Customer Reviews

Louder Now

5 star:		(61)
4 star:		(39)
3 star:		(21)
2 star:		(19)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

when it comes to listening to music i try to avoid comparing the bands new cd to their previous ones. with tbs, this is hard. "tell all your friends" is without a doubt a classic album and is the best in this genre of music. there's no denying that. then nolan left the band and tbs changed its lineup and "where you want to be" was the result. despite the different vocalist and sound, i thought "WYWTB" was a excellent record and was close to "TAYF" but not quite.

now comes april 25 and "louder now" is released and upon first listen, there's no doubt that TBS have progressed as a band. whether their progression is a positive or a negative, i don't know. that's up to the listener. i myself love when bands think outside the box and evolve and keep doing so for each record they put out (i.e. saves the day). although they're initial sound with "TAYF" is no longer present i can't help to enjoy their progression and the fact that they finally made a rock record.

like my review title says, they have unleashed the guitars and the whole feel to the album is just more rock. yes, tbs is the definition of emo and there's alot of emotion here, but as for the musicianship it's just a lot better than their previous two. there's actually guitar solos in half the songs. true, they signed to major label warner bros so i think this rock transition is appropriate. i hate when people accuse bands of selling out. i admit that i hate when bands sign for the money and not for the right reason which is to reach out to more people. but unless the band says they did it for the money, don't accuse them for it! just let it go and sit back and enjoy the great record they created which is "louder now"

for fans deciding whether they will like this, you will. if you're a true tbs fan you'll definitely appreciate this album. if you're a trendy emo kid and you would live and/or die for their first record, you might want to preview first. half the songs are trademark tbs but the other half are experimental and even kind of dark with extra emphasis on the guitars. lyric quality is close to their last album (not any where as good as TAYF) and the songs are catchier then ever with unbelievable hooks.
standouts are "what's it feel like to be a ghost", "make damn sure", "miami", and "my blue heaven". the whole cd is solid and this will be in the top 5 of 2006. definitely recommended.

AMAZING not one song on this album will make you wince. It as is if a greatest hits Album was made but with completly new songs I guarantee if your A Tbs Fan or not You Will NOT be disappointed if you buy it on itunes you get a bonus track also called "brooklyn" some Highlights "liar(it takes one to know one)" "Miami" "What's It Feel Like to Be A Ghost" "Twenty Twenty Surgery"

I picked this album up from my local store the other day, having already bought two TBS CDs prior, and I just have to say, it's incredible. I usually listen to punk (Descendents, Sex Pistols, Ramones); I'm a fifteen-year-old male, but I don't listen to teenie bopper stuff. I really fell in love with the album Where You Want To Be, so I decided to try this album. My favorite is still WYWTB, but I thought this album came darn close in terms of the overall CD. I usually judge albums on their lyrics. Sure, some of the songs don't make that much sense, but most of them get me off my feet. The guitars are still sick, perfectly fusing with Adam's voice. I thought there were better songs then Makedamnsure, but it was still an excellent track. The standouts are:

What's It Like To Be A Ghost? (10/10) - This is my favorite track on the album. I love it. The intro is great, the lyrics are awesome, and the whole song is just so catchy. This is one of those tracks that I said made me want to get off my feet. Come on, admit it, we've all gone crazy before.

Makedamnsure (8/10) - I really liked this song because of the music, the lyrics were not that great, but the singer definitely kicks.

Liar (Takes One To Know One) (9/10) - This is my second favorite on the album, the chorus is awesome, the lyrics are somewhat great, and as always, the guitar rocks.

Up Against (Blackout) (7/10)- This was one of the better songs, what can I say? Great example of TBS' talent.

Twenty-Twenty Surgery (9/10) - I thought this song was great because of the chorus, more than the music. The ending is awesome.

I can only hope that this review helped you, it's an awesome album from an awesome band.

Okay, I...like many of you, have been a fan of Taking Back Sunday from the first time I heard "Tell All Your Friends." It provided a sound that was revolutionary at the time with lyrics that are unforgettable. However, like any classic album, an artist can't be expected to replicate it. TAYF spawned a slew of imitators as the emo explosion grew more and more prominent. As we all know, the band underwent some membership line up changes...and "Where You Want to Be" followed as the result. Although not as revolutionary as TAYF, this album had many highpoints. For example, the last minute of "A Decade Under the Influence," the counterpoint vocals on "Slowdance on the Inside," and the frantic, bouncy and unbelievably catchy pace to the album's opening track stand out. Obviously, it received mixed reviews despite its debut at #3 on the charts (very impressive coming from indie label Victory Records). While the TBS sound was still unique, the genre had blown up to extreme levels by this point (2004). What choice did TBS have with their third release but to tweak the sound again in order to distinguish themselves as a unique force in the industry?

