Sentrax
02-11-2006, 10:19 PM
Song-By-Song Album Review
Angels and Airwaves
We Don't Need To Whisper
By Ryan (Sentrax)
Angels and Airwaves are, I think, an amazing band. Frontman Tom Delonge, previously of Blink 182, had made a few impacting changes on his life, and was influenced to do something amazing. Que Angels and Airwaves.
He picked up some old friends, David, Atom, and Ryan, and made this band. They got straight to work on their first album, which I will be reviewing song-by-song for you.
Enjoy.
__________________________________________________ __________
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b7/Avacdcover.jpg/200px-Avacdcover.jpg
Valkyrie Missile
A long intro, of synthesisers and random aeroplane sounds. It's like a huge build up to a fantastic climax, and believe me - it is. This song is the start of the beginning. Suddenly all sound stops, and all there is to hear is the sound of a pilot muffling words. Then silence. Suddenly the bass guitar intrudes with the main intro riff, sounding far away. It gradually gets louder and louder until it reaches maximum, where the far-away sound is replaced by a pure bass. The intro is meant to make you feel like you're flying, and by god, it works!
The guitar kicks in, with a fantastic riff, then the chorus arrives, with Tom's fantastic voice. The message in this song, and every song on the album, is meaningful and amazing. A fantastic song.
10/10
Distraction
'I'll be your distraction' are the words that get repeated throughout the chorus of this song. It begins with a keyboard synth rhythm, simple and elegant. You hear something faint in the distance of the soundwaves, a guitar riff? Yes.
This gradually gets louder and louder, until it is on the brink of explosion! Eventually, just when you want it to, the song erupts into chorus. Loud, astonishing vocals and guitars. The verses drag on a bit, but the words mesmerize you, or at least they do with me. Other people disagree. The song then fades out with Tom repeating 'I'll be, I'll be yours'. Until silence, and you await what comes next.
8/10
Do It For Me Now
So you hear the sound of two clicking fingers. Immediately after, a little keyboard jingle interrupts. This continues for a few seconds, and then energy erupts from out of nowhere when the drums join in with the keyboard. Cymbals dominate the intro of this song. Guitar and bass accompanies the song, before breaking down to the verse. The bridge is especially fantastic. Synthesisers are used a lot throughout the album, but that adds to the emotion and energy.
Finally the song fades out with the same riff it faded in with. And you wait with anticipation for what lies ahead.
9/10
The Adventure
The bands first release - The Adventure. I can't put it into words how fantastic this song is, with so many differeny emotions and guitar riffs crammed into one song. It begins with sound of 'airwaves'. Then a timid guitar riff comes in, followed by another. Then yet again, the song explodes into something amazing. In my opinion the best guitar riff ever composed flourishes into life, then the verse kicks in on top of it. Somehow the tempo is kept flowing during the verse, probably the way that it is sung, and the use of the bass drum. Yet again, I cannot stress how amazing the lyrics are. Then the chorus, a short 4 lined composition quietens all surrounding sounds. Then suddenly all the energy comes flooding back into the song after the chorus, and the second verse is sang. Then the rest of the song is one extravagant breakdown of 'I cannot live, I can't breathe unless you do this with me'. Fantastic. Possibly the best song on the album.
10/10
A Little's Enough
A slow song to balance the tempo of the album? Well, yes and no. It's a slow start, quite ballady, but gradually the energy returns without you even noticing. Then you suddenly fly back in astonishment as you realise exactly what you're listening to. The song sets the image in your head of space, someone floating around in blank darkness, singing his song. This song fades out slowly, it has the structure of a mountain, low high low. I can't really find the words I want to use to describe this song, you'll have to listen to it yourself. So by the end of the song you're back on your feet, and feeling relaxed.
9/10
The War
The most energetic, powerful song on the album. From the first second a riff is introduced with heavy drums, and you find yourself tapping your feet and moving your head to the beat. This song is describing what will be the last war ever fought, the masses of boats on the horizon, and beaches stretched out with soldiers. The end has just begun. So then the song really gets into full swing, with a heavy guitar riff, but by heavy I don't mean like heavy metal, I mean heavy as in it makes you feel like jumping and punching something in excitement. The verse is fantastic (again). And the pre chorus is slow tempo, before the chorus itself kicks in with more energy than you can conjur up. Amazing, far more than words can explain.
10/10
The Gift
So after the huge hype, the album slows down a bit, turns down a notch, while still maintaining the all-out emotion of the record. It's like your floating listening to it, and I mean that, it may sound weird, but to me - it's that good. A sort of tranquil guitar riff is introduced as an intro, which continues throughout the whole song. After repeating 4 times over, the verse kicks in, that being Tom's voice, and the bass. Eyes closed, and screaming out - the chorus is loud, and- well, proud! However the main aspect that makes this my favourite song, is the outro. Which is a single synthesiser playing the overlapped rhythm, and Tom singing these words in fantastic vocals, defying any accusations that he cannot sing, because believe me - he can: If you ask I'll bring you down, if you kiss me I'll stay here, if you love me I will go.
