Customer Reviews

Your Favorite Weapon

5 star:		(99)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I'm struggling to find the words to adequately convey just how much everyone NEEDS to own this album. After seeing Brand New in concert twice within two weeks (my friends and I drove four hours and got slightly stalkerish - but it was worth it) the overwhelming feeling I walked away with was amazement. The fact that some people may go their entire lives without ever hearing this band is unfortunate, because "Your Perfect Weapon" is the best pop-punk album I have ever heard, period.

Brand New stands out from the explosion of other bands in their genre both musically and lyrically. The dynamic combination of catchy, infectious, upbeat tunes ("The Shower Scene," "Jude Law and a Semester Abroad"), and slower, more melodic songs ("Soco Amaretto Lime," "The No Seatbelt Song") is pulled off flawlessly. The entire album is a testimony to the bands' ability to be versatile - smooth transitions between true rock out tracks and softer acoustic numbers reveal confidence and undeniable talent.

Lyrically, "Your Perfect Weapon" is serious and smart. It's typical 'bad-breakup/teenage angst/growing up' subject matter, but the lyrics are original and poetic (at times dark) and told in an almost story-like fashion. Every song hints at personal experience, resulting in carefully-crafted, raw, and relatable anthems. Lead vocalist Jesse Lacey sings passionately and perfectly; the harmonies added by the other band members do much to intensify and enrich.

I would recommend this CD above any other in my collection, and also add that seeing Brand New live is an amazing experience. You will not be dissapointed with this band or their debut release. After just one listen, you'll wonder how you ever survived without 'your favorite weapon'!

and it took me awhile to like that album. but when i finally did, i loved it, so i decided to explore brand new's old album, "your favorite weapon".

the only song that was remotely close to their sophmore album was "soco amaretto lime". everything else sounds very immature compared to what i heard in deja. but that was what i LOVED about it! i'm a big fan of taking back sunday, matchbook romance (first album), green day, blink 182 and stuff like that. "your favorite weapon" basically combined the best stuff of all of them. it's upbeat, angry lyrics that sport a young attitude, yet are skillfully crafted so the angst and fun of it comes out. the hooks are totally catchy. but the best thing i liked about this album was the way it made me feel. i'm 22 and i'm listening to this the first time and it made me feel young and reckless again (in a good way !)

I've owned this CD for a couple of years now and I still enjoy it just now just as much as the first time I heard it. It is truly a well done album. It is much more raw than their latest "Deja Entendu", but for the most part, the lyrics are still there. Jesse Lacey being one of my favorite lyricists of all time. "Whatever poison's in this bottle will leave me broken sore and stiff, well it's the genie at the bottem who i'm sucking at, he owes me ONE LAST WISH!" -Jude Law and a Semester Abroad, track 2. One of my favorite lines right there.

If you've only heard Deja Entendu and are thinking about checking out this album, I will warn you, they are quite different musically. You might be surprised at the difference, with that in mind, this is still an amazin cd and one of my favorites, but for different reasons. Deja Entendu is quite a bit more mature than this one. You can tell they were still a young band when they recorded "Your Favorite Weapon", an amazing young band at that.

This cd is one of the classics in my cd case. I have few cds that I enjoy time after time of listening to it. Here is one of them. I highly recommend this cd. Lyrically, 80% of the songs are incredible, it's different musically then Deja Entendu, a lot more punk-core (if you catch my drift), I guess you could say it is less refined. Overall, this cd has a great sound, great music, great lyrics, if you look into, I would venture to say you would enjoy time and time again...just as I have.

This review is somewhat late, but I've been reading some of the reviews on here, and I feel that I need to give all you potential listeners the real deal. Now Brand New is classified as "emo", or "punk", or whatever, but what they really are is "Brand New". Their sound is their own. They are not Taking Back Sunday. They are not The Used. They are better, and they are better because they combine amusing lyrics with great riffs, and what you get is overall great musicianship. Some will argue that their lyrics are just pop-punk "I broke up with my girlfriend and I hate her". That's not the case. While they touch on the issues, they do it in a way that's never been done. They have catchy songs that you'll find yourself listening to over and over. Now for those of you who like to check out bands based on what you already listen to, I'll try to give you a few bands that might relate: Taking Back Sunday without a doubt, Yellowcard, Dashboard Confessional, Thrice, The Starting Line, Allister, the list goes on.

You're probably wondering, is it worth buying the CD? Are ALL the songs good? Well, a quick breakdown, without going into complete detail on all the songs (and since about 100 other people did this), based on what I think of the album:

The Shower Scene -- Good song, it's not one you'll find yourself listening to over and over, but it's good every now and then.

Jude Law & A Semester Abroad -- This is possibly one of the greatest songs I've ever heard. It has great lyrics, great riffs, and great overlapping melodies. It'll be on repeat for a while.

