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Editorial Reviews
"American Slang" marks an extraordinary leap forward for the Gaslight Anthem, revealing a triumphant rock 'n' roll band honed by two years of nearly non-stop touring. Singer/guitarist Brian Fallon's lyrical approach has grown more personal and introspective, his raw throated vocals stronger and more resonant against the band's boundless dynamic force. American Slang is a classic rock and roll album, that will be a benchmark for other bands to measure themselves against and try to mimic for generations to come.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Music
It's hard to find quality Rock N' Roll nowadays, but if The Gaslight Anthem proved anything on their sophomore album, it was that it could still be done. Revisiting it again, it's still as classic and good as the day it came out. Mixing punk & rock influenced by Tom Petty & Bruce Springsteen, The Gaslight Anthem could have been happy in the sound they carved out for themselves. But no, The Gaslight Anthem instead drops most of the punk, and becomes a full on rock band. The results? As Brian Fallon sings at one point, "Who does it better than we do?"
Highlights Include:
American Slang
Bring It On
The Diamond Church Street Choir
The Queen of Lower Chelsea
The only thing that's changed for the band really is the music. They still can craft a great song with excellent lyrics, Brian Fallon can still burn out a note like it's nobody's business, and they can still crank out a memorable hook when needed for a song. So for the music, as Brian Fallon, they've moved away from the 59' inspired sound, and moved on along the rock timeline. This time, they've moved closer to their influences. I could honestly see/hear Bruce Springsteen singing half this album. It has his lyrical sense, it's grandiose feel, and his musical sensibilities. But, The Gaslight Anthem doesn't try to copy it, but rather, pay homage to it. The album is also a lot tighter sound-wise. While you had ballad-type songs, punk-type songs, and general rockers on their last album, it sticks mostly to the rockers. The closest the album gets to slowing down is "We Did It When We Were Young," but it's not as much slow, as it is emphasizing the vocals & the lyrics with a more minimalistic approach for most of the song.
Overall, listening to this album over 5 times now, I can safely say it gets better with each listen. Each song is an all-American story set to the beat of a great rock tune. It may be a short album, but it's a solid one. Maybe not as classic as its predecessor, but it's every bit as good, in a different way. One could say that they're trying too hard, but it is working. If anything, American Slang is proof you can still find Salvation by the radio.
Highlights Include:
American Slang
Bring It On
The Diamond Church Street Choir
The Queen of Lower Chelsea
The only thing that's changed for the band really is the music. They still can craft a great song with excellent lyrics, Brian Fallon can still burn out a note like it's nobody's business, and they can still crank out a memorable hook when needed for a song. So for the music, as Brian Fallon, they've moved away from the 59' inspired sound, and moved on along the rock timeline. This time, they've moved closer to their influences. I could honestly see/hear Bruce Springsteen singing half this album. It has his lyrical sense, it's grandiose feel, and his musical sensibilities. But, The Gaslight Anthem doesn't try to copy it, but rather, pay homage to it. The album is also a lot tighter sound-wise. While you had ballad-type songs, punk-type songs, and general rockers on their last album, it sticks mostly to the rockers. The closest the album gets to slowing down is "We Did It When We Were Young," but it's not as much slow, as it is emphasizing the vocals & the lyrics with a more minimalistic approach for most of the song.
Overall, listening to this album over 5 times now, I can safely say it gets better with each listen. Each song is an all-American story set to the beat of a great rock tune. It may be a short album, but it's a solid one. Maybe not as classic as its predecessor, but it's every bit as good, in a different way. One could say that they're trying too hard, but it is working. If anything, American Slang is proof you can still find Salvation by the radio.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By M. Neil
Format:Audio CD
I've purchased some terrific albums this year: New Pornographers, Hold Steady, Drive By Truckers and more... But American Slang is start-to-finish the best I've heard all year. Do yourself a favor, check it out and get it. Amazing rock and roll.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By A. Toombs
Format:Audio CD
I've followed Gaslight Anthem since they were unknowns. Watched them play in all sorts of dives in the NY area. Next month I'm going to see them again, at Radio City!
I thought "The 59 Sound" was outstanding, this is actually better. I love every song. When a band I like comes out with an album I've been waiting for, I'm usually prepared to be disappointed. With this album, I'm just happy. Happy to see some normal guys from Jersey make an outstanding album!
I thought "The 59 Sound" was outstanding, this is actually better. I love every song. When a band I like comes out with an album I've been waiting for, I'm usually prepared to be disappointed. With this album, I'm just happy. Happy to see some normal guys from Jersey make an outstanding album!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great songs with a lot of energy
I had The 59 Sound first and really fell in love with Gaslight because of it. This is a different album and slightly different approach but I love it none the less.
Published 15 days ago by Michael R Ryan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Let it grow on you.
The great thing about Gaslight Anthem records is that they grow on you.
The '59 Sound is a tough album to top, and like a number of other listeners my initial reaction... Read more
The '59 Sound is a tough album to top, and like a number of other listeners my initial reaction... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Ian M. Mcclintock
5.0 out of 5 stars
I've Been Crazy for So Long Without You
Upon my first listen to American Slang I was pretty underwhelmed. After becoming a fan with the masterful '59 Sound my expectations where soaring for this one. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Lunar Boulevard
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great band!
I started with '59 Sound and then picked up Handwritten. I had to go back and buy the catalog of CD's!
Published 3 months ago by booker rice
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang
Even though you've owned the album forever, one day you will hear American Slang like you've never heard it before, suddenly one day it will make sense, you'll look at your sleeve... Read more
Published 5 months ago by R. Kesler
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best albums of 2010
I hadn't heard Gaslight Anthem until I picked up a copy of American Slang. This is one of the best albums of 2010. It's that simple. So buy a copy already. No, not a used copy. Read more
Published 7 months ago by z
2.0 out of 5 stars
disappointed
One of the things that I like about Amazon is getting the recommendations of other albums, based on what I buy or own. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Donald E. Gilliland
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Definitive Gaslight Anthem Album
Having listened to this band's output in chronological order--"Sink or Swim" followed by "The '59 Sound" followed by "American Slang"--I finally feel like I've heard the true heart... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Kirk A. Gauthier
4.0 out of 5 stars
Solid album
Not quite as good as The 59 Sound but it's a very solid record. If you youtube a couple of songs off this album and enjoy them then you'll enjoy this album as it isn't really a... Read more
Published 24 months ago by Tim Went
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful album except for the mixing/mastering. Sonically...
I really enjoy Gaslight's songwriting and performance on American Slang but from a production (and end-listener) standpoint, I am very disappointed with the sonic quality of the... Read more
Published on May 12, 2011 by Steven J Hylinski
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