"Louder Now" delivers a great rock experience in my opinion. Many of you have written reviews based on your first full listen through. I'll admit it..."Tell All Your Friends" turned into the masterpiece that it is in my mind...AFTER about 10 - 15 listens. I have no doubt in my mind that in due time, the subtleties and expressions in this album will grow on even the most die-hard TBS fans. You miss the angst in Adam's voice? Listen to the last half of "Error Operator." You miss the counterpoint vocals? Listen to the pre-choruses on "MakeDamnSure" and "Twenty Twenty Surgery." You miss the impressive lyrical content? Listen for lines like these: "You're so sensitive, I am a machine," "Despondent, distracted, you're vicious and romantic. These are a few of my favorite things," "If we're keeping score, we're all choir boys at best," and finally "Two sides twist and then collide. You're calling off the guard, I'm coming through (Am I coming through...). Adultress conditioned to a spin cycled submission, you know sometimes it just feels better to give in." Do you miss the edgy, aggressive rock sound? Check out "Spin" and tell me that it's not an adrenaline shot straight through your body. If you're a fan of "Where You Want to Be" and the catchy rock that it brought...check out that similar TBS sound on "MakeDamnSure," "Error Operator," and "Twenty Twenty Surgery."

Honestly, I think that some of the "die-hards" got a little bit too caught up in the lyrical spats between Nolan and Lacey and then Nolan and Lazarra. These bands have gone their separate ways people. Look at the difference in sound from Brand New's "Your Favorite Weapon" to "Deja Entendu." While YFW was a great album...Deja Entendu is on an entirely different musical and artistic level. TBS is progressing the same way. And for those of you that think that the edge went away when Nolan left...look at how "edgy" the music that Nolan is doing now is. I like Straylight Run, but we are still talking about rock music right?

For true fans of Taking Back Sunday, do like I'm going to do. Just come along for the ride...and hope that they continue to grow and earn themselves some staying power. Because I think we all agree that they have the potential to be one of the most talented, influential, aggressive, and powerful rock acts for years to come.

"Louder Now" has to be one of the greatest achievements for Taking Back Sunday. The music stylings of this band has come a long way since "Tell All Your Friends" and "Where You Want to Be." It has more of a rock feel to it (hence the title: Louder Now). Opening this cd with "Whats it Feel Like to be a Ghost?" really sets the tone for the entire album. And of course with the hits like "Makedamnsure" and "Liar(It Takes One to Know One)" how could you go wrong? And if you need a short break from the loud rock sound, theres the quieter "Divine Intervention" and "I'll Let You Live." If you liked Taking Back Sunday's other albums, then your sure to love this one. If your a first timer, you'll still love this album. Taking Back Sunday really hit the nail on the head with this one. So don't miss out! This album is just great rock music at its best!

Okay ive read alot and it appears to me that people can't get over the fact that this album is not TAYF. That was years ago and this band has grown up not only as people but as musicians. Its really hard when people expect you to repeat an album over and over and over again throughout your entire career. And i know its hard as a fan when you feel a sense of ownership and you feel proud because your the only one who knows who they are and it shocks you when later everyone is singing their songs but i feel it was their decision to move to a major label, that we as fans should support them and that the move has truly proved which fans are true and which aren't. They've certainly shyed(i think i spelled that wrong) away from the whiny "i hate you" pop-punk and have truly made an epic rock album. The most rock song on the album would have to be Spin. Loud, and Agressive and Heavy guitar riffs make it my fav song. Adam's voice shines on "I'll Let You Live" (which features a lovely background vocal by guitarist Fred's wife,Elena) and "Twenty Twenty surgery" where he hits falsetto notes like nobody's buisness.His rare but peircing screams let you know that the song (and the boys) mean nothing but buisness. And "MakeDamnSure" truly proves that not only has Adam's vocals improved tremendously but that this band should prepare themselves for complete and utter world domination. They have such potential and want their music to shine more than their bubbly, witty personalities. My other faves are "My Blue Heaven","Error:Operator", and "Up Against(Blackout)". I mean this when i say that they should not be critiqued for not repeating their FIRST album and that i love this band with all my heart and will continue to support them so long as they continue to make albums that rock as hard as this one!!

I first got 'Tell All Your Friends', and loved it. Songs like "Timberwovlves At New Jersey", "Cute Without The 'E' (Cut From The Team)", and "There's No 'I' In Team" are such great songs. The lyrics are really inventive, and the guitar is awesome.
Their newest album, 'Louder Now' is just as good. "Makedamnsure" and "Twenty-Twenty Surgery" are my two favorite songs from that album, they're sooo good.
So if you've never heard anything by TBS, I say listen to them...they're friggin sweet.