Sudden Death In Carolina -- Another good song, one of the best on the album. It took me a few listens for me to really get into it, but now I love it. Good lyrics, and a good riff.

Mix Tape -- A slower song, but still good. Again, good lyrics, and it's a solid song all the way through. The sh*t at the end is the only thing I don't like. Listen to the song, you'll see what I mean.

Failure By Design -- A fantastic song, with a great lead guitar piece. I'm feeling redundant, saying good lyrics over and over, but everyone song has them. This one is a creative stab at saying "I'm a f*ckup." Another song you'll keep coming back to.

Last Chance To Lose Your Keys -- "It's girls like you that make me think I'm better off home on a Saturday night." Pretty much sets the tone for the song, don't you think? This was one of the first songs I heard from Brand New, and I fell in love. Listen to the lyrics. Any guy who has ever been ditched on a date will feel this one.

Logan to Government Center -- I must admit, at first, I didn't like this song, but now...well...I do. Another "I hate my ex" song, but in more of a round-a-bout way.

The No Seatbelt Song -- This song threw me the first time I heard it. After listening to the first 7 songs, and then this, I was amazed. It's unbelievable how they can bang off songs like "Jude Law" and "The Shower Scene" and then do something like this. If you can settle yourself down for about four minutes or so, you'll understand what I mean.

Seventy Times Seven -- Ah, possilby the heaviest hitter on the album. A blistering punk ballad that more or less says "I hope you die a painful death." The lyrics are dark. We're not talking Slipknot or anything, rest assured. But when someone comes out and says "So have another drink and drive yourself home, I hope there's ice on all the roads, and you can think of me when you forget your seatbelt, and again when your head goes through the windsheild," they grab your attention. I'm sure this song will be on repeat...I know it is for me.

Secondary -- I cannot honestly say I have given this song it's deserved time. I listen to it every now and then, but I should probably listen to it more. It's a good song in all honesty, I would recommend it to anyone, and I can't really give a good reason for me skipping over it. Well, actually yes, I can. Three words: "Soco Amaretto Lime".

Magazines -- The last song you'll hear on this album that's "plugged in". A strong effort to begin wrapping up the album, and the lyrics are good as well. Now, onto the fun song :-)

Soco Amaretto Lime -- Well, I don't think they could've picked a more perfect song to finish this incredible album. And the best part is: It's ACOUSTIC! 1 guitar, four voices, perfectly meshed. This song will blow you away, and I am not exaggerating. If you liked the album, you will love this song. The lyrics seem suitable for all 17-18-year olds..."I'm gonna stay 18 forever...", a sort of last call to naive youth, if you will. If I could sum this song up in one word, I'd have to say "pure". That's what is. Guitar and vocals. No extras, just pure music.

In closing, I'd like to say this: Don't listen to people when they say how Brand New will never be as good as Taking Back Sunday. Don't listen to people when they say that all Brand New is pop-punk with childish lyrics. Take a walk on edge, and actually decide for yourself. If you don't like them, then at least you can give a GOOD reason. I don't want to promise that you will like this CD, because you might not. But I will say that it is something original, and it's good. So give it a shot, and then either burn it, keep it, and write a review either way.

I love Brand New, they rock live, and they are so great that it's hard to believe that they arn't bigger than they are. This cd continues to amaze me. Every time I listen to it I find something new that makes me sit up straight and say "holy cow." My absolute favorite song is "Seventy times 7", closely followed by "Soco Ameretto Lime". The only track that doesn't entire have me singing along is "The No Seatbelt Song", but no one can be perfect. But these guys have gotten about as close as humanly possible, so i say who cares and go out and buy this cd!

brand new is incredable with heartfelt lyrics and catchy harmonies. they are without a doubt... genius'. some call it "emo" music witch simply means emotional, and that it is. listen to seventy times 7 which is probably the best song (it is about a best friend found with the singers girlfirend) then browse over to "Taking Back Sunday" for the response to this song in "theres no i in team" featured on their self titled album. its a great story and its a sad event but still makes great song material. def check it out!

I got "Deja Entendu" before "Your Favorite Weapon". Now having heard both of the CD's, I can see that "Deja Entendu" is the CD that the band grew up and matured on. "Your Favorite Weapon" is the CD where the genius behind the band that is Brand New all started. Despite what others say, I'll never buy into the thought that this CD was just another name on a long list of mediocre CD's released by cookie cutter pop-punk/emo bands. Vin Accardi's guitar skills cannot be denied. I will agree that they were not showcased as much on this CD as much as they were on "Deja Entendu". Jesse Lacey's talent as a lyricist is clearly evident on both CD's. If he were to ever write a book, I would buy it without ever reading any reviews or previews. Some of Brand New's classic songs that the crowd demands to be played at every show come off of "Your Favorite Weapon". "Seventy Times 7" and "Soco Amaretto Lime" are songs that anyone who calls themselves a knowledgeable music fan should know. If you've got "Deja Entendu" and you like it, buy this CD to see where it all began. If you don't have anything by Brand New, this is a good place to start. This is the awesome appetizer that you just can't pass up before the unbelievably delicious entree.

