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Track Listings
| 1. World Wide Open |
| 2. Runaway |
| 3. Dancing In Circles |
| 4. It's Up To You |
| 5. You To Miss |
| 6. Can't Go Back |
| 7. Don't Wake Me |
| 8. Freedom |
| 9. Slow Down |
| 10. Me Without You |
| 11. Drowning |
Editorial Reviews
2009 release from the Country trio. Love & Theft features Brian Bandas, Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker Liles. All three members of Love And Theft trade lead and background vocals. Brian, Eric and Stephen co-wrote all the songs on this debut album. The album's first single, 'Runaway', was written by Stephen with Canaan Smith and Rob Blackledge. The band opened shows for Taylor Swift throughout 2008 and made their Grand Ole Opry debut in March of 2009.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Joey Sciarra
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Each track on 'World Wide Open' features brilliant harmony, and every song was co-written by a member of the band. Their debut single, "Runaway", is an excellent upbeat song, which is turning out to be a huge summer hit. It has easily cruised into the Top 20 -- and is now closing in on possibly becoming their first top 10 hit!
Glorious harmony is what makes the band special, and they showcase this perfectly in songs like "Dancing In Circles" -- an amazing tune which should be a huge hit for them. The title track, "World Wide Open", is another beautiful song -- with soft and soothing harmony. "Me Without You" and "Slow Down" are very nice acoustic type ballads, and both have great messages in the lyrics.
Overall, this is a very strong debut album. The first 3 songs are definitely the stand out tracks -- but it's the simple and acoustic songs which really make this a solid album from top to bottom. They are definitely a very talented group, with outstanding pop-country harmony. 'World Wide Open' is filled with unique and catchy songs that really grow on you with each listen! ~9/10~
Glorious harmony is what makes the band special, and they showcase this perfectly in songs like "Dancing In Circles" -- an amazing tune which should be a huge hit for them. The title track, "World Wide Open", is another beautiful song -- with soft and soothing harmony. "Me Without You" and "Slow Down" are very nice acoustic type ballads, and both have great messages in the lyrics.
Overall, this is a very strong debut album. The first 3 songs are definitely the stand out tracks -- but it's the simple and acoustic songs which really make this a solid album from top to bottom. They are definitely a very talented group, with outstanding pop-country harmony. 'World Wide Open' is filled with unique and catchy songs that really grow on you with each listen! ~9/10~
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Nom De Plum
Format:MP3 Music
I bought the album with Amazon's special of the day. After listening to a couple of the sample tracks, I thought they were worth a shot.
Love and Theft is labeled as a country rock group. I would place them somewhere between The Eagles with soaring rhythms and pleasant anthems, and the Backstreet Boys with cheeky harmonies and hackneyed lyrics.
If you are looking for a pleasant listen, no thought required, perfect for driving in traffic to fall into their uplifting harmonies - then this album is for you. If you are looking for thought-provoking, technical rock, or classic country, look elsewhere.
Love and Theft is labeled as a country rock group. I would place them somewhere between The Eagles with soaring rhythms and pleasant anthems, and the Backstreet Boys with cheeky harmonies and hackneyed lyrics.
If you are looking for a pleasant listen, no thought required, perfect for driving in traffic to fall into their uplifting harmonies - then this album is for you. If you are looking for thought-provoking, technical rock, or classic country, look elsewhere.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Angie Jones
Format:Audio CD
I love my new Love and Theft CD so much that the only way I could convey adequately the joy it brings me would be through song. Since I don't sing half as well as these three wonders, though, I suggest you buy a copy for yourself. It's been a while since I've been this happy with every tune on a disc. Not a clinker in the bunch. The harmonies are magical, but the lyrics pull their share of linguistically soulful tricks too. And then there are those driving instrumentals that make me want to move. This is music with a message, and the after effect is a riveted smile. Open up your own world and give a listen. (more, please, guys ...)
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Let me begin by saying that Love and Theft is very good at what they do. The harmonies are very well done, and they write some very catchy songs.
But...
First and foremost, they are NOT country. Now, i certainly didn't expect to pop this CD in and hear a newer version of George Jones or Hank Williams coming out of my speakers, but this...this should not even be on the same shelves as a country music CD.
There seems to be a trend in "new" country music these days, where anybody that includes a fiddle or a steel guitar in their music is packaged and sold as "country". It is a huge disservice to real country fans when music like this gets classified as country music.
That is not to say that it isn't good...as I already stated, the songs are catchy, the harmonies very nicely done, and I would probably pop this CD in every once in a while just to cruise down the road to.But let's call Love and Theft what they really are...a pop group forced into country packaging.
But...
