Customer Reviews

Say It Like You Mean It

5 star:		(126)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(17)

 

 

This CD is just plain amazing. Normally I can't stand listening to the same CD for very long, but I've been listening to this nonstop since I got it. The beat is catchy and upbeat and the music is great. The song lyrics are fun and yet have a good story behind them. The Starting Line has more drive than many bands in the genre and the high-quality sound that should take them far. You can tell they mean what they say on this album!

1, "Up and Go" is a great song with interesting layers of vocals and great energy. 2, "Given a Chance" - well you can't help but love a band who appreciates the fans. 3, "Leaving" is a more polished version of the song on the EP; great lyrics. My favorite tracks are #4 "The Best of Me," (just so good), #7 "Cheek to Cheek," (perfect for rocking the air-guitar) and "Saddest Girl Story" (which is the song that first introduced me to the band, as I fell in love with it when I heard it - it's just ultimate Starting Line).

After hearing them live twice, I can also testify that they rock hard live too. They put on an amazing show and have an amazing energy, especially when they're feeding off a great crowd (like here - Portland loves ya, TSL!)

In short, a great example of what a punk band should be. Good lyrics, good rhythm, good melody. Hence - great album.

Ok ill admit. When I first heard this, I thought it all sound the same. But then it grew on me. I hope there new cd lives up to this one.

Up & Go- Not the greatest lyrics, not the greatest chorus, but still damn good. 8/10

Given The Chance- Wow GREAT song, I just wish the guitar had a little but more depth. Describing about how they feel about beeing musicains. 10/10

Leaving- Best song on the cd when I first heard it. Then some others grew on me and over took this one. Still a good song though. Fun to play out ;) 9/10

Best Of Me- You heard it, we've all heard it. Good song but in my opinion not the best. Actually probly one of the worst on the album once you hear them all. BUT still a good one. 8/10

A Goodnights Sleep- OOOOOOOH I love it. Slow begening but just rad song all around. Some of the best lyrics and some one of the best chorus's. Youll sing this one for a while. 10/10

Almost There, Going Nowhere- Egh Good song, but not great at all. I usually skip it just cause the first riff is annoying. But still nothing sucks about this album. 7/10

Cheeck To Cheek- I like the E.P. begening more but deffintly still a awesome song! Once it gets into it, its one of the hardest songs on the album. Also features a scream from the singer from finch. Awesome car song i might add too! 9/10

Hello Houston- Good song. Not much to say its sort of a filler track but better then Almost There, Going Nowhere. 8/10

Decisions, Decisions- YEAH BABY. This is one of the best songs no doubt about it. It starts of slow but the two-part chorus just rocks. Wish they would of made a video. 10/10

Saddest Girl Story- Takes a while to get ready but deffintly a awesome track. 9/10

Left Coast Envy- Yes Yes. About not wanting to leave from beeing in california. I wouldnt blame em. 10/10

The Drama Summer- EGH. Yes i think they sound have an acoustic but I just dont like this one. Idk my friends like it but I dont. 7/10

This Ride- You thought all the good song were done? nope. This song is my favirate BY FAR. Once again features the singer from finch. This song is fast paced and AWESOME for driving. Hardest song on the cd by far. 10/10

BUY THIS CD. But if your iffy, download This Ride, and Decisions, Decisions. Youll get the picture.