This album is simply incredible. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about it.

1. The Shower Scene- Good, solid, opening track. Sets the mood for the rest of the album. 4.5/5
2. Jude Law and a Semester Abroad- One of my favorite songs of all time. Amazing lyrics. 6/5
3. Sudden Death in Carolina- Another one of my favorites. Amazing lyrics as well. Definately a standout on the the album. 6/5
4. Mixtape- Not one of my favorites at all. Not bad, there's just something about it that I don't like. 3/5
5. Failure by Design- I love this song. Very upbeat. Another standout. 5/5
6. Last Chance to Lose Your Keys- Eh..again, not one of my favorites. It's one of those songs where I have to be in the mood to listen to it. To me, it just doesn't seem to all flow together. 4/5
7. Logan to Government Center- Usually I end up skipping this one. Don't like it. 2/5
8. The No Seatbelt Song- The first song I heard from Brand New. Incredible song. Definately another standout. 6/5
9. Seventy Times 7- My favorite song on the album by far. Incredibly written. Just amazing. 10/5
10. Secondary- Good song. Nice beat. It's one of the songs I can't help singing along to. 5/5
11. Magazines- Good song, but I would place it somewhere else on the album. It doesn't come off that strong after Seventy Times 7 and Secondary. 4/5
12. Soco Amaretto Lime- Amazing ending. Wraps up the whole album into 3 minutes. Beautiful song with amazing lyrics. 6/5

All in all, I can say that I have no idea how I went so long without this album. If you don't have it, I HIGHLY suggest you go get it now.

My friend first introduced me to Brand New in early 2002, a few months after the CD came out. I only heard a couple of the songs, but I liked them, so I got the CD, and it may have been the smartest purchase I have ever made. Brand New is absolutely amazing with a wide range of musical talent. They can flawlessly go from a fast song to a slow one and execute them both perfectly. In fact, you should stop reading this review immediately and buy it.

the shower scene - 4/5 - Definitely the CD's weak point, even though it's still good. The pace is fast and the guitar is good, but the lyrics are a little weak.
jude law... - 5/5 - A good, darkly humorous song about a messy breakup.
sudden death in carolina - 4/5 - This one definitely stumbles on the chorus. It doesn't match the rest of the tune.
mix tape - 5/5 - slow, simplistic, a little drawn out at the end.
failure by design - 5/5 - I love the guitar intro!
last chance... - 4/5 - It's nice, but not one of my favorites.
logan to government center - 5/5 - Nice guitar, heartfelt lyrics.
no seatbelt song - 5/5 - There's not much to this song, which is why I like it, save for the drums at the end.
seventy times seven - 5/5 - AWESOME! From the guitar riffs to the dark lyrics, this song is one of the best on the CD.
secondary - 6/5 - my favorite song on the CD. just listen to it, you'll know why.
magazines - 5/5 - it's undeniably catchy.
soco amaretto lime - 6/5 - amazing acoustics and lyrics. the best possible closing to the best possible CD.

so, as you can see, this CD is one of the greatest investments you can make. I have to admit, the enhanced CD content is a little weak (I have to download the bonus movies? come on, guys.), but that's not what you buy a CD for, is it? Even if you buy the CD now, you can still bone up on Brand New for a little while before Deja Entendu, which, judging by Guernica and I Will Play my Game Beneath the Spin Light, will be very promising.

Brand New is one of the newer hardcore punk bands to hit the scene. Their sound can be compared to The Used and Taking Back Sunday. But they are by far a better band. With dark,clever,and sometimes even humorous lyrics. "And even if her plane crashes tonight she'll find some way to disapoint me by not burning in the wreckage or drowning at the bottom of the sea" from the bands first single Jude Law And A Semester Abroad. And in my opinion some of the best lyrics in a punk song ever can be found in Seventy Times Seven, the albums stand out track by far. "Is that what you call a getaway? Tell me what you got away with cuz ive seen more spine in jellyfish, I've seen more guts in 11 year old kids, have another drink and drive yourself home, hope theirs ice on all the roads, and you can think of me when you forget your seatbelt again when your head goes through the windshield". Other stand out songs include the "Failure By Desgin", the excellent ballad "Mixtape, "Sudden Death In Carolina", and "Magazines. Brand New may not be the most original band. But its kind of hard to be original when everythings been done before. But they do have the best lyrics of any punk band out there today.