Drops of Jupiter

Train

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 27, 2001)
• Original Release Date: March 27, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000059Z82
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (270 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,339 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com's Best of 2001
In 1999, Train came out of nowhere with the single "Meet Virginia" and soon after found themselves the proverbial overnight success. The San Francisco band with a penchant for the Southern jam could very easily be one of those acts that fade from memory after a lone hit. But the follow-up Drops of Jupiter makes that misfortune highly unlikely. The band employs tools of the roots-rock trade--mandolin, harmonica, bongos, and crisp acoustic guitar--to evoke that sort of "everything's gonna be all right" sentiment common in so many great pop rock songs. But this isn't a band that relies solely on its precursors for inspiration. These accomplished musicians never overplay, and understand the value of a well-placed synthesized accent or guitar effect. On tracks like "I Wish You Would," they command a plugged-in assertion that lends an inspiring jolt to their acoustic instrumentation. The title track is the album's epicenter. With swelling strings and chