Lifehouse
Lifehouse
March 22, 2005
Geffen
Lifehouse
March 22, 2005
Geffen
After a period of turmoil, Lifehouse returns with their 3rd studio album, and they make it a self-titled one. According to the band themselves it was a very relaxed and comfortable process recording the album. And that’s what you can hear. All the songs are polished close to perfection. It’s a great pop album that could spring many many hit songs. If it really is Lifehouse the way Lifehouse is at the top of their game, that’s another discussion. But they delivered a disc with 12 great songs for everyone to enjoy. Maybe they lost a bit of their alternative rock edge, but the splendid balladry and gentle pop melodies are from a sheer beauty.
1. Come Back Down
Come Back Down is a great song to open the album with. It’s catchy and has beautiful lyrics. It hits you right in the face. The intro blows you away and before you know it you are moving along to the rythm of this song. The harmonies are very Lifehouse’ish and remember me of some of their finest compositions like Unknown, Am I Ever Gonna Find Out & Just Another Name. The guitar and bass in this song are very balanced out. It fits. The drum though feels a bit weak throughout the verses but it comes to life in the chorus. Jason Wade’s vocals make the song even more special cause he shows he’s a natural and gifted singer. Come Back Down would do extremely well as a live song too. Personally I think this is one of the strongest tracks on the record.
2. You And Me
You And Me, the first single off the record, is a splendid ballad. Whoever said the ballad was on it’s end was totally wrong. The charts are proof. The vocals on this song are awesome and the backing vocals completely fit to the song. You And Me is actually an old song. It’s modified though. It’s a perfect song for AC radio to start up with. Geffen & Lifehouse made an intelligent choice by picking it as a first single. It’s not one of the strongest tracks of the album but a lot of people can connect with the lyrics and the emotion that is so pure in this song. Guitar & bass aren’t too special in this song but the drums are very well played. The subtile and gentle touch that drummer Rick Woolstenhulme gets to it is very professional. This song could do better than any fan might expect.
3. Blind
Blind is probably the best track on the record. The listener won’t have any problem to feel the emotion that Jason Wade exploits through his lyrics and his vocals. The drums by Rick Woolstenhulme are very well balanced again and bring something extra to the song. The guitars in the song are excellent. And the bass is simply amazing. Session bassist, Stewart Myers, shows his class on this track more than on any other. I don’t have to add a lot to this actually. Blind just is an excellent song and might become even bigger than Hanging by a Moment ever was. This might mean the permanent breakthrough for Lifehouse. Keep your eyes and ears open for this one.
4. All In All
All in All is one of the most creative tracks on the album. Ean Mering co-wrote this song. His creativity along with Jason’s creativity results in an original and refreshing sound that makes you wanna sing along to it. And believe me, while playing this song you can’t sit still. It’s somehow catchy but probably not fit to be a radio release. It would be a great b-side for a cd single though. The drums on this track are fabulous. They might not catch you at once but they really add to the song. You can hear Jayglish on this track again. (The way Jason pastes some words together or uses wh- before a vowel). Also, I think, there are some hints to the Blyss-time. Maybe it’s the harmonies, maybe it’s the vocal composition. I can’t really point out what it is but I do like that. Another refreshing thing on this track is the addition of violins to give it an orchestra-like atmosphere. Makes the song complete. Really not a bad song.
5. Better Luck Next Time
I have to start with the lyrics on this song. They are out of this world. Lines like:“I’m the son you gave up for this child.” or “It’s no surprise that they break you down/Least they won’t give you up”.are examples of how gifted Jason Wade is as a songwriter. The guitar & bass remind me of Third Eye Blind sometimes. Especially in the chorus. Jason shows he’s a natural singer again on this track. He really grew through the years. That’s something noone can deny. The drums aren’t that special on this track I think. They’re good. Don’t get me wrong but they’re not as astonishing as on some of the other tracks. You can really feel the pain in this song and it wants to make you tell them it’s gonna be fine and help them. But I guess the song itself is the best remedy there is. This is one of the strongest tracks on the album. For sure.
6. Days Go By
Taken from the Win A Date With Tad Hamilton OST, Days Go By is an uplifting song that tells you not to be too let down when you’re having a hard time. You should know the sun will always shine after there’s been a shower. That kinda is the message of the song. It’s more upbeat than the original OST version and it seems a little more of a “rock version” too. It’s a decent track but most definately the weakest track on the record. It is enormously catchy so it could be on there as a possible single. Personally I would be disappointed if it would turn out to be a single but it’s the only reason I can think for it to be on the album. Vocals are okay, drums are okay. Bass & guitar are pretty standard. So out of the 12 tracks on this album I like this one the least.
7. Into The Sun
Into The Sun was written by Jason and Scott Faircloff, who also co-wrote Sick Cycle Carousel, has astonishing vocals. Jason Wade shows that he’s a master of great falsettos. And the backing vocals aren’t just backing vocals. They are some sort of 2nd vocals in the song. It makes this song very creative and harmonic. It’s a great thing that you can hear the seperate vocals entwine. The drums are a little weak in this song but the guitar and especially Stewart Myers on the bass make up for that. This song has the potential of being a great encore for a concert. It’s a car song too. Or a song to study too. It’s a one-of-a-kind-track on this album. And there’s no earlier Lifehouse song to compare it to either. I think it’s a really strong track.