The Starting Line is the best Pop/Punk band out there today. This is saying a lot but it is the truth. In "Say It Like You Mean It," Kenny once again belts out heartfelt lyrics that reflect his and everyone that's ever been in a relationships emotions. My favorite line comes from "Hello Houston": Speak to me. What can I say? We just live to far away. Thats a shame that love can't make you stay. I suggest listening to "Leaving" or "The Best of Me" if you've never heard The Starting Line. For something a little more emo, try "The Drama Summer," Kenny's ballad to the worst summer of his life. For those who want something a little harder, "Cheek to Cheek" and "This Ride" should suffice as Nate Barclow from Finch adds his screaming/singing abilities to those tracks. By the way, anyone who is a fan of rock music at all should buy "What It Is To Burn." The Starting Line is the best Pop/Punk band but "What It Is To Burn" has to be the best album of 2002 and one of the best of all time. Their music is the most original and most amazing that I have ever heard. Finch is simply amazing and has to be heard. Finch and The Starting Line are both and Drive-Thru Records and both of their albums were produced by Mark Trombino of Jimmy Eat World. The man has produced some great albums including Finch, The Starting Line, Midtown, and Blink 182 to name a few. He is definitely the best producer out there for punk/emo bands and if his name is on a cd, be sure to buy it. So anyway, pick up "Say It Like You Mean It," "What It Is To Burn," and anything else produced by Mark Trombino and you will be a happy little emo kid.

...its so f**king good that it ruined all other music for me. Three months and searching, and I've yet to find an album that can meet and exceed TSL's say it like you mean it. I hate you kenny...

I. Up and Go...Opener track, very catchy very good 5/5

II. Given the chance...Another amazing track, about life on the road 5/5

III. Leaving...Insanely good, second single 10/5

IV. The Best Of Me...First single, very catchy...5/5

V. A goodnights sleep...Emo-ish, and awesome...5/5

VI. Almost There, Going Nowhere...good 4/5

VII. Cheek to Cheek...A bit different from the rest, but still amazing 4/5

VIII. Hello Houston...I'm not even gunna go there 1,000,000/5

IV. Decisions, Decisions...Amazing 5/5

V. Saddest Girl Story...Awesome, and really catchy 5/5

VI. Left Coast Envy...Song about life in cali, can't beat that 5/5

VII. The Drama Summer...An acoustic track, which any modern pop-punk album needs 4/5

VIII. This ride...Closer, good song 5/5

Pop is when some fat, ugly dude writes your songs and tells you what to say. Pop is when you concentrating more on dancing then singing when on stage. Pop is when it's important what you wear and who you're dating. I am so sick and tired of the expression "Pop-Punk". Yes, the music may be upbeat and catchy, but do not refer to it as Pop. Why do people call it that, because we can understand what they're saying, because they sing about real life situations, using meaningful lyrics, riveting guitar and bass riffs, and excellent drum beats. Because at different times and in different songs, they convey both positive messages, and an angry F**K You attitude, which we cannot lie, we all feel at times.I believe that Pop-Punk is the best form of music, because they sing from the heart, sing the truth, and represent a lifestyle many kids take on today. Punk is the soundtrack to a generation, and the "Pop-Punk" form of the genre represents a mostly positive look on life, on love, on growing up, etc. The Punk community is pretty much the only music community that gets along. Just look at the Warped Tour, all the bands on that tour get along. So if Rancid and NOFX can like The Starting Line and Simple Plan, can't those who don't like "Pop-Punk", if it truly even exists, give them a chance.Punk like New Found Glory, The Starting Line, Finch, Midtown, Goldfinger, is not Pop. It may not be screaming at the top of my lungs hardcore, but it is not Pop. Call it what you like:Light-Punk, Emo, but do not call it Pop. In the world we live in today, we need music like Emo, Ska and Light-Punk, cause the last thing we need is more anger and violence.

First things first, this is an amazing cd. The best I can compare it to is a very much more mature Blink 182. But they even have their differences from Blink, so the starting line is in my opinion a fairly original sounding band. Here I'll break down every song on the cd.

1. Up & Go 10/10 My second favorite song on the cd. The song is great all around with excelent energy that all first tracks on cd's should have. It's a perfect opening song to a near perfect cd.

2. Given the Chance 9/10 Good song. I would originaly give this song an 8.5 but since they give props to the fans and don't put it at the end of the cd, well that alone deserves an extra .5. As for the song, good to listen to all the way through everytime you listen to the cd.

3. Leaving 8/10 An above average song on any other cd but on this particular cd its one of the worst. Not a bad chorus, I just really exceptionally hate how it starts out. My third least favorite song on the album.

