Customer Reviews

Straylight Run

5 star:		(43)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Even when constantly being recommended this album by a few friends and reading its great reviews, I still couldn't bring myself to buy it without hearing any songs. Then one day I found it on sale at a local music store and finally broke down and bought it. I will be forever thankful for my "splurge", and will now trust whatever is recommended to me from those certain music buffs who raved over Straylight Run's self titled debut. This is definitely one of the best albums I have heard in a long time, and has quickly grown to become one of my favourite CDs of all time. I generally buy a new CD, listen to it straight for a couple of days, then take it out of my CD player and barely touch it at all. I find it hard to stop playing this album, though. If I don't listen to it for a couple of days, I find myself humming certain songs and I'll feel the need to pop the CD in and listen to it the entire way through.

The album begins with a slight touch of irony with the track 'The Perfect Ending'. The song is extremely slow and mellow, though dramatic. The piano carries the song and allows the soft vocals shine through. Though this is a beautiful track, the lyrics and music just don't grab my attention. It's my least favourite song on the album, and I often find myself skipping it to hear 'The Tension and the Terror', which is among my favourite tracks. The song begins with drums before the guitar breaks in and then the vocals. The lyrics here are simple and perfect. From my understanding, the song speaks about a relationship that, for whatever reason, can't continue any further than friendship. The song is made believable because it's sung with such strong emotion, which builds in time with the music to reach a perfect climax.

'Existentialism on Prom Night' has quickly grown to become a cult classic. It was the song that I first heard off of the album because so many people had raved about it that I skipped straight to it after opening the CD. It's an amazing track, but I felt slightly let down upon hearing it for the first time. It's lyrically perfect and stunning, but not one of the best songs overall on the album. I find that the music doesn't meld with the vocals as well as it does on other tracks, though it is a fabulous track, don't get me wrong. It's most definitely lyrically among my favourites. 'Another Word For Desperate' begins on an extremely dramatic note with pounding drums and a hard guitar. It softens when the vocals begin, but the same beat remains. When the chorus kicks in, the music gets louder again, and the vocals do the same. This track is stunning because you can actually hear desperation and pleading throughout every aspect of it, and the result is beautiful.

The fifth track, 'Mistakes We Knew We Were Making', is another brilliant track. It relaxes the album again after its predecessor. It's stunning lyrically, vocally, and musically, but very easily one of the most forgettable tracks off of the record. Simply speaking, the song refers to past mistakes, regrets, and the refusal to quit. Nearing the end of the song, the vocals become more drawn out before speeding up and then hitting the final chorus. It all comes together perfectly before ending and 'Dignity and Money' opens perfectly. It's another "forgettable" track, though the chorus and bridge are both fabulous and catchy. It slows down quite a bit near the end and features a female vocal before speeding up for the end. I really like the scattered drums on this track, courtesy of Will Noon.

One of my favourite tracks off of this debut is 'Your Name Here (Sunrise Highway)'. The vocals are sweet and sincere, which I find pulling on my own emotions. The music and lyrics are exceedingly simple, and it makes for a brilliant and memorable track. Though sung by lead vocalist John Nolan, you can slightly hear Michelle Nolan's voice in the background throughout the chorus, it's even barely noticeable, but it sounds perfect. 'Tool Sheds and Hot Tubs' is the most up-tempo track on the album, and features a change of pace with Michelle Nolan singing lead vocals. I absolutely love this song, possibly only because I can relate it to personal experience, so perhaps I'm slightly biased. The music seems to be very techno-influenced and is something you can clap along to extremely easily. The chorus is very easy to get stuck in your head, so beware. Shawn Cooper shows off his bass skills on this track, it sounds great.

