Mayday Parade, the band you listen to on a rainy day or when you're feeling down about that special someone. However, they have been on quite the roller coaster the past 2 or 3 years with the departure of former singer Jason Lancaster (Go Radio), had very little control over their 2nd album, Anywhere But Here, because of the terrible power the record label has. They then left the record label and did this album the way they wanted to. Well lets just say thank god they did that because this is their best work, with a refreshing sound that brings catchy choruses and punk verses but also can't forget about the great lyrics just like their first album, A Lesson In Romantics.
The lead single "Oh Well, Oh Well" released in the summer, was an instant hit as it showed the band going back to their old ways but this time doing it twice as good. They recorded this album in Florida so of course they had to throw on some southern style guitar like they did in the song "No Heroes Allowed" as its the intro of the song but then has such a smooth transition into a very upbeat chorus. But everyone always wants to hear about the ballad because that is what they perfect, with songs like "Miserable At Best" and "Terrible Things" in previous works. Once again they do it again, "Stay" such a great song with the piano and the slow build up as lead singer Derek Sanders says "Please understand I've been drinking again and all I do is hope" and then just goes into this huge, powerful ending with Derek going all out on the vocals, showing complete emotion and passion for the song. My favorite song on the album is easily "I'd Rather Make Mistakes Than Nothing At All" hands down. This song is such a gem from start to finish, catchy guitar work on the verses leading into the fast paced, electrifying chorus, but the best part about this song is the "Middle 8" (part after the second chorus). Honestly, I can't even describe it, there are no words I could even use, everything about it is just perfect.
Overall, it is a big step in the right direction as they proved to myself and everyone else that they can be successful without Jason Lancaster. The choruses do sound repetitive though throughout the album, something they need to improve on for next album. Also, Mayday Parade has to not write every song about that someone no matter how good they are at it, and try to start writing about other things. But this album is their best work, and you will be hearing more and more from them in the future.
I give this album an 8.7/10
Listen to - I'd Rather Make Mistakes Than Nothing At All
Oh Well, Oh Well
Stay
Reviewed by Sean Graham
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