Handwritten

The Gaslight Anthem | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 24, 2012)
• Original Release Date: 2012
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mercury
• ASIN: B0089IGUP4
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (75 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,139 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

HANDWRITTEN, The Gaslight Anthem s first album on Mercury Records, was produced by two-time Grammy Award winner Brendan O Brien, known for his work with Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Incubus, and many others. Prior to HANDWRITTEN, The Gaslight Anthem released three full-length indie albums to date, Sink Or Swim, The 59 Sound and American Slang. With tons of critical raves, The Gaslight Anthem has won strong and loyal followings across the U.S., Japan, and especially in the UK. In the U.S., hundreds of thousands of festival goers have seen The Gaslight Anthem on the stages of Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Coachella.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Handwritten: The Deluxe Edition July 24, 2012

By T. A. Daniel TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:MP3 Music

Fans of Gaslight Anthem will find 2012's HANDWRITTEN be familiar. The band's sound is like a beaten up pair of Chuck Taylor's. Gaslight Anthem is rough around the edges, old-school, raw, but comfortable. With prolific producer Brendan O'Brien (Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Incubus), the band's sound remains full of passion and energy but crystal-clear. While their sound may not be specifically unique, they are a breath of fresh air in a musical climate dominated with electronics.

The album begins with its lead single, "45." The song isn't just one of the best songs on the album - I'd argue it's one of the best of the band's career. It's a solid homage to the days of vinyl, and it perfectly surmises the band and HANDWRITTEN. Gaslight Anthem has always been one to salute their predecessors, and "45" cuts to the core of that matter. The second and title track, "Handwritten," scores another do-it-yourself anthem for the band. The album's title is particularly apt: the band wears its heart and influences on its sleeve like a badge of honor - the music and lyrics all sound organic and, well, handwritten. "Too Much Blood" has a stomping guitar riff that surrounds great vocals via Brian Fallon; in many ways, it feels tired and exhausted, but because it feels full of soul, it never feels like a drag. Clocking in at just over 2 minutes, "Howl" compacts many of Gaslight Anthem's best qualities into a tight rocking song. The first song written for the album, "Biloxi Parrish" also serves as a highlight with its heartfelt melody paired with blistering guitar work. The penultimate song, "Mae," slows the album down towards ballad territory, but the result is a song that is just as strong as "Too Much Blood...." The closing track, "National Anthem" finds the band hanging up their amplifiers for acoustic guitars. The song's lyrics (provided by vocalist Brian Fallon) are poignant, and it provides a slow, soft close to HANDWRITTEN.

HANDWRITTEN is an album that is, above everything else, full of heart and passion. Many of these songs grow better and better with repeated listens, so it is an album worth sticking with for a while. Fans of The Hold Steady, Japandroids, or Bruce Springsteen will probably find a lot to enjoy in HANDWRITTEN. However, I don't think that this is the best album to begin listening to the band; THE '59 SOUND would probably serve as a better starting point. Standout tracks to sample/download: "45," "Too Much Blood," and "Howl."

(additional release information)
The deluxe edition of HANDWRITTEN includes three additional bonus tracks. These tracks (in order) are: "Blue Dahlia," "Sliver (Nirvana cover)," and "You Got Lucky (Tom Petty cover)." Out of these, the Tom Petty cover might be my favorite -- I'd highly recommend any die-hard Gaslight Anthem fan to seek the deluxe edition out. If you're not interested in these extra songs, there is a separate (slightly cheaper) version: HANDWRITTEN (+digital booklet). Read more ›

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Never a weak song July 25, 2012

By Frank V. Seiler

Format:MP3 Music

The thing I give Gaslight Anthem so much credit for, is that through 4 albums and 1 E.P., I can listen to their entire discography, and never skip a song. There aren't many bands I can do that with... MAYBE 1 or 2 others.

Handwritten continues that streak. It's just good rock and roll... it's not too punk, not too pop... it's sort of the Bruce Springsteen/John Cougar/Tom Petty of the ages... no gimmicks, no experimentation, no digital screeching or wub wubs, no samplers, no attempts at rapping. Just good old fashion rock and roll... the way it's supposed to be.

The forefathers of Rock and Roll would be proud.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The best of several amazing albums from TGA July 24, 2012

By The Quaz

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

I very rarely bother to write reviews, on music or otherwise. And I can't remember the last time I played a new album over and over again without tiring of it quickly. However, this album is so moving and overall outstanding that I've had it on non-stop repeat all day, and had to write something. I've been a huge fan of the Gaslight Anthem for a few years ever since a friend gave me a copy of American Slang, and it didn't take me long to buy the entire discography. I'm getting older and not much music has the power to affect me deeply these days, but these guys do it consistently. The lyrics, the music - just so damn great, and the perfect blend of various styles. This is a terrific collection of songs and an instant classic, and it gets better with every listen.

Thanks again to Brian and crew for yet another incredible album. (Now, if you guys would please someday play anywhere near Pittsburgh, i could die happy...)

Buy this. Support this band. You will be glad you did.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Getting the hang of it. November 9, 2012

By Donald E. Gilliland

Format:Audio CD

Now this is more like it; very good album! Not quite a 5-star recording, but a 4-plus for sure. I bought "American Slang" two years ago and was quite disappointed. It just sounded too samey and too derivative to my ears. But on "Handwritten" the songs seem to have more focus, more drive, more passion. At times, some of their tunes still strike me as being stuck in the same musical gear, but this time around I hear more nuance, more layers, and more tempo changes. No doubting the sincerity and passion of these guys, but it's all about the songs and the tunes and lyrics sound more polished and thought-out on this album. A few of these songs even get me out of my seat and waving my hands in the air. Anthemic? Indeed it is. And that's not such a bad thing. All in all, an impressive step forward for this band.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Instant Classic August 10, 2012

By Steve

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is my first attempt at a review & I felt I had to put in some good words for these guys . I have been a fan of the GLA since hearing "American Slang" and couldn't wait to hear this new album. I was NOT dissappointed! It is filled with passionate anthems that will stand the test of time. The lead singer Brian Fallon is amazing! Although the cover art could have been a bit more exciting , it's what's inside that that really counts. All the songs are works of art , especially "National Anthem". which I predict radio stations will start playing real soon. . It's an album well worth picking up , as you will enjoy this over & over.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Gaslight Anthem: The new "Only Band That Matters" August 10, 2012

By A. Visser

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you are not familar with Gaslight Anthem, I would label their sound as Bruce Springsteen meets the Clash having listened to the Del Fuegos. For those of you who are fans, Handwritten is a great album that shows continued growth in their songwriting and playing (I don't know if Brian Fallon's singing has sounded better). From the radio ready sound of "45" and the title track to the Guthrie-like "National Anthem" Gaslight Anthem expand their musical range successfully while still managing to keep a straight ahead rock and roll energy. This album makes me think they might be ready to take up the mantle as new "Only American Band That Matters" which has been languishing since the demise of The Replacements.