North [Enhanced]

Something Corporate | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 21, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Geffen Records
• ASIN: B0000DD578
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (179 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,362 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #35 in Music > Alternative Rock > Hardcore & Punk > Emo
  • #48 in Music > Alternative Rock > Hardcore & Punk > Punk-Pop

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet and Sorrowful Tribute to Touring, March 6, 2004

By 

Tatiana (Plano, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: North (Audio CD)

With North, Something Corporate demonstrates their amazing ability to mature as artists- something very few bands achieve in such a short amount of time. Andrew McMahon's (as well as Josh Partington's) lyrics have always belied his age, but they evolve now more than ever. While it is obvious that this is the bands "on the road" album, they don't make it as blatant as most. Here is a synopsis of each song and my opinions on it. I'll try to keep it as unbiased as possible, but I am a mad zealot of SoCo, so it won't be completely impartial. :)

"As You Sleep"- At first, this song will make you drift off to sleep. You may think it is because it's boring or plain at first, but then you realize- this is the perfect lullaby. And that's what it's supposed to be: a lullaby of a goodbye that Andrew sings to his loved one before leaving on tour. The lyrics are lovely, the music is soft and sweet, and Andrew's vocals are so melodic.
"Space"- Josh's songs are definitely better in past albums, in my humble opinion, and Space is to me one of the weaker tracks on the album. However, this upbeat song still has a fun tone to it, and it doesn't necessarily disappoint. I imagine the song is about trying to break up with a girl. But only because of that time-honored jackass line "Give me space".
"Down"- Another kind of sad, longing song from Andrew. Absolutely gorgeous lyrics and music. This song feels so far removed from the old, pop-punk Something Corporate.

"Only Ashes"- This one takes a little bit of getting used to. It's Josh's once again, but this track is a little stronger. The message is very thought-provoking and the music is pretty cool.
"Me and the Moon"- Arguably the best track on the album, about a suburban wife killing her abusive husband. So heartbreakingly beautiful this song is, especially the line "I am a butterfly, but you wouldn't let me die".
"The Runaway"- This song's lyrics are questionable at times, but the music and hook are delightful.
"Ruthless"- I love this song. Everything about this song is amazing and wonderful. This song is truly the epitome of unrequited love, and I'm not even sure if it's about that.
"She Paints Me Blue"- Written by Andrew, this may very well be the most personal song on the album. It is even inscribed, "to Kelly". Whoever Kelly is, she is one friggin lucky girl and I think I hate her. While Ruthless is the epitome of unrequited love, this song is just the epitome of love period.
"Break Myself"- At first, this one is relatively unforgettable. But upon listening closely, despite ambiguous lines, this song can be rather moving.
"I Won't Make You"- Now this I can applaud Josh for. While this song could very easily be called "I Won't Rape You", Josh makes it...romantic.
"21 and Invincible"- This song has a greak hook/chorus and it really does depict that age clearly. This song does feel somewhat out of place of the album, though, with the rest of the songs being somewhat tender and sad.
"Miss America"- a gorgeous, heartbreaking ending to a great album. It appears that SoCo must always end their CDs with the saddest song possible. (Globes and Maps of Leaving Through the Window, Walking By on Audioboxer, Konstantine on Ready...Break)

On a side note, Something Corporate is one of the only bands I know of that make drugs, sex, and alcohol sound appealing and romantic.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just New Found Glory with a piano any more..., October 30, 2003

By 

"teenage_riotgrrl" (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: North (Audio CD)

I waited monthsfor this CD and the moment I listened to it, I was spellbound. Yeah its different to the last CD but this is definitely an improved, more mature album. I loved 'Leaving through the window' but they sounded a lot like any other generic pop-punk band, only with a piano. Not so on this album. There are hardly any punky songs on this album, mostly soft chilled out songs that are more in the style of 'the astronaut' and 'cavanaugh park'. Andrew's songwriting and piano has developed really well, and instead of the piano being somewhat of a novelty, it flows perfectly with the guitars and vocals. If you wanted an album full of 'If You C Jordans' then you'll be disappointed. My favourite song is 'Me and the moon', I think its one of the best songs SoCo have ever done. The only thing bad that I have to say about this album is that the second half of the CD sounded a bit samey, but once you've listened to it a bit you get into it better. Even though I'm 14 myself, I think this album would probably appeal to older people more, but personally I love this album and its one of my favourites.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than Leaving Through The Window? Believe it!, November 10, 2003

By 

Keith Shelton "Keith" (Commerce, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: North (Audio CD)

Somehow, Something Corporate has managed to outdo themselves. After one of the best debut albums I've ever heard, the guys follow it up with a much more mature album both melody and lyric wise.

The pianos mesh much better with the surrounding instruments, thers a perfect balance. The lyrics talk about specific situations in detail and alltogether the band sounds beyond their years.

The standout track on North is definitly "Me and the Moon" Its a breathtaking ballad with a beautiful feel good chorus. This track takes the place of "Cavenaugh Park" on their last album.

I also love "Down" which has another great piano section and "Runaway", another track with a great chorus.

Considering all the hype these guys had to live up to, they did an excellent job and I'm not disapointed in the least bit.