'It's For The Best' is carried well with a strong piano and beautiful lyrics and vocals. It begins slowly before the drums and bass really speed it up. This song contains, quite possibly, my favourite lyrics from the entire album; "I've become content with this life that I lead/Where I drink too much and don't believe in much of anything". It's emotionally driven and sounds amazing. Nearing the end of the album, 'Now It's Done' begins on a dark note before Michelle begins singing her second and final lead vocal. The song deals with reminiscing and finally letting go. It has a frail, delicate sound to it, due in part to Michelle's soft vocals, and in part to the tranquil music featured until the climax. The album closes with the serene 'Sympathy For The Martyr'. The lyrics are absolutely brilliant and brimming with emotion, but at the same time, sadly forgettable. The best part of the song comes when John begins yelling out the lyrics in a passionate rage. All in all, this was a good track to end the album with.

Straylight Run's debut is undoubtedly a must-have for any music fan. I firmly believe that there are certain albums everyone just has to own, and this is one of them. If you haven't already heard any of the tracks, go out and borrow a friend's copy of the album or pick up your own. I'm sure most readers will love 'Existentialism on Prom Night', as that seems to be a listener favourite largely due to the beautiful lyrics.

THE FINAL VERDICT: 100%

As a 22-year-old, I've been through the grunge era (Pearl Jam, Nirvana, etc.), the post-grunge era (Collective Soul, Live, Bush, etc.), and now the emo era, which started to get big with bands like At The Drive-In. I was skeptical of how emo would do until I heard Taking Back Sunday's 'Tell All Your Friends.' That is still the best emo album I've heard. So it is not surprising that I likewise greatly enjoy this offering from a couple former band members of TBS. While Straylight Run is, of course, more mellow and piano-based, I think TBS fans will like it. Lord knows we don't need another band with the traditional emo sound.

Those who give this album (and other emo albums) one star reviews do so because they dislike the sappy romanticism of emo, or at least, much of emo. Those who feel that way should stop posting negative reviews. Leave the reviews for those of us who see emo as a worthy art form.

First of all, despite some of Straylight Run's members are "ex-members" of Taking Back Sunday, their sound and listen are 100% different. How can anyone compare the two except the fact that they shared John Nolan and Shaun Cooper? There is a female pianist and backup singer (John Nolan's sister), who is by the way, hot as hell :). They are somewhat in the emo genre because it is very "emo"tional in a sense that they write about their own experiences and have a new melodic rock that you can find in a lot of our recent emo bands. Not recent as in two months ago, but you know what I'm talking about.

Their CD:


The Perfect Ending: 9/10

The Tension And The Terror: 10/10 beautiful, listen to the lyrics, it's very catchy and real.

Existentialism On Prom Night: 13/10 Hm... this song is an extremely good pick as their single. I saw their video on Fuse and was blown away...
"Sing me something soft,
Sad and delicate,
Or loud and out of key,
Sing me anything,
we're glad for what we've got,
Done with what we've lost
Our whole lives laid out right in front of us.."

Another Word for Desperate: 9/10 Great chorus with his sister.

Mistakes We Knew We Were Making: 11/10 I love this song. Damn great chorus and choice of piano fills.

Dignity And Money: 8/10 This song can grow on you if you listen close... Tell me half you people out there can't relate to this line:
"But either way the truth is bound to get twisted,
You can't take a break when the pain of the world is weighing on your next decision..."

Your Name Here (Sunrise Highway): 10/10 This song gets you sad as f*ck... It seems like he's talking to only one person...idk who she is tho haha...
"Go east on Sunrise Highway,
Turn left at Carmen's Avenue,
Go right at the first stoplight,
And I'll be outside waiting for you,
Oh, I'll be waiting for you..."

Tool Sheds And Hot Tubs: 8/10 This is the female singer singing in this song... I think it's OK.. but they could've did a better acoustic song. I absoulutely don't hate this song but it's not my favorite.

It's For The Best: 11/10 Damn great song.

Now It's Done: 11/10 For some reason, I can't get enough of this damn song. John Nolan sister is singing solo-ly and if you want to hear a sad song.. listen to this one... Her voice is great and she shows it in this song...

Sympathy For The Martyr: 10/10 Great ending to a CD. Another great song. :)

My first review so hopefully people arent too hard on it :).
GET THE STRAYLIGHT RUN CD AND PUT IT IN YOUR CAR AND LISTEN TO IT ON A NICE SUNDAY DRIVE.

