Unassigned
The Fray’s new self-titled release is an earnest mix of open wounds, unabashed longing and sweet uncertainty. Which leads me to wonder, who hurt them? (And what kind of person am I if I enjoy it?)
Musically, this album could be described as an extension of its predecessor, How to Save a Life. However, there a few key differences. Two of the tracks on this album, “Absolute” and “We Build Then We Break”, feature more of an edgier rock sound than the band’s usual piano-driven style. Additionally, where How to Save a Life’s theme of helplessness permeated many of its tracks, The Fray has a much more somber tone with a tinge of anger – which is not to say that the songs sound that way. Most of the songs are absolutely catchy, easygoing and fast-paced. Lead singer Isaac Slade – who resumes his place at the piano – delivers his gritty vocals in fine fashion on all songs except for “Ungodly Hour”, in which rhythm guitarist Joe King takes the lead. Drummer Ben Wysocki and lead guitarist Dave Welsh contribute to the band’s fuller sound this time around.
Standout songs on this album include the current single, “You Found Me” (the video for which was filmed in Chicago – are we lucky or what?), in which Slade seems to call out God for not being there, “Say When” and “Never Say Never”. The lyrics are especially effective on these songs as well. The chorus is particularly infectious, even if lyrically simplistic, on “Say When”: “Say when and my own two hands / Will comfort you tonight, tonight / Say when and my own two arms / Will carry you tonight, tonight.” Toward the end of this song, Slade seems to get more agitated as he sings, but it is absolutely refreshing and accompanies a wonderful musical crescendo.
“Never Say Never” is a sweet ballad much like the previous album’s “Look After You” and is most powerful because Slade showcases his amazing falsetto as he sings, “I will be your guardian when all is crumbling / I’ll steady your hand / You can never say never / While we don’t know when / But time, time and time again / Younger now than we were before / Don’t let me go / We’re pulling apart and coming together again.”
Overall, this album delivers as a solid follow-up. Perhaps one of these tracks will become the newest Grey’s Anatomy theme song, but even if that doesn’t happen, you can be sure this album will be on the charts for a long time to come.