4. Best of Me 9/10 Ahhh, the first single(of many, I believe). Not overrated,played,or reviewed. This really is a good song. It's awesome when they rock out. Only reason I give it a 9 is because they are like 3 or 4 songs better on the cd in my opinion.

5. A goodnights sleep 8/10 My least fav track on the cd. Just doesn't bring what the other songs bring. Still good, just not up to potential. Starts out awesome, but the chorus is iffy. Still, an above average song anywhere else.

6. Almost there, Going Nowhere 9/10 Excellent song with a really catchy chorus. Even with a 9, there are still quite a lot of other songs better. By no means though is this a skippable track.

7. Cheek to Cheek 9/10 This song is awesome!!! Starts out way different then every other song and steadily grows into a near perfect tune. It's kind of a love song, but they still rock out and have an amazing chorus. You can tell if your dealing with a good cd if there is atleast 1 or 2 songs that start out completely extremely different than the other songs.

8. Hello Houston 8/10 A good song with kind of a simple chorus. Pretty catchy but every once in awhile I skip this song just cuz I'm anxious to get to Descions, Descions.

9. Descions, Descions 10/10 MY FAVORITE SONG ON THE CD!!!!! Boy, can it get any better than this?!! It's just awesome i can't even begin to tell you how good it is. Some people may disagree with me, but I think its definetly the best song put together or just overall the best song on the cd. The entire song is amazing.

10. Saddest Girl Song 10/10 I love this song. My third fav on the cd. Starts out a little weird, but gets awesome in both the verses and chorus. What the Starting Line is all about.

11. Left Coast Envy 8/10 For some reason this song didn't click to me like basically all the other ones. The verses are good I just don't really like the chorus. My second least favorite song.

12. The Drama Summer 9/10 I like this song even though its all aquistic. I'm glad they didnt end with this song but they still pushed it to second to last. Its somewhat short, and it goes by fast.

13. This Ride 9/10 A perfect song to close with. It will steadily grow on you and the instrumental part in the middle is a good part to rock out on. It gets better every time I hear it.

This cd is amazing. Its in my top three all-time. You should definetly pick it up. I got it for [money amount]and I would have easily paid [money amount] for it. Its about 50 minutes of excellent tunes. Even the worst songs on the cd are easily worth listening to. They are all good. Pick it up, you won't be dissapointed!!

...

The guys of The Starting Line took the blueprint for pop-punk, put their own spin on it, and came out with a full length album that should be considered a pop-punk/punk rock classic. Kenny Vasoli's lyrics come straight from the heart and reach into your head. He doesn't use fancy analogies or create such intricate, complex imagery that you have to listen to the songs multiple times before you understand what he's saying. You listen to the songs and you get it. "Cheek to Cheek" is one of my favorite songs of all time because you can feel the emotion not only through the words, but also through the music. TSL is very good at creating music that fits the mood of the lyrics. If you listen to these songs you can feel your own mood shifting toward the mood of the song. Say It Like You Mean It is good old infectious pop-punk with The Starting Line's personal brand. So maybe it sounds like things you've heard before. The point is you'll want to hear it again. And again. And again...

Punk/Emo at it's finest. I have a feeling that The Starting Line is gonna be huge! They are not NFG ..., they are their own, different band. Anyway, here's a run down of the tracks off TSL's first full-length album, but definetly not their last.

