Customer Reviews

Halfway Down the Sky

5 star:		(85)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13. These are the best tracks on the Splender cd, Halfway Down the Sky. Coincidentaly, they are also all of the songs on the CD. This CD is an amazing work of music, and anyone who likes Alternative music should go and buy it. With songs like the semi-hit "Yeah, whatever", "I Don't Understand", "Monotone", and the softer "Spaceboy" and "I Think God Can Explain", this is a CD that will never leave your stereo. If my recomendation isn't enough, then do yourself a favor and listen to some of the songs online. You'll be glad you did.

Well when I heard "Yeah, Whatever" I knew this band was different and had their own sound going. There is a level of enthusiasm coming forth through their music and through Waymon's blessed voice that you can't quite put into words. That remark about Waymon resembling Hootie should be spliced off this comment board. One has absolutely nothing to do with the other. Waymon has an excellent and delicately melodic voice, and feeling gushing through his vocals with the emotional intesity of things that can oft only be expressed through music. I see the criticisms about production, requests for more instrumentation and a closer interplay between vocals and instruments, and while those are valid points, the fact is I personally have been playing this CD in my car for the past 4 weeks... and still going strong. I don't want to change it because I'm not yet sick of it, and for me this is rare. There is not a bad song on here, in fact I look forward to each one. Though the sound does not range too dramatically like you have on some artist's albums, each piece has its own mood and personality, and it rocks your emotions to the hilt, then it calms you, then it brings you inward, to a level of much enjoyed introspection. Sincere effort is put into each song, as there are no fillers. Choruses and pop harmonies are inspiring, as the listener sways with the mood of Waymon (sp?). I don't see much ego waving brashly in the spotlight here, rather Waymon's strong yet soothing vocals are an incredible alternative to much of what we have out there to contend with. I fought armies and sliced through dense jungles just to find the name of this band and the CD after hearing 'Yeah, Whatever' for the first time, before they were cool. Glorious. I knew damn well they were cool after all of 10 seconds into this intense piece, and while I have yet to see them live I'll tell you what...this will not be their last album. The band's got great chemistry and potential, and a real genuine and infectious sound I have not heard, honestly, since the 80's. I wish I could thank them for their expression and for inspiring me through their music. The meaning of the song lyrics may be more hidden than some, but that is Waymon's style, and it's more the tone of the expression and energy traversed from their hearts to our CD players that matters most. Though the instrumentation is not of Carlos Santana quality, for example, the musicianship works, and works well. In the future, certain pieces may become more refined and experimental, but whatever happens, my instinct tells me Splender is going to be around for a while, and along with many of the above folks on this commentary board, I am utterly grateful! :)

-Natalie T.

nataliet@ccess.net OR cawfee_tawk@yahoo.com

I picked this cd up a couple of days after i heard "yeah,whatever" on the radio. it turned out to be a great cd, one of my favorites, definately. if u like alternative/rock you'll love this cd. it's like the perfect cd. if u like music with great lyrics and catchy guitar tunes,and if you are reading this right now, it rocks! buy it!

My 18-year-old son accidentally left this CD in my car player and I was immediately hooked. Each track was better than the last! Apparently "Yeah, Whatever" was the group's first hit, but it's good to hear "I Think God Can Explain" get its deservedly increased airplay. I think "Spaceboy" or "Special" are potential hits as well. Buy this one if you like great lyrics, great instrumentation, and one heckuva great lead voice. Can't wait to see what Waymon Boone & his band do for an encore!

Well, this is my 2nd review...what a better band to review about than Splender? This is a great album with deep-impact lyrics and hypnotic guitar riffs...my favourite song is "I think God can explain" but there are many others good song... So if u are an alternative one and u like Finger Eleven, Dovetail Joint, Oleander and so on, don't miss it...

One of the first cds i bought, all because of "yeah, whatever" being on the radio. It was a cool song and i got the feel for it. Back when i got this album, it was the time period where i was too young to acknowledge great music, besides the radio songs. I put this cd away for a couple of years, and one day, i decided to take it out and give it a quick spin. Wow. How could i ever not listen to every song on the cd. I started listening to this cd 24/7, and didn't get sick of it once. This album is just incredible. Every single song is incredible, not one is mediocre. I can't believe that there hasn't been a review on this album for three years, it shocks me. I guess everyone who has already reviewed it found out how great it was the first time they listened to it. To this day, this cd is still in my collection at the top of the list, and i doubt it will ever move down on the list. If you don't have this cd, shame on you. Shame on you..

This is one of the finest albums I have ever bought: Favourite songs: "Wallflower" and "Spin". If you read through the reviews, you'll find that favorite songs are all different, which goes to show that, first, unlike many other albums, this one does not rely on one or two good pieces and ten mediocre ones and second, Splender caters for lots of different tastes. From start to finish, it is simply unbelievable. An excellent album and a super cool band.

Wow! What can I say about Splender? After seeing the music video for "I Think God Can Explain" i became somewhat of a splender fan, but was not that impressed for some reason. generally, i'm pretty good at picking out a good bad, but this is one of those that at first doesn't make the cut, but eventually proves themselves. sort of like michael jordan did as he was cut from the basketball team in high school. greatness comes at a price.

however, splender's graceful and energetic anthems aren't perhaps the general public's view of good music. sometimes i like that they aren't that popular. let's me like them more.

the best song on the album would go to "yeah, whatever." something about it just emits some kind of revengful sarcasm to it. a literal slap in the face song, which strangely aren't enough of those kind of songs. "special" is another song that fits that theme. asking why someone is so much better than someone else. although i think "yeah, whatever" has a better sound.

"i think God can explain" is the centerpiece to the album. it softens the tone somewhat, but fits in perfectly at the 6 spot. you'd notice if you'd listen all the way through on how the mood changes from song to song, which is why this an awesome album. "monotone", and "i apologize" are also favs of mine.

splender has this unique sound to them that is aggressive, but also passive. the contrasting qualities mix perfectly to set the stage for future albums.

I just bought this CD the other day, but because I heard the hit single "I think God can explain" more and more on the radio, the more I understood where Waymon was coming from in his lyrics. It talks about a relationship going bad, and that is why I think most people would enjoy and relate to this song. There is also "Yeah, Whatever". This song is a dramatic switch, from the slow-moving "I think God can explain." "Yeah Whatever" is very fast-paced and has hard-hitting lyrics that define the meaning of the song. I highly recommend this CD to anyone. If you have not heard these two songs I have talked about, then please download them and listen to them, and you will see what I mean. I think the group will gain more popularity in the future from these two hits, and I think "Splender" will have a long reign of success.

This CD is a collection of 13 brilliant tunes with catchy melodies and superb lyrics. Lead vocalist Waymon Boone sings with gusto, but does not shout. He writes words that are heartfelt, but not pretentious. Yet, the album is definitely not the result of a one-man-show. The whole band comes together and plays music that makes one sit up and listen intently. The songs are just so listenable! The emotions are evident, but not overcharged, and that's why these songs are so wonderful. No silly expletives, no needless swearing, just some honest-to-goodness musicmaking. This album has T-A-L-E-N-T written all over it. Give it a try, you WON'T be sorry.