Customer Reviews

All We Have Left

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This YouTube sensation-turned-alternative rock band has made a huge splash with their self-produced major label debut entitled "All We Have Left". While they gained most of their initial popularity from spot-on covers posted on YouTube (generating over 170,000,000 views), the release of this album has proven that these covers were simply a means to lead us into their outstanding original work now available on "All We Have Left".

I had the pleasure of seeing a live performance when they came to the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor, Michigan on 7/15/2010. The show was engaging, genuine, powerful, and intentional. This is also the way the three brothers are in person as I had the pleasure of meeting them after the show. They conducted themselves with humility, respect, and evident love for the music they're sharing with all of us.

Now to review the album:

01 Daylight (8/10): It's bold to open an album with an instrumental piece and Boyce Avenue has approached "Daylight" in the right mindset. The song has a beginning, a middle, and a good lead into the rest of the album. It isn't too long to lose your attention, but not too short to leave you wondering what the heck just happened. I gave it an 8 because entrance of the electric at the climax (around 1:05) is a little choppy. Other than that, I really enjoy it.

02 More Things to Say (9/10): I'm glad this song is the second on the album because it gives you an immediate idea of their songwriting style and depth. Boyce Avenue doesn't just write about shallow, superficial concepts. They don't simply intersperse obvious societal observations in between catchy melodies like 95% of today's mainstream music. They move beyond that and make you think about what you're hearing. This song is a great example as it discusses the dichotomy that creeps into relationships when our internal problems and struggles come to the surface, driving a painful wedge between us and the ones we truly love.

03 Broken Angel (10/10): Tied with "Every Breath" as the best song on the album. Although I grew up with great parents, I know there are many people out there who were not as fortunate. This song reveals the devastating truth that many women are forced to grow up with a worthless father who abandoned, abused, and/or avoided them, inevitably leading them to feelings of worthlessness and doubt. Daughters are meant to be cherished by their fathers and this song speaks powerfully to those who were/are not. Boyce Avenue's response to them: "I promise that it's not your fault, it was never your fault. You're just a broken angel." This song reaches deep in the same way a song like the Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris" did when it was released in 1998. A great sound and even better songwriting.

04 Every Breath (10/10): As their first single, Boyce Avenue does a great job providing a catchy song that tells a powerful story, making it both memorable and meaningful simultaneously. Describing the song, lead singer Alejandro Manzano says, "It's about being away from the people you love in life but in the end knowing that it's going to be okay because they'll be there with you." The musical blend is nearly perfect and the song makes a clear lyrical progression that is brought to life in song's video available on YouTube, VEVO, and their website. My favorite part is the powerful return to the chorus after the bridge. Good stuff.

05 Find Me (7/10): At the concert Alejandro said this is the first song he wrote. The 6/8 time signature is a bit unconventional but they pull it off. It has some crafty guitar picking and the orchestra and synthesizer add a few more layers to enhance the chorus. Not my favorite song on the album but still a good one.

06 When The Lights Die (9/10): An upbeat tune that features a really creative blend of instruments and dynamics. I like the way they change things up at the beginning of the song, at the bridge, and then again at the end of the song. It has the potential to become one of my favorites on the album.

07 Change Your Mind (9/10): The acoustic guitar leads this one off well and carries the song for its entirety. I like the way they use it as the backbone of the song and then build around it. This is one of their simpler songs lyrically but it's a good change of pace and a good placement as the seventh track of the album.

08 Not Enough (8/10): This is one of their hardest-hitting songs on the album and it was amazing when they played it live. The chorus is energetic and bleeds back into the verses in a way that keeps the energy level high throughout the entire song.

09 Hear Me Now (9/10): This is another catchy song and is likely to get some time on the airwaves if they chose it as their next single. They do a great job blending different guitars and rhythms while not overwhelming the listener.

10 Dare to Believe (9/10): This song has been stripped down to just Alejandro singing and playing piano and, as a result, it is very powerful. It showcases his voice and piano playing and explains why their cover of "Shadow of the Day" captured over 9.4 million views as it was performed in a similar style. I gave this a 9 because the ending is a bit odd, but his voice and the flow of the song makes up for it significantly.

11 Briane (10/10): One of the best songs on the album. It begins with a simple acoustic intro and then unfolds into a very powerful piece of music. The lyrics and meaning of this song elevate it to the top. Alejandro described this song as the message from a wife to her husband if she could have said something to him after taking her own life. This is profound songwriting and it once again reaches a level that the majority of groups out there never even aspire to reach with their music. Songs like this infuse meaning and purpose into a musical project like "All We Have Left" and truly represent what music is all about.

12 On My Way (10/10): This is Boyce Avenue's power ballad and once again sets Boyce Avenue apart from a lot of shallow stuff out there. This is a song from a guy to his future wife and it's all about having faith that there is someone out there for you to joyfully spend the rest of your life with. It's a refreshing departure from the increasing tendency found in society today to spread yourself thin with many relationships and as many partners as possible instead of deciding to find happiness with one person exclusively. This is deep stuff and it has the perfect musical tone to support it. "When you feel no saving grace, I'm on my way."

13 Tonight (9/10): This is a great way to end the album - it's a well-constructed song and it builds on itself very well. I really like the blend of guitars in this song, too. It is polished off with a sweeping orchestral series and then the album has finished.

All in all, I believe this album will be looked back upon as the platform for their success in years to come as they gain popularity and continue writing meaningful songs. Their style and approach reminds me a lot of the Goo Goo Dolls and the way they bring great messages through mainstream channels and with significant musical talent. If you're on the fence about purchasing this album I'd say to go ahead and do it. You'll be glad you did! Although the title of this album is "All We Have Left", I'm certain that this is just the beginning for these three very talented brothers.

I found out about this band during my junior year in college. Being the procrastinator that I am, I took a study break to browse youtube videos and came across Boyce Avenue's acoustic covers. I thought their renditions were far better than the original songs.

Time passed and with my busy schedule/life I grew apart from their music, but recently re-discovered their All We Have Left album. I'm glad I did because they're even better than before. This album is fantastic and I'm hoping that they come to Massachusetts during their U.S. tour! :)

I don't have time to type too much, but these brothers have amazing genuine talent with vocals, instruments, and songwriting. The inspiration behind many of these songs is beautiful and they portray that emotion great. Take a listen to the previews and trust me, you'll fall in love with thier music, too!

Hello musicfans,

here a review by a normal music friend.
boyce avenue is a good band.. no doubt, but
they are good in making cover versions of hits.
this album follows the same style and rhythm the fans know.
but will it be on the billboard? the answer is - no.
the sound is always the same in nearly every song.
they have a fanbase on youtube and they have success on tour in small clubs..but thousands of bands have that.
its nothing special on this record, its just too soft.
listen to the samples and maybe you agree with that.
to be a well known successful band, i hope boyce avenue will release more own songs in a different style.
they should be confident to do so and success in the us will come.

so far good luck

I really love this band. The guy has a great voice, and the guitars and melodies are beautiful. I'm a little disappointed because I thought it would be a 12 new songs instead of 5. I still love it though. Great job. Come to st. louis, MO!