UP AND GO
A awesome beginning to the album. Powerful guitar, bass and drum, and Kenny shows off his vocal range with prefection 8/10

GIVEN A CHANCE
Though a song about feeling good about playing music and touring and such, seems a little premature in their career, it's still a great song with a really catchy chorus. 7/10

LEAVING
Has an insanely catchy chorus,and the intro from what I think is like a demo version of the song into awesome instrumentals is really cool. The verses and the chorus don't really flow together, but it's alright, still one of the best songs. 9/10

THE BEST OF ME
An awesome song, absolutely great, and my favorite song on the album. It's awesome when the pause right before going into the chorus. If you wanna hear this song without downloading it or anything, go to drivethrurecords.com. 10/10

A GOODNIGHT'S SLEEP
A decent song, not one of the better songs, but still good. 6/10

ALMOST THERE,GOING NOWHERE
Probably my least favorite song on the album. 5/10

CHEEK TO CHEEK
Now, I had heard the original versions of this song and Saddest Girl Story before getting the album, and when first listening to this version, was a little dissapointed, but it grows on ya. The sound effects at the beginning are kinda funky and out of place, but are still cool. I think I like the original version a little better, but either way, it's a kick-... song. 8/10

HELLO HOUSTON
The verses are really catchy, but the chorus isn't as much. Good song, not great. 6/10

DESICIONS,DESICIONS
Another song with a insanely catchy chorus. Really good song. 9/10

SADDEST GIRL STORY
I think I like the original version, found of TSL's EP,better, cause there's much more depth in Kenny's voice. This version is sped up a little bit, which I don't really like. Still a great song, though. 7/10

LEFT COAST ENVY
Maybe I can't appreciate this song, about being at home after being on tour and such, cause I don't live in a warm climate and can't wait to move somewhere else. An alright song. 6/10

THE DRAMA SUMMER
An acoustic song that takes a couple listens to enjoy. 6/10

THIS RIDE
Does take a few listens to realize that it is a really cool, catchy song, very diffrent from all the other songs. 7/10

An great album, with different styles and topics. Like the title, they worked very hard to make a worthwhile album and put alot of hard work and heart into it, both vocally and instrumentally.Definetly get it.

This is an awesome band and awesome cd! You will love it! I can't wait till their next full cd comes out! Here's a song by song review...

1. Up & Go- This is a great song. An excellent way to start off the cd. It's a nice song to tap your foot to. (9/10)

2. Given the Chance- Another good song. The lyrics and vocals are very good. (8/10)

3. Leaving- This song grew on me. I like it a lot now. Very good drumming and vocals in this song. (9/10)

4. The Best of Me- You have probably heard this song. This is definitely the best song on the cd, and I can't get tired of it. Great instruments and vocals. An all around great song! (10/10)

5. A Goodnight's sleep- Personally not one of my favorites. This song depends on what mood you are in. But still not a bad song.(7/10)

6. Almost there, Going Nowhere- Wow. Another great song! This was the first song I heard by TSL. Great instruments, great vocals, great everything. (10/10)

7. Cheek to Cheek- Not a horrible song. The middle part is good to rock out to. But personally not one of my favorites. (7/10)

8. Hello Houston- Wow. I love this song! Great guitaring and drumming! If you like #4, and #6, you'll love this one. (10/10)

9. Decisions, Decisions- This one grew on me. I like it a lot now. Very good drumming, lyrics, and vocals. But not one of my favorites. (9/10)

10. Saddest Girl Story- This one also grew on me. It's one of my favorites now. Very good vocals and lyrics. (10/10)

11. Left Coast Envy- Once again, this one grew on me. This song tells a story in a sense. Very thought out lyrics, and good drumming and guitaring. Great song. (9/10)

12. The Drama Summer- I don't like acoustic songs very much. So I didn't like this one. But this is the song for you if you like acoustic songs. (7/10

13. This Ride- A great way to finish the cd! I like this song a lot. Good drumming and guitaring, and also good lyrics. Not one of my favorites, but still very good. (8.5/10)

All in all, an excellent cd that you should buy! If you don't like some of the songs at first, listen to them over and over and you should start to like them.

Just bought "Say It Like You Mean It" and let me tell you through the numerous pop punk cds I have purchased this one is up in the top 5. They have a similar sound as New Found Glory or a little Blink 182. Don't be mistaken these kids are young but have been selling out shows before their debut album. With kids rushing to the Drive Thru Stage at the San Francisco Warped Tour to see this prodigy band you should expect good things from this cd! It's a MUST BUY!