8. Undone
Undone, to me, is a possible single release. It’s catchy, has great lyrics and makes you wanna move. The verses build up to the chorus like a radio hit song should do. Rick makes something special out of his drum part. It gives the song an extra boost of energy that makes it a good summer song in my opinion. The vocal harmonies remind me of Lifehouse’s early days. This track would fit on No Name Face too I think. The bass is extremely professional and the guitars very energetic. Great song to sing along to.
9. We’ll Never Know
If this song isn’t gonna be a single I am lost. This is the catchiest song on the album and you cannot sit still on it. You’ll find yourself singing along to it right away. This song is just written to be big. Drums and guitar equal energy and power in this song. The bass brings balance to the song. Well, listen to it and decide for yourself. You’ll be captured by it too.
10. Walking Away
This is a really sad song. Also a bit of a slow song. It reminds me a lot of Stanly Climbfall & The Beginning. It also reminds me of Radiohead a little. But nonetheless this song is really powerful. The guitars are excellent on this song. There’s some creative and original flow to it. The bass sets the mood for this song and it does that in a very good way. The mood of the song make the lyrics even more meaningful. The drums on Walking Away are fabulous too. They don’t strike you at once but they really fill up the song. And Jason’s vocals on this song are just amazing. This one definately is up there with Come Back Down, Undone & We’ll Never Know.
11. Chapter One
Chapter One is a song you either love or hate. It’s the most creative song on the album. It kinda has an Nick Drake/Beatles feel to it. Personally I think it’s a great song and shows the diversity of Lifehouse and Jason’s songwriting abilities in specific. Also the keys on the track are refreshing and original. This song either overwhelmes you or doesn’t do anything to you. The lyrics are very good and vocals and keys really go well together. The guitar and drum are really professional and the bass is the instrument that ties the whole thing together.
12. End Has Only Begun
This track has some great songwriting. The bridge is outstanding and the harmonies of the song are brilliant. Stewart Myers shows why he’s so wanted as a studio musician on this track. The bass lines are fabulous. The guitars on this track are decent and the drums could add a little more than they do. It’s a good song to play when you’re in the car or when you’re studying. Jason Wade’s vocals set a peaceful mood and make you feel safe.
Lifehouse will most likely lose a group of fans and also gain a group of fans. But it’s normal for a band to go through changes and evolve until they found their own sound. This could either be another step towards Lifehouse’s true nature, or just a reflection of where the are right now. The quality of their work didn’t suffer. A slight change of accent in style, but still very strong musically and lyrically. And Lifehouse never fails in bringing their music out with a passion. Let it overtake you, and before you know you’ll be singing along to these songs.
1. Come Back Down
Come Back Down is a great song to open the album with. It’s catchy and has beautiful lyrics. It hits you right in the face. The intro blows you away and before you know it you are moving along to the rythm of this song. The harmonies are very Lifehouse’ish and remember me of some of their finest compositions like Unknown, Am I Ever Gonna Find Out & Just Another Name. The guitar and bass in this song are very balanced out. It fits. The drum though feels a bit weak throughout the verses but it comes to life in the chorus. Jason Wade’s vocals make the song even more special cause he shows he’s a natural and gifted singer. Come Back Down would do extremely well as a live song too. Personally I think this is one of the strongest tracks on the record.
2. You And Me
You And Me, the first single off the record, is a splendid ballad. Whoever said the ballad was on it’s end was totally wrong. The charts are proof. The vocals on this song are awesome and the backing vocals completely fit to the song. You And Me is actually an old song. It’s modified though. It’s a perfect song for AC radio to start up with. Geffen & Lifehouse made an intelligent choice by picking it as a first single. It’s not one of the strongest tracks of the album but a lot of people can connect with the lyrics and the emotion that is so pure in this song. Guitar & bass aren’t too special in this song but the drums are very well played. The subtile and gentle touch that drummer Rick Woolstenhulme gets to it is very professional. This song could do better than any fan might expect.
3. Blind
Blind is probably the best track on the record. The listener won’t have any problem to feel the emotion that Jason Wade exploits through his lyrics and his vocals. The drums by Rick Woolstenhulme are very well balanced again and bring something extra to the song. The guitars in the song are excellent. And the bass is simply amazing. Session bassist, Stewart Myers, shows his class on this track more than on any other. I don’t have to add a lot to this actually. Blind just is an excellent song and might become even bigger than Hanging by a Moment ever was. This might mean the permanent breakthrough for Lifehouse. Keep your eyes and ears open for this one.
