Customer Reviews

Drops of Jupiter

5 star:		(172)
4 star:		(50)
3 star:		(25)
2 star:		(15)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

That's one of the awards Train is up for at the VH1 Music Awards in December; and I completely agree. I saw Train nearly 3 years ago in a tiny little hole-in-the-wall bar in Columbus, OH...and that was only because a friend MADE me go. There were maybe 10 people there. Yet from that moment on, I was hooked. Their stage energy, ability to "draw the crowd in," and genuine musical talent captivated me. As a music major myself, I'm really picky about who I listen to. They passed the test with flying colors. Pat has one of those voices that will be remembered for generations.

The past few reviews have discussed the "switch-over" to pop that this album had. But what is pop nowadays? Would you consider Britney Spears, Train, and Weezer all in the same category just because their music is sold under the "pop-rock" section? Music, to me, doesn't really fall under a category. This CD is TRAIN...they went into the studio, recorded until their voices left them and until their fingers were bleeding. They put their heart and soul into this album, and the finished product is absolutely amazing. Each song is different, yet they all tie together like a fascinating novel with interlocking chapters. You have to listen to all of them to get the true meaning of the ending.

So when I cracked open the crystal case on this CD and looked, for the first time mind you, at a picture of the band I should have realized the significance of one of their T-shirts. One of the guys is actually wearing a concert T-shirt for Asia! Now, they don't sound like Asia, but I think the shirt says something about the band. It says, "if you own and still listen to music produced in the 80's, there's a good chance you will like this."

And I do.

You've all heard "Drops of Jupiter." It's played every thirty minutes or so on every radio in the U.S. It is a good example of the other tracks, but no cookie cutter was used in writing these tunes. Each song is ripe with rich harmonies, brilliant melodies and chord progressions, but also brings it's own unique richness for very pleasurable listen, time after time.

I wouldn't call it rock. We're not talking ballads here, but the tempo never picks up very quick either. Just as well, us 80's types are getting older after all aren't we? Several of the tracks have the tendancy to lean towards an almost country feel. Not really close enough to be considered a cross-over band, but just an occasional guitar twang or old west harmonica thrown in for interesting effect.

I am glad that there are bands out there generating good stuff for the maturing generation Xers. This album will never be considered a classic, but it keeps this old geezer humming, and his feet tapping.

Time for my nap.

I was lucky enough to catch Train live in Atlanta before the radio snapped up "Meet Virgina" as a heavy rotation single. That day cemented this band into my ears and musical heart. And this album reinforces my initial feeling of wonderment. Every track is worth mentioning...She's on Fire can be listened to over and over without feeling redundent and once you have Drops of Jupiter in your head you will sing it all day long..GLADLY! In my opinion, there is not much danger of anyone cashing in on Columbia Records satisfaction guarantee. If anything, I thought this album was better than the first! They have obviously grown and become more at ease with their talent. I recommend this disk to anyone looking for true musical enlightenment!

I heard the single, Drops of Jupiter, on the radio last week; thought for a moment that it was the Black Crows. But Train turns out to considerably different, not as hard . . . maybe better. Great vocals, thoughtful lyrics, and catchy melodies. There's a southern quality about Train; a southern tinge here and there and a feel-good ambiance that belies the fact that they hail from California's Bay Area. Their lyrics are deep and personal. Here's an example: the lead singer, Pat Monahan, actually has a significant scar across his chin. In the title track, he sings, "Tell me, did you fall for a shooting star, One without a permanent scar, And did you miss me while you were looking for yourself out there?" The song "Hopeless" is destined to be a hit. "Something More" is equally good, and "Getaway" is one of those songs that grows on you -- actually, the whole album does. After 3 or 4 passes, you'll be humming various melodies in your head and looking forward to hearing it all again.

Train just wants to be "real". If that means they want to produce honest, thoughtful and reflective music, they've accomplished at least that.

The first thing that comes to my mind when listening to Train's sophomore release is that it is the best Counting Crows album since "August And Everything After." Really, Train has made a better Counting Crows CD than the Crows have on their past couple outings.

This CD really grew on me as I listened to it over and over again through the course of the past couple weeks. This album is more than the ready-made, Dawson's Creek-themed, title track "Drops Of Jupiter" would lead you to believe. I really dig the transition between kicking things into rock and cooling down into a mellow bluesy/country style.

Train's "Drops Of Jupiter" is the kind of CD that you put on and don't release you haven't skipped a track until the album ends. I suggest you check it out if you're into bands like The Wallflowers, Vertical Horizon, or even Dave Matthews Band.

Train first hit it big with the radio hit 'Meet Virginia', off of their self-titled debut cd. The song remains on the charts as their second hit single 'Drops of Jupiter' makes it's debut off of the album of the same name. The cd includes a mix of folk and pop led by beautiful guitar and piano melodies and stirring lyrics. Other songs included on the album, 'Hopeless', 'I Wish You Would', and 'Respect'(also found on the Dawson's Creek Soundtrack vol.2) make the cd worthwhile. I highly recommend this cd to anyone, the lyrics are clean and are appropriate mostly for ages 13-adult. You'll like it if you listen to: Dave Mathew's Band, Cold Play

I wasn't a big fan of the first Train album. It was ok - one of those things I'd pull out when I was tired of everything else. I'd give it a spin or two and then return it to the CD case to gather dust for awhile.

I really liked Drops of Jupiter when I first heard it, but have learned not to buy a CD for a single. Been there, done that and have the pile of horrible CDs to prove it.

However, after listening to some samples on Amazon and elsewhere I decided I'd give it a try. I AM SO GLAD I DID! This CD is much better than their freshman effort. Sure, it has more pop appeal, but it is much stronger musically and just all around more interesting.

