.

The Wallflowers
Glad All Over
Released October 9, 2012

The Good: What was my favorite song on the album?
TRACK 4: Reboot the Mission (feat. Mick Jones)
This was a personal dilemma for me. The vocals in this song are mediocre and the lyrics aren’t well developed; but, I am so outrageously partial to the bass-heavy production and the undeniably catchy chorus. The song was also released as the band’s single from the album which is a turn-off since it seems so much older. But all in all this song is just my favorite, so I have to hand in to the guys on this one, it’s very infectious.

The Different: What was a change from the band’s usual style?
TRACK 5: It’s a Dream
This track was a very close second for my favorite on the album. The piano, electric guitar solo, more upbeat drums, and various sampling attempts make it an interesting and fun track to listen to. It also makes it a noticeable stylistic change for the band. The chosen style with this song also fits Dylan’s voice so much better than their usual approach.

The Future: What do I hope to see more of in the future?
TRACK 2: Misfits and Lovers
Dylan’s sometimes monotonous voice ventures into uncharted territory with this obvious attempt to reveal more variety in his delivery; it paid off well. The song features a wide variety of instruments layered well together and a fun, catchy chorus. Also, much to my enjoyment, the lyrics are much better developed than other tracks on the album.

Bottom Line:
The Wallflowers don’t seem eager to please or to conform to modern mainstream music standards per their genre. This is something I feared after as long of a hiatus as they had. I’m glad it did not turn out that way and am excited to see the band start turning out more soft rock albums that I’m sure will be big hits with the type of crowd who like bands like Collective Soul, Counting Crows, Hootie and The Blowfish, etc.

 

Comparing Notes brings you some of the best rock music just shy of the mainstream. Every week a new album is featured of an Indie, Folk or Alternative band.

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