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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Breathtaking, November 6, 2003
With their debut album "Good Will Out" in 1998, Embrace represented a different vein of Britpop, one far more introspective and less optimistic. Having once claimed they were better than Oasis and Verve combined, they are actually a perfect combination of both. They have mastered the sweeping, orchestral ballads of Verve, but also possess the energetic guitar and superior songwriting of Oasis."Drawn From Memory" never received a US release, most likely because their first album, which did, hardly made a dent. The Britpop phenomenon which wonderwalled the US in the late 90s had diminished by the 2000 release of this album. This album was far different, though, and if given the chance I think it would have bowled over the adult alternative Matchbox Twenty lovers of the US. It is different because is more racous, less solemn. It contains the best hard rock offerings that pop music can offer with "Yeah You", "New Adam New Eve", and "Bunker Song." Embrace has already shown that they had an edgier sound with "All You Good Good People," but this was the first time their songwriting was actually edgy. This album also contains less orchestration and is more stripped down, which allows the songs to sweep on their own merit, without the aid of a string section. There are still some tried-true Embrace orchestral ballads such as "You're Not Alone" and "The Love it Takes." But these ballads are paired with fun, funky songs such as "Hooligan" and "Save Me." In their second album, Embrace change dramatically from their mainly ballad first album, and move on to create a multi-tonal masterpiece. This album has songs for every mood, and it is successful in these different tones. I recommend this album for the first time listener over their first album, and their third ("Drawn From Memory"). This is the best album to introduce someone to Embrace because it has a range that isn't on their other two albums, and truly displays their songwriting talent. Embrace is a superior Britpop band. After venturing into the staples of this style such as Oasis, Verve, and the Manic Street Preachers- Embrace is the obvious next choice for your collection.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I HAD A TIME LISTENING TO THIS ALBUM, May 9, 2000
This is the second album from Embrace and it is wonderfull! It contains melodies and upbeat rock songs. Danny and Richard have done well at making a masterpiece. Track 1.The Love it Takes-Stunning Melody with a brilliant voice and laid back voice. 5/5 Track 2.Youre not Alone-One of the releases from this album. The percussion works wonderfully with Danny McNamara's voice. 5/5 Track 3.Save Me-Fabulous acoustic intro with very catching lyrics and snappy tune. 4/5Track 4.Drawn From Memory-Title track with superb Piano intro and very lazy vocals. 5/5 Track 5.Bunker Song-Instrumental with good gutiar riffs but a bit of a waste of time. A bad break in a good album. 1/5 Track 6.New Adam New Eve-One of the best beats on the album with superb vocals. 5/5 Track 7.Hooligan-Stunning tune with Richards vocals to match. Check out 1.17 into it it rocks. 5/5 Track 8.Yeah You-Best tune on the album with gutiar riffs to stun even the best players. 7/5 MAGIC! Track 9.Liars Tears-A must for chilling out in the sun with laid back vocals to thrill. 4/5 Track 10.I wouldnt wanna happen to you-Good song with a very catchy tune. 5/5 Track 11. I Had a Time-Very slow with faint vocals 3/5 CHECK OUT THE VIDS FOR HOLLIGAN AND SAVE ME! This album is a must for fans of their debut album. See Ya.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best CD of 2000 bar none, April 2, 2001
I am just totally baffeled as to why this CD is still only available as an import. While less talented UK bands like Coldplay and Travis are getting U.S. airplay and releases, easily the best rock album of the last year by anyone was almost completely ignored in the U.S. Well, if you haven't bought it yet, you don't have to miss out. If you compare the best songs from this album with the best songs from "The Goodwill Out", in my opinion, things come out fairly equal. But where this album really shines above their debut is that, unlike "The Goodwill Out", just about every song on "Drawn From Memory" is very very good, and the album hangs together well as a complete work of art, rather than just a collection of songs. My favorite is the title track. The piano and clarinet are just incredible even before the song gets going. The when the words and melody come in, it is a transendant experience. Other favorites are "You're Not Alone" (definitely should have been a #1), "Liar's Tears", "I Had A Time", and "I Wouldn't Want To Happen To You", but several other tracks are very enjoyable as well. I just love this album. I didn't know anyone else who had ever even heard of the band, but everyone that I've played this for has fallen in love with it,often deciding to purchase their own copy. Highly recommended.
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by Embrace 