It is interesting how people insist on making comparisons rather than letting a band stand on it's own merits. If you are expecting a new Taking Back Sunday release, you may be very disappointed. This cd is much more on the mellow side, although there are some songs that rock out. As far as those listeners that consider this to be a cure for insomnia, they are likely buying the wrong cds. While I did not give it 5 stars, because it is not perfect, it is a very good cd. In my opinion, I would consider it a step up from Taking Back Sunday, which tend to have too many similarities between each track. I agree with the reviewer who commented on the tracks featuring a female on lead vocals don't completely work here, but she does bring harmony to the backing vocals. I am not going to review each track, because that will be better for you to do on your own (when you buy the cd). The lyrics are stronger than those of Taking Back Sunday and the cd has much more variety. If you are looking for something in the "emo" category, but without as much screaming, this is definitely worth a listen.

You wouldnt really think a cd could do it, but it really makes you want to jump with joy. If youre not that kind of person, it will surely send shivers down your back. The beautiful melodies really blow you away. When i first heard it, it really turned my head. Id just gone thru a few crappy cds, and didnt expect much from this band that i heard from a demo off of the Victory Records 04 demo (Your Name Here). That song really drew me in though. It really caught my attention. And this was before i knew about the whole TBS/Straylight Run controversy, and i didnt yet know that this was John Nolan and Shaun Cooper's new project. So when it finally came time to listen to the full-length, boy was i shocked. It starts out with a calming opener...

The Perfect Ending (10/10) - This song really makes you pay attention. The piano and soft vocals hint at something more, so as you listen on, the lyrics flow and then the chorus just wows you. Hints at the power and emotion that they are ready to put out. An awesome opener.

Tension and the Terror (11/10) - What an awesome track! Gets you moving, and this is the point where you realize that these guys (and girl) arent playing around. This really sets the stage for the high caliber music throughout the record. chorus will make you JUMP up and down (or at least it did to me)

Existentialism on Prom Night (16/10) - ...OH MY can this be real? IMHO one of the top 5 emo songs ever written. I has been interpreted to be a poetic ballad to the breakup of Taking Back Sunday. It is just a flawless song. The piano chords are beautiful, and the lyrics of this song just make it. If the verses dont do it, the chorus will make your jaw drop. Give it a listen, im sure you will think the same.

Another Word For Desperate (8/10) - One of the sadder songs on the album, this song kinda hits you hard, and hits where it hurts. Not one of my favorite songs, but the time signature change and strings at the end made the song excellent. I wont be around here for... too very long!

Mistakes We Knew We Were Making (8/10) - a great quiet song. this one kinda sneaks up on you. A good song with great verses. Best lyric ever: A Failed Attempt To Capsulize A Feeling.

Dignity and Money (9/10) - An awesome feel-good track. The chorus really makes you go for another listen. The prechorus where Michelle sings over john really makes the song. The bridge kinda reminds you of old TBS (hmmm...) but overall is a great track.

Your Name Here (Sunrise Highway) (11/10) - A more than flawless song that really pulls at you. It really puts beautiful imagery into your head about going back down Sunrise Highway...

Tool Sheds And Hot Tubs (9/10) - hmmm.. interesting track... hey, michelle has to show off sooner or later, so i guess they decided to do it in a drug-induced techno anthem. Oh well, regardless, the song itself is awesome. Her voice is great and really delivers. I especially like that bass lick (Thanks Shaun...)

For The Best (14/10) - Ahh!! I LOVE THIS song! A great track to put on repeat. Nate from the Format is a great feature singer and the lyrics really rock in this song. The 2nd best song next to extentialism... jeez i love this song. Just listen to it.

Now Its Done (9/10) - Another sad song to reflect upon, this one again features the darker side of SR. Starts with smooth strings, then michelle comes in with a haunting melody to chill you. Its a catchy one, and despite its strange lyrics and mood it really delivers well.