4. All In All
All in All is one of the most creative tracks on the album. Ean Mering co-wrote this song. His creativity along with Jason’s creativity results in an original and refreshing sound that makes you wanna sing along to it. And believe me, while playing this song you can’t sit still. It’s somehow catchy but probably not fit to be a radio release. It would be a great b-side for a cd single though. The drums on this track are fabulous. They might not catch you at once but they really add to the song. You can hear Jayglish on this track again. (The way Jason pastes some words together or uses wh- before a vowel). Also, I think, there are some hints to the Blyss-time. Maybe it’s the harmonies, maybe it’s the vocal composition. I can’t really point out what it is but I do like that. Another refreshing thing on this track is the addition of violins to give it an orchestra-like atmosphere. Makes the song complete. Really not a bad song.
5. Better Luck Next Time
I have to start with the lyrics on this song. They are out of this world. Lines like:“I’m the son you gave up for this child.” or “It’s no surprise that they break you down/Least they won’t give you up”.are examples of how gifted Jason Wade is as a songwriter. The guitar & bass remind me of Third Eye Blind sometimes. Especially in the chorus. Jason shows he’s a natural singer again on this track. He really grew through the years. That’s something noone can deny. The drums aren’t that special on this track I think. They’re good. Don’t get me wrong but they’re not as astonishing as on some of the other tracks. You can really feel the pain in this song and it wants to make you tell them it’s gonna be fine and help them. But I guess the song itself is the best remedy there is. This is one of the strongest tracks on the album. For sure.
6. Days Go By
Taken from the Win A Date With Tad Hamilton OST, Days Go By is an uplifting song that tells you not to be too let down when you’re having a hard time. You should know the sun will always shine after there’s been a shower. That kinda is the message of the song. It’s more upbeat than the original OST version and it seems a little more of a “rock version” too. It’s a decent track but most definately the weakest track on the record. It is enormously catchy so it could be on there as a possible single. Personally I would be disappointed if it would turn out to be a single but it’s the only reason I can think for it to be on the album. Vocals are okay, drums are okay. Bass & guitar are pretty standard. So out of the 12 tracks on this album I like this one the least.
7. Into The Sun
Into The Sun was written by Jason and Scott Faircloff, who also co-wrote Sick Cycle Carousel, has astonishing vocals. Jason Wade shows that he’s a master of great falsettos. And the backing vocals aren’t just backing vocals. They are some sort of 2nd vocals in the song. It makes this song very creative and harmonic. It’s a great thing that you can hear the seperate vocals entwine. The drums are a little weak in this song but the guitar and especially Stewart Myers on the bass make up for that. This song has the potential of being a great encore for a concert. It’s a car song too. Or a song to study too. It’s a one-of-a-kind-track on this album. And there’s no earlier Lifehouse song to compare it to either. I think it’s a really strong track.
8. Undone
Undone, to me, is a possible single release. It’s catchy, has great lyrics and makes you wanna move. The verses build up to the chorus like a radio hit song should do. Rick makes something special out of his drum part. It gives the song an extra boost of energy that makes it a good summer song in my opinion. The vocal harmonies remind me of Lifehouse’s early days. This track would fit on No Name Face too I think. The bass is extremely professional and the guitars very energetic. Great song to sing along to.
9. We’ll Never Know
If this song isn’t gonna be a single I am lost. This is the catchiest song on the album and you cannot sit still on it. You’ll find yourself singing along to it right away. This song is just written to be big. Drums and guitar equal energy and power in this song. The bass brings balance to the song. Well, listen to it and decide for yourself. You’ll be captured by it too.
10. Walking Away
This is a really sad song. Also a bit of a slow song. It reminds me a lot of Stanly Climbfall & The Beginning. It also reminds me of Radiohead a little. But nonetheless this song is really powerful. The guitars are excellent on this song. There’s some creative and original flow to it. The bass sets the mood for this song and it does that in a very good way. The mood of the song make the lyrics even more meaningful. The drums on Walking Away are fabulous too. They don’t strike you at once but they really fill up the song. And Jason’s vocals on this song are just amazing. This one definately is up there with Come Back Down, Undone & We’ll Never Know.
11. Chapter One
Chapter One is a song you either love or hate. It’s the most creative song on the album. It kinda has an Nick Drake/Beatles feel to it. Personally I think it’s a great song and shows the diversity of Lifehouse and Jason’s songwriting abilities in specific. Also the keys on the track are refreshing and original. This song either overwhelmes you or doesn’t do anything to you. The lyrics are very good and vocals and keys really go well together. The guitar and drum are really professional and the bass is the instrument that ties the whole thing together.
12. End Has Only Begun
This track has some great songwriting. The bridge is outstanding and the harmonies of the song are brilliant. Stewart Myers shows why he’s so wanted as a studio musician on this track. The bass lines are fabulous. The guitars on this track are decent and the drums could add a little more than they do. It’s a good song to play when you’re in the car or when you’re studying. Jason Wade’s vocals set a peaceful mood and make you feel safe.
Lifehouse will most likely lose a group of fans and also gain a group of fans. But it’s normal for a band to go through changes and evolve until they found their own sound. This could either be another step towards Lifehouse’s true nature, or just a reflection of where the are right now. The quality of their work didn’t suffer. A slight change of accent in style, but still very strong musically and lyrically. And Lifehouse never fails in bringing their music out with a passion. Let it overtake you, and before you know you’ll be singing along to these songs.