My Review Album came out today, there were a handful of songs I had already heard live versions of so not too many surprises. 1. ITWFGT - didnt really like this that much originally but its grown on me, the beginning of the album version though reminds me of the soundtrack from the Tropico game, overall theme through this album is the introduction of electronic music, which I understand & am cool with the experimentation, but I'm pretty confident the live versions will kick ass over the album versions. 2. Trust You - did not like from the first moment I heard it, probably my least fav RT or MB song from the past 20 years. I get what his trying to do, so not a massive criticism, if you listen enough times it will get stuck in your head, but more so because of the repetitiveness of the lyrics. Rob is best known for clever & soulful lyrics, that tell a story, This song just tells the story - Ryan Tedder. That is all. 3. Hold on Forever - I think this is my most favourite song of all times, its just so... sweet. As I've grown up with Rob, this song falls in line with where I am now. I was once a teen feeling unloved & loving push, now I'm on the cusp of marriage and my life is so far from those heartbreak days. In a funny black and white world this is the song my fiance would be singing to me on a bad day. 4. Wind it up- Middle of the line kind of song, I think it will be a hit live, just knowing how Rob moves on stage he will make this song work, but perhaps a little bit of a filler. The rappyness of it doesnt really suit, but it has potential to get stuck in your head. 5. One Shot - the video for this song just shows me so many friends i've met along the way so I think this will definitely be a fav among old school fans. Its fun and beaty, why'y. We get one shot to get it right... So true, so many of us have had just one shot to meet Rob, it brings a bit of nostalgia to those times for us all. This definitely feels like a song that pays tribute to all of us crazies :) it is like our theme song as friends. 6. The Great Unknown - I heard this song on a live youtube clip a few months ago so its been stuck in my head for a while. I could almost say this is maybe my favorite song on the album (apart from hold on forever) The album version is very light, a little eery, weird electronic beats. Its one of my most favorite songs right now, but I think live totally captures the meaning of this song so much more than the light, feeble album version. It picks up pace midway through, but vocally still feels a little too light in comparison to live versions I've heard. 7. The Absence of Affection - One of the songs I've only heard a few times. Reminds me of the 80's, Rob style, lyrics are nice and smooth, its an enjoyable song, but there is no tugging at the heart strings, just some funky sounding music. 8. Things You Said - More electronic music, voice slightly flanged which I think is unnecessary. Chorus is addictive. Story is relevant. Would work in a nightclub, if I ever went to nightclubs. I would not hold a grudge if someone liked this song, but its not at the top of my list. I admire that Rob feels like he is able to experiment, that his fans allow him to, good one him for taking risks. 9. Paper Dolls - Reminds me of that Rhianna/ Eninem song a bit. Its different to usual Rob, but it is nice. If any of his out of place songs where to do well (i.e Trust You etc) I think I'd be happy with this one making its mark. Feels like it has more merit. 10. NLYTM - this one is just a bit of fun, it sounds weird when his 'rapping' but its still addictive, in this song anyways. Its also a good Rob kinda song, a bit sad and depressing too. True Rob fashion. 11. Heaven Help Me - This is one I've heard a few times over the past few months, again I think the live versions are flawless, the album version feels a bit weird n funky. I think when you heard the explanation of this song before you hear it live will make you giggle a lot more than just hearing it on this album. 12. Lie To Me - Have just heard this one for the first time today, lyrics seem a little forced, until you get to the chorus which is enjoyable. It feels a little disjointed in between. So drag me down... I cant say no.. I'm far too gone, so dont let go... I'm hanging on, you feel my weight, you feel my weight.... I kinda get the one republic vibe from this song too. 13. Pieces - another first timer for today, I find this song the beautiful haunting that rob is and can be, simple piano, pretty lyrics, its a nice place to let the album finish, chorus is so pretty, it reminds me of something which I cant quite place just now.
So Overall. The Great Unknown - love it Hold On Forever - Love it, love it One Shot - Old friends and memories The Great Unknown - Probably going to be the best live song we hear in the coming months Pieces - Beautiful