Sympathy For The Martyr (11/10) - And at this point I assummed that straylight run had a strong faith backround and i listened onward. The lyrics are really poetic, and then the chorus comes, and all you can say is "whoa". Their strength in God shines in this track, and if youre christian or even if youre not, its very overwhelming. It slowly fades out at the end and lets you dwell on it. A great ender: "You want it all..."

Overall, an awesome cd (116/100) that i would reccommend to any emo fan, especially fans of soft indie and Something corporate, stuff like that. This one is definitely one to be remembered.
rk

As stated before, I can't help but agree that there is something missing in the music, even though, this album isn't lacking much at ALL.

Extremely well written, and the addition of a female vocalist is awesome!

Taking Back Sunday, I like, and I love their music, though at times, I find myself not really paying attention to the music, this grabs my attention, and keeps it. Wanting to hear the rest of the song.

Existentialism on Prom Night is an awesome track. And I like Another Word for Desperate...and I like the next track and the next track.

This album is amazing. An awesome debut, and I can only expect them to grow into a better band and if they release another album, it will be amazing.....I'm sure of that.

If you like Taking Back Sunday and Thursday....and are a bit lost in their music, pick this up. It's not as hard....but at least the music has some structure, and you can actually sing to the music too! A great addition to any collection, original....and I like it. A LOT!

You can listen to the entire album straight, not just a couple of good songs, but an entire album of great songs!

The brain-child of former Taking Back Sunday guitarist/vocalist John Nolan, Straylight Run is a piano driven pop-punk band whose expectations end up being higher than the actual results.

While I'm not entirely versed in all of John's motivations to start Straylight run, I do applaud the effort that he gives here. The album is not a complete departure of style for him, as he manages to hold onto some of pop-punk influence that he was part of in his Taking Back Sunday day's (The Tension and the Terror) while bringing a more mature sound to the forefront that likens itself to Brand News Deja Entendu and even The Counting Crows August and Everything After. The added female influence of John's sister, Michelle helps give the group a less chauvinistic view point of the emo/indie scene, which is a nice change of pace. She has a very Indie sounding voice that doesn't sound out of place but also doesn't draw me in at all. John is doing his best Brand New impression on this album by trying to bring his maturity to the forefront, but in his case, he may have moved to quickly for his fans and his own song writing skills

While the band has the ability to craft some monster songs (The poppy yet intelligent ""The Tension and the Terror"" and the beautiful/haunting ballad ""Existentialism on Prom Night"") they also manage to make a collection of songs that drag endlessly (""The Perfect Ending"", ""Now it's Done"") and while none of those songs are quite bad, they just bring the album down energy wise. It might be that ""The Perfect Ending"", a slow droning piano based song, as the opener kills a lot of the momentum the album could build with ""Existentialism on Prom Night"" as an CD opener. If you skip the opening track and go back later, it actually makes the album flow much better.

The album has moments in which they are unsure of their own identity (the Something Corporate sounding ""Mistakes We Knew We Were Making"") and moments that probably should have never happened (""Tool Sheds and Hot Tubs"" utilizing just enough cheesy 80's synth beat to turn me off) but all in all, it's a solid disc and even some of the song's that may not be them, end up being solid. Make sure you keep an eye on this band in the next few years as Indie rocks answer to Coldplay!

For Fans of: Something Corporate, Brand New, Counting Crows, Coldplay

Yea, they're soft. Really good and depressing. I like to listen to these guys and one girl when things in life seem messed up. They've got talent as in vocals, and drums are impressive. Guitars are scarce in this album, but keyboard too is relaxing. The best songs are #3 and #9. If You like softer emo, they're great. If you don't like 10 songs that are make-you-cry, then don't buy it. I like them. Pick them up.

This is one of my most favorite CD's. Honestly I bought this cd on a whim. It was one of the best chances I ever took! I've had this cd in my car stereo for like the past almost 2 months its awesome! I really seriously recommened this cd! I loved Existentialism On Prom Night, The Perfect Ending,Your name here (Sunrise Highway) and Now Its Done. I loved how they used the piano on the cd.

Seriously though, STOP READING AND BUY IT NOW!!!!!!!! ^_^