Review 1 of 4

thepretender writes:

4of 5 Stars

My review is personal and simplistic. About a decade ago I was living in Portland, in love with an emotionally unstable "blond girl" listening to Everclear...She broke my heart, I moved to Santa Monica (...watch the world die...)...This album reminds me of the highs and lows of that relationship...Art is just one of those song writers whose lyrics and music just evoke something in me...the whole "they wrote this song just for me..." thing. A Squared Rocks!

Oct 20, 2006 21:57:08

Review 2 of 4

holdencaulfield writes:

4of 5 Stars

I've never understood the critics' loathing of Everclear. True, the albums tend to be derivative of one another, primarily because Art Alexakis' dramas are; his third divorce, his continuing addiction to emotional highs, his bottoming out when those highs fade. But few songwriters capture those raw life experiences like Alexakis. He sings of suicide, drug use, depression, the loss of his brother, mother, father and love interests. When this was the soup du jour with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, critics wrestled to find enough superlatives. Now those hardships are passe? Please. Just because gum snappers have taken over the industry doesn't mean we all need to follow suit, and thank God Alexakis hasn't. Listen close to songs like "Under the Western Stars" and "Drama King," and you'll find a singer struggling with demons that refuse to let go. And that's what rock and roll used to be about.

Sep 13, 2006 16:09:47

Review 3 of 4

Potfla writes:

4of 5 Stars

Art Alexakis, frontman for the 90's alt rock band Everclear, has been through a lot since the release of the bands last album "Slowmotion Daydream". He's been divorced for a third time, his two original band members left the band, his record company dropped everclear from their label, and Art declared bankrupcy after finding himself 3 million dollars in debt. So what does he do? Does he quit the music indusrty and get a real job? Does he sit around and feel sorry for himself while turning to drugs to take away the pain, as so many other failed artists have done in the past? The Answer is no. What Art does is record a beautiful, true, heartfealt, and raw album.
The album starts off with a southren guitar rock song "Under the Western Stars" and holds that same sound for much of the remaining tracks. The second song on the album "now" seats the theme of the lyrics as the opening song set the sound. Art sings "I spent the last year walking through the fire, and now I do believe it's my turn to shine", and it sounds lee like a statement and more like a wish that even he doesn't believe will come true. This song is basically stating that he's already been through so many heartaches and troubles, that he's glad he's ended up here, because now, there's nothing left to bring him dow.
The record is filled with irrisitable hooks, funky guitar rythms, honest lyrics, and something that so many artists fail to caputre these days, feeling. The gem on this album is "the drama king" which is a dark and catchy song that begs "I wish it was easier to be in love". Everclears lead singer is truly a specail song writer who can capture emotion so vividly in his songs, while at the same time kicking ass with his crunching guitar hooks and dirty sounding voice, and melodies that will be stuck in your head until his next album is released. This album is certainly a comeback album for everclear, and all I have to say is wlecome back, and I hope you're back to stay. With the music industry being flooded with American Idols, and made for TV rock stars, it is incredibly refreshing to have someone like Art Alexakis here to remind us what rock music can really sound like.

Sep 11, 2006 17:44:27

Review 4 of 4

beef writes:

5of 5 Stars

I like it and i haven't heard it. I don't need to hear Everclears albums to know they're good. Also, the fans seem to like it a lot, so some journalists opinion, really doesn't matter.

Sep 8, 2006 18:42:44