Customer Reviews

Caught in the Middle Pt.2

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'Caught in the Middle' is the first single from a1's international release Make It Good and also the first song promoted from the US release a1. No domestic single is planned.
a1 members write on all tracks, and produce on 2 and 3.

CD2 contains acoustic versions of the title track and of `One more try.' The original version of `One more try' appeared on international release The A-List and also can be found on the more recent US album a1. Also included on the single is non-album track 2:59.

1. Caught in the middle - Acoustic 3:05
Without strings, keyboard, etc. the song moves even further from boyband territory. Lack of technological extras, the vocals shine all the more. The power of tambourines is clearly evident.
The original version is just a touch better, probably because I'm a sucker for strings.

2. One more try - Acoustic 3:30
Guitar only on this one. Sentiment of lyrics is well-matched to the sparser acoustic presentation.
The original version did not appear on a single, and the appearance of an acoustic version here serves as a sort of bridge between the international albums The A-List and Make It Good. It fills out the disc quite well and is in the spirit on the newer material.

3. 2:59 3:13
Starts as one of those poppy punk songs, but includes more harmonizing, because they aren't afraid of that sort of thing. Punctuated early on by a couple Hanson-esque woo-woos. Upbeat jam in stark contrast to the somber mood of the other tracks. Non-album track.

`One more try' was performed acoustically on tour and a videoclip was produced for an international DVD package. It shows a1 seated as Christian plays the guitar. Quite a laidback affair. Behind the scenes clips of the making of the `Caught in the Middle' video are also included plus some pictures and a handy-dandy poster.

This is a good disc, not so much for the video as for the alternate takes on the songs. Less production on the tracks here than the other versions, yet the group still comes off admirably. Especially good if you like low-key presentation a la singer-songwriters, which is what the members of a1 are.