I'm still trying to figure out not only why this cd is called "Louder Now", but also why so many actually consider this a loud or heavy release.

Here's what was promised... heavier guitars, edgier lyrics, faster drum sets, screaming vocals unlike anything TBS has previously released. Here's what was delivered... the opposite of every single promise... slower tracks, toned down lyrics, easier vocals.

I'm not going to come out and say this is a bad release, its not. At the same time, I can't sit here and say that this is a positive step for the band, espicially with the route they were trying to go. Obviously this release is not as good as "Tell All Your Friends" (and I sincerely doubt any TBS release will ever top that), but this CD does not even top of match "Where You Want To Be".

My reasoning behind this is simple. Take the best tracks from "Where You Want To Be" ("Set Phasers To Stun", "Decade Under The Influence", "Photograph Is Proof", "New American Classic", "One-Eighty By Summer", and "...Slowdance On The Inside") and compare them with the best from "Louder Now" ("Liar Liar", "MakeDamnSure", "My Blue Heaven", "Spin", "Divine Intervention" and "Error Operator") and tell me which tracks are better. There is no arguement involved, the best from "WYWTB" dominates. Not only that, but the tracs left off this list (tracks like "I am Fred Astaire" and "The Union") are far better and appealing then the likes of "I'll Let You Live" and the pathetic and dreadful "Miami".

Look there are good songs on this CD. "Liar Liar" is a fast paced track that should have started off the CD. Catchy chorus and decent lyrics put this one in your head. "MakeDamnSure" is one of the better releases by the band, even if the stalkerish lyrics bring down the song a bit. Both vocalists are excellent on the track, not to mention perform this remarkably live. "Spin" is the hardest song the band has made since "Timberwolves At New Jersey" and shows (thank god) that the new band (minus John Nolan/Straylight Run) is still capable of making a great ROCK song. The guitars are unbelievable on this one, as well Adams flailing vocals of "You Have No Chance!". While I feel "New American Classic" was far superior, "Divine Intervention" is still a solid track and a welcomed cool down song following "Spin". At times feels too forced in the studio, the simple guitar line and solo Adam vocals make it a great chill track. "Error Operator", like "Spin" is a remarkable rock track and is the best on the CD. Yes it is the same song as the one on the Fantastic Four Soundreack, but it has been redone and fully delivers where the previous release faltered. If you ever get to see this band live, you will be amazed at this one performed in front of you, it will send goose bumbs down your spin hearing Adam scream "We can't go back!"

Sadly, they tracks left off are simply weak compared to previous releases by the band. I made a similar statement regarding Yellowcard's most recent CD. Look if TBS was not as famous and hyped as they are, then I would probably like this release a lot more then I do. Fact of the matter is they are suppose to be the best and their work should reflect that. Hopefully the band stays together through this release and puts forward something deserving of their talents.

Wow! I think buying this CD was a good choice because I am a 15 year old girl that listens to punk,rock,metal,pop punk,ect. But this CD is a great choice to pick if you like this type of music. All the songs are great. I personally love "Louder Now". Taking back sunday knows how to play the best! With the guitarist to the drummers to the lead vocals has the best sounds to be able to make powerful music.
The songs-
What It Feels Like To Be A Ghost
Liar (It Takes One To Know One)
MakeDamnSure!
My Blue Heaven

I love those song they are my favorite songs in "TBS"
because they put so much power in each song. They tell so much in their song. Without this band I wouldn't be living. As being a 15 year old girl and liking this kind of music shows so much stuff about me. I loving this kind of band-taking back sunday, they write stuff about them in there lyrics, In their last album, they have wrote some song about their lifes only if you listen to their lyric you will hear they wrote stuff about them. But this album "lounder Now" kicks Butt! it is much better then their last two albums. So I personally think you should buy this cd if u haven't done so. If you are scared to get it because of you think they swear or talk about sex or drugs look up their Lyrics. But this is the best CD i bought from the band Taking Back Sunday. I also hope this review helps you to by "Louder Now" By Taking Back Sunday.

~*Caty*~

tbs is better than this. fred (and his previous band breaking pangea are better than this (he was a welcome addition in the wake of john nolan). i have listened to this album to several times in the hopes to really like it, and there is very little that grips me to want to listen to it till their next release. it has hooks here and there, but overall, i think that the label really put a stranglehold on them here....i have heard their potential in previous releases, that did not come across here. still, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and maybe there is an awsome element to this album that i might find on my next listen.