11/10
It Hurts
A lone guitar tune comes in, making you feel optimistic, then after playing twice, it completely changes. It changes to an odd rhythm, not scary, but not nice. Just makes me feel like 'Where am I?'. Then all goes silent, except for the bass drum. 1 beat at a time for 8 beats. Then the first chorus comes in with a bang, and repeats. A short guitar solo is played, then the verse. This was the second release, and the video for this song was made into a short film.
9/10
Good Day
Probably my least favourite song off the album, but still pretty amazing! Every song so far has been energetic throughout, or in parts. So I guess this song restores the tranquility the album is supposed to, and does give you. It's a fight back against the world song. The main riff sounds like a childrens keyboard, but Tom's vocals make up for that. Slow energy is released in the chorus, before fading out into the final song of the album (excluding bonus tracks).
7/10
Start The Machine
This song is a response to the 6th track - The War - which was a song about pre-war, and this song, the final track, is a song about post-war. It describes what the world would look, smell, and feel like after the biggest war of all time had happened. The song leaves you with something to think about after listening to the album. After the slight let down of the last song, this is a real comeback, as another amazing song is thrown at you straight out of Tom's mind. It begins with a bass sound, played on keyboard. Before being joined by Ryan Sinn and his bass guitar, and then gradually the drums and David Kennedy on guitar accompanies the breakdown of the album. It is one big encore of a song, and the line 'it makes me wanna scream' is an introduction the energetic guitar solo. All in all, a fantastic song.
10/10
__________________________________________________ __________
So on a whole, I think this is the single best album ever written. It is so enthusiastic and inspiring. Not only the content, the lyrics, but the presentation. The amount of energy and emotions I receive out of this band is amazing. Brilliance. I reccommend it to anyone wanting to make a change in their life. Tom wrote this album hoping to get everyone to have the exact same feeling while listening to his music, even if they don't know what that feeling is. Because I sure don't!
Buy this album, make yourself comfortable in your room, turn out the lights, and just listen to every song. See how you feel. If you don't like it, then fair enough, different people have different tastes and emotions towards things. But I am willing to listen to anyone who has a reason why they don't like them.
I hope you enjoyed my review, thanks!
http://www.angelsandairwaves.com
http://www.angels-and-airwaves.com (http://www.angels-and-airwaves.com)
Angels and Airwaves
We Don't Need To Whisper
By Ryan (Sentrax)
Angels and Airwaves are, I think, an amazing band. Frontman Tom Delonge, previously of Blink 182, had made a few impacting changes on his life, and was influenced to do something amazing. Que Angels and Airwaves.
He picked up some old friends, David, Atom, and Ryan, and made this band. They got straight to work on their first album, which I will be reviewing song-by-song for you.
Enjoy.
__________________________________________________ __________
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b7/Avacdcover.jpg/200px-Avacdcover.jpg
Valkyrie Missile
A long intro, of synthesisers and random aeroplane sounds. It's like a huge build up to a fantastic climax, and believe me - it is. This song is the start of the beginning. Suddenly all sound stops, and all there is to hear is the sound of a pilot muffling words. Then silence. Suddenly the bass guitar intrudes with the main intro riff, sounding far away. It gradually gets louder and louder until it reaches maximum, where the far-away sound is replaced by a pure bass. The intro is meant to make you feel like you're flying, and by god, it works!
The guitar kicks in, with a fantastic riff, then the chorus arrives, with Tom's fantastic voice. The message in this song, and every song on the album, is meaningful and amazing. A fantastic song.
10/10
Distraction
'I'll be your distraction' are the words that get repeated throughout the chorus of this song. It begins with a keyboard synth rhythm, simple and elegant. You hear something faint in the distance of the soundwaves, a guitar riff? Yes.
This gradually gets louder and louder, until it is on the brink of explosion! Eventually, just when you want it to, the song erupts into chorus. Loud, astonishing vocals and guitars. The verses drag on a bit, but the words mesmerize you, or at least they do with me. Other people disagree. The song then fades out with Tom repeating 'I'll be, I'll be yours'. Until silence, and you await what comes next.
8/10
Do It For Me Now
So you hear the sound of two clicking fingers. Immediately after, a little keyboard jingle interrupts. This continues for a few seconds, and then energy erupts from out of nowhere when the drums join in with the keyboard. Cymbals dominate the intro of this song. Guitar and bass accompanies the song, before breaking down to the verse. The bridge is especially fantastic. Synthesisers are used a lot throughout the album, but that adds to the emotion and energy.
Finally the song fades out with the same riff it faded in with. And you wait with anticipation for what lies ahead.