First and foremost, they are NOT country. Now, i certainly didn't expect to pop this CD in and hear a newer version of George Jones or Hank Williams coming out of my speakers, but this...this should not even be on the same shelves as a country music CD.
There seems to be a trend in "new" country music these days, where anybody that includes a fiddle or a steel guitar in their music is packaged and sold as "country". It is a huge disservice to real country fans when music like this gets classified as country music.
That is not to say that it isn't good...as I already stated, the songs are catchy, the harmonies very nicely done, and I would probably pop this CD in every once in a while just to cruise down the road to.But let's call Love and Theft what they really are...a pop group forced into country packaging.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase
Local (FM) Country Radio stations have been playing the heck out of the first single from this new album and I must admit that I really have enjoyed that tune. Why have they been playing that particular tune so much? I suspect a couple of reasons. First, the band is slated to play at a local concert as the opening act for the end of summer 'Sunday in the Country' event, and secondly, because the band has also gotten a fair amount of notice and air play throughout the country (witness their appearance in the various new country countdowns).
Regardless of the reason for the exposure, I'm glad it's there as these guys deserve every bit of that and then some. This is an excellent album. Heck, excellent is a totally awesome understatement. It is really that good.
Even without hearing anything but the first single I was interested in finding more of Love and Theft's music (which, thus far, would only include this album and a few live tracks in an EP: Live In Savannah). As it turned out, one of those local FM Country Radio stations previewed the newest album (World Wide Open) the evening before it was officially released and that sealed the purchase for me (as soon as I woke up the next day). Every track is smooth and satisfying, and easy to listen to. Listen just a few times and you'll find yourself singing along with the lyrics.
Please, don't waste your time reading the reviews here. Not that they aren't worth reading, but seriously, preview the tracks and hit the purchase button. It's worth every penny.
Regardless of the reason for the exposure, I'm glad it's there as these guys deserve every bit of that and then some. This is an excellent album. Heck, excellent is a totally awesome understatement. It is really that good.
Even without hearing anything but the first single I was interested in finding more of Love and Theft's music (which, thus far, would only include this album and a few live tracks in an EP: Live In Savannah). As it turned out, one of those local FM Country Radio stations previewed the newest album (World Wide Open) the evening before it was officially released and that sealed the purchase for me (as soon as I woke up the next day). Every track is smooth and satisfying, and easy to listen to. Listen just a few times and you'll find yourself singing along with the lyrics.
Please, don't waste your time reading the reviews here. Not that they aren't worth reading, but seriously, preview the tracks and hit the purchase button. It's worth every penny.
By Daddio
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
we love all types of Christmas original and funny we always look for new cds to add to our collection of music
By B. Olson
Format:Audio CD
This is a good album all together. I listened to it on repeat for days and days. This album was when the band had 3 members.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
I don't get it...
I've listened to this CD multiple times and I just don't get it. The songs pretty much sound the same and are very generic. Read more
Published on December 9, 2010 by Pulchrakia
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic harmonies
Love these guys! Their lyrics hit home, and are artfully blended with beautiful harmonies. Every song on this CD is worth listening to!
Published on November 4, 2010 by lovetoshopanytime
5.0 out of 5 stars
Their World is Wide Open !
Discovering new talent is a great thing. Someone told me about this band.. and quite frankly they are great or even "awesome" as our american friends would say.
Country .. Read more
Country .. Read more
Published on May 3, 2010 by Bruno Leunen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delivered as promised.
Amazing CD. Every song is just awesome! Autographed as promised.
I bought this for a gift after I had already bought my own. My niece loved it! Read more
I bought this for a gift after I had already bought my own. My niece loved it! Read more
Published on April 26, 2010 by SMach
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mellow yet current!
First try at this group and I keep hitting "rewind" on my CD player to try to memorize the lyrics! Love it!
Published on February 3, 2010 by M. Duffield
4.0 out of 5 stars
Compression is a problem with this CD but good music.
It is too bad that compression is used so heavily on this CD. Here is a band with exceptional musical talent on a recorded media that can reproduce sound with exceptional... Read more
Published on December 5, 2009 by Flashjet
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great album!
I really liked the one song I had heard, but was very happy with the whole thing!! This trio is talented, and they have a good sound!
Published on November 4, 2009 by Lori E. Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved Love and Theft
Love and Theft has good mellow country songs...the kind that can be background music to any task.
Published on October 25, 2009 by K. Wells
5.0 out of 5 stars
ME
This group will blow u away. I have not heard them prior and has now become my favorite CD. Defenitely something worth owning and looking forward 2 a concert.
Published on October 14, 2009 by Connie L. Rucinski
1.0 out of 5 stars
Same old junk
This is the same assembly line crap that always crowds the top 20. It's junk. There's nothing new here. Read more
Published on October 14, 2009 by M. S. McClintock