As a side note, I saw Train perform live and they are excellent. Some bands do great in the studio and bottom out when they get on a stage. In fact, I think they sounded even better live than they did on CD.

If I could rate the CD higher I would, but 5 stars will have to do. Way to go Train....

I have to say that Train is one of the best, most positive bands that I've heard in the past few years. Their music speaks to millions, and they've got the Grammys to prove it.
I'll be rating all their songs on a 10 pt. scale...
First of all:

She's On Fire- An upbeat summer rock song that you will certainly have to replay over and over. It has a great mix of electric guitar and stunning harmonies. (9.7)

I Wish You Would- It took me a while to really 'get' this song, but it's really great. The harmonica adds something extra too it. (8.7)

Drops Of Jupiter- Nuff Said (9.9)

It's About You- I really didn't like this song the first time I heard it, but it really grows on you. You've got to listen to this song the whole way through. It gets good at the end. (8.4)

Hopeless- One of the standout tracks on this CD. A good blend of piano and once again, harmony makes this a cool song. Just like 'It's about you', it gets really great in the middle/end. (9.0)

Respect- Wow. A great, upbeat rock song about treating others with respect. We should all take this song to heart. This song is a little 'commercial' though... More could've been done on the sax. (7.9)

Let It Roll- A highlight on this cd. Great use of percussion, acoustic guitar. This song makes people cry. It's about the lead singer's mom, who has passed away. Profound lyrics (9.4)

Something More- Great use of string section.... (8.3)

Whipping Boy- The only bad song on the CD.. (6.1)

Getaway- A great jazz song by a rock group. How many times do you hear something like this??? (9.4)

Mississippi- A beautiful, slow, somber song, a perfect ending. (9.8)

The only problem with this CD is that you've got to be OPEN TO IT. Listen to it a couple times (that means more than once!!). It'll definately grow on you.

Please give this CD more than one try! Once you've listened to it about 4 or 5 times, you'll come to love it! My opinion on each song:

1. She's On Fire: The first song on the album. Maybe it shouldn't have been #1, but it's catchy, nontheless. FINAL WORD(s): Catchy Song!

2. I Wish You Would: I really liked this song, the lyrics are good, and a great chorus. I guess it did have a kind of soft feel to it, but that's what makes it enjoyable. FINAL WORD(s):
Sing Along With The Chorus!

3. Drops of Jupiter: Oooh, the big one! It's overplayed on the radio, even now, but it's the one that got them a Grammy. It sounds... space-like. I can imagine the moon and more spacey things when I listen to this song. Not my favorite, due partly from being overplayed. FINAL WORD(s): A Real "Star" Of A Song. @_@

4. It's About You: I keep getting this mixed up with "I Wish You Would" and "Something More" when it gets stuck in my head, for some reason. They're three totally different songs! But I like this song OK. FINAL WORD(s): The Lyrics Make Sense (Even If I Don't!)

5. Hopeless: Oh, this is a very happy song! ^_~ Actually, it's kind of sad. But I likethe voices spilling over eachother in the last chorus. FINAL WORD(s): Addicting Song!

6. Respect: "Everybody needs a little respect/everybody needs a little time..." Up-beat song that makes you want to hum along with! FINAL WORD(s): The Lyrics Are So True!

7. Let It Roll: Slow-ish song, but very soothing. I can kind of relate to this song. FINAL WORD(s): A Kind Of Sad Song For The Strong, If That Makes Any Sense!

8. Something More: The first time I heard this song, I felt as if I'd heard it before...??? FINAL WORD(s): I Love The Instruments In This Song, Especially The Violins!

9. Whipping Boy: It used to be my favorite song on this CD. I agree with one of the other reviewers in that "It sounds as if Pat gave this song a little more 'umph'." FINAL WORD(s): I Like The Way He Pronounced "Boy" (Boooooooooooooowwwwwwweeeee!) :D

10. Getaway: Wow, this song is sort of like "Clocks" by Coldplay, except for about a million other things! The sound sort of goes UP and DOWN, like waves in the ocean. (Oh, I'm so poetic sounding. *^^*) FINAL WORD(s): Niiiiiiiiice!

11. Mississippi: I'll always know the spelling of this word: "M-I-crooked letter-crooked letter-I-humpback-humpback-I". Erm... good song when you're about to fall asleep; very soothing. FINAL WORD(s): A Good Ending To A Good CD!

And all this is coming from a young teen, so this is a song for all above 10 years old ages. (Or maybe I'm just mature for my age... or maybe not!) SORRY FOR ALL THE SPELLING AND GRAMMAR MISTAKES! (But you can still understand it! ^_^ )

1. She's on Fire-a great, uptempo, powerful, summery song. Great to listen to when relaxing outside 2. I wish you would-ditto. Love the harmonica...very cool. 3. Drops Of Jupiter-What is there to be said? This song is powerful, romantic, and can change your whole outlook on life. The lyrics are absolutely incredible. THE perfect song. 4. It's about you-Great track, but not my favorite on the CD. Even the worst on the CD is the best anywhere else. 5. Hopeless-This song is more subdued than the first 4 tracks, very relaxing. Beautiful, beautiful lyrics. 6. Respect-Fun, uptempo. Powerful stuff 7. Let it roll- I love this song. It's has a lot of meaning, and just makes me feel sort of at ease. 8. Something More- Another great one. Meaningful, relaxing, beautifully written 9. Whipping Boy- powerful, powerful song. Great stuff. Has a TON of emotion 10. Getaway-Very cool, sort of "Mississippi Bluesy". I love the way Pat Monahan sings this one. 11. Undoubtedly the second best on the CD (besides Drops of Jupiter). Very beautifully written, incredibly soothing, just lovely. I can't possibly say how unbelievable this CD is. Every single track is fantastic and beautiful in its own way. A stunning second album.