9/10
The Adventure
The bands first release - The Adventure. I can't put it into words how fantastic this song is, with so many differeny emotions and guitar riffs crammed into one song. It begins with sound of 'airwaves'. Then a timid guitar riff comes in, followed by another. Then yet again, the song explodes into something amazing. In my opinion the best guitar riff ever composed flourishes into life, then the verse kicks in on top of it. Somehow the tempo is kept flowing during the verse, probably the way that it is sung, and the use of the bass drum. Yet again, I cannot stress how amazing the lyrics are. Then the chorus, a short 4 lined composition quietens all surrounding sounds. Then suddenly all the energy comes flooding back into the song after the chorus, and the second verse is sang. Then the rest of the song is one extravagant breakdown of 'I cannot live, I can't breathe unless you do this with me'. Fantastic. Possibly the best song on the album.
10/10
A Little's Enough
A slow song to balance the tempo of the album? Well, yes and no. It's a slow start, quite ballady, but gradually the energy returns without you even noticing. Then you suddenly fly back in astonishment as you realise exactly what you're listening to. The song sets the image in your head of space, someone floating around in blank darkness, singing his song. This song fades out slowly, it has the structure of a mountain, low high low. I can't really find the words I want to use to describe this song, you'll have to listen to it yourself. So by the end of the song you're back on your feet, and feeling relaxed.
9/10
The War
The most energetic, powerful song on the album. From the first second a riff is introduced with heavy drums, and you find yourself tapping your feet and moving your head to the beat. This song is describing what will be the last war ever fought, the masses of boats on the horizon, and beaches stretched out with soldiers. The end has just begun. So then the song really gets into full swing, with a heavy guitar riff, but by heavy I don't mean like heavy metal, I mean heavy as in it makes you feel like jumping and punching something in excitement. The verse is fantastic (again). And the pre chorus is slow tempo, before the chorus itself kicks in with more energy than you can conjur up. Amazing, far more than words can explain.
10/10
The Gift
So after the huge hype, the album slows down a bit, turns down a notch, while still maintaining the all-out emotion of the record. It's like your floating listening to it, and I mean that, it may sound weird, but to me - it's that good. A sort of tranquil guitar riff is introduced as an intro, which continues throughout the whole song. After repeating 4 times over, the verse kicks in, that being Tom's voice, and the bass. Eyes closed, and screaming out - the chorus is loud, and- well, proud! However the main aspect that makes this my favourite song, is the outro. Which is a single synthesiser playing the overlapped rhythm, and Tom singing these words in fantastic vocals, defying any accusations that he cannot sing, because believe me - he can: If you ask I'll bring you down, if you kiss me I'll stay here, if you love me I will go.
11/10
It Hurts
A lone guitar tune comes in, making you feel optimistic, then after playing twice, it completely changes. It changes to an odd rhythm, not scary, but not nice. Just makes me feel like 'Where am I?'. Then all goes silent, except for the bass drum. 1 beat at a time for 8 beats. Then the first chorus comes in with a bang, and repeats. A short guitar solo is played, then the verse. This was the second release, and the video for this song was made into a short film.
9/10
Good Day
Probably my least favourite song off the album, but still pretty amazing! Every song so far has been energetic throughout, or in parts. So I guess this song restores the tranquility the album is supposed to, and does give you. It's a fight back against the world song. The main riff sounds like a childrens keyboard, but Tom's vocals make up for that. Slow energy is released in the chorus, before fading out into the final song of the album (excluding bonus tracks).
7/10
Start The Machine
This song is a response to the 6th track - The War - which was a song about pre-war, and this song, the final track, is a song about post-war. It describes what the world would look, smell, and feel like after the biggest war of all time had happened. The song leaves you with something to think about after listening to the album. After the slight let down of the last song, this is a real comeback, as another amazing song is thrown at you straight out of Tom's mind. It begins with a bass sound, played on keyboard. Before being joined by Ryan Sinn and his bass guitar, and then gradually the drums and David Kennedy on guitar accompanies the breakdown of the album. It is one big encore of a song, and the line 'it makes me wanna scream' is an introduction the energetic guitar solo. All in all, a fantastic song.
10/10
__________________________________________________ __________
So on a whole, I think this is the single best album ever written. It is so enthusiastic and inspiring. Not only the content, the lyrics, but the presentation. The amount of energy and emotions I receive out of this band is amazing. Brilliance. I reccommend it to anyone wanting to make a change in their life. Tom wrote this album hoping to get everyone to have the exact same feeling while listening to his music, even if they don't know what that feeling is. Because I sure don't!
Buy this album, make yourself comfortable in your room, turn out the lights, and just listen to every song. See how you feel. If you don't like it, then fair enough, different people have different tastes and emotions towards things. But I am willing to listen to anyone who has a reason why they don't like them.
I hope you enjoyed my review, thanks!
http://www.angelsandairwaves.com
http://www.angels-and-airwaves.com (http://www.angels-and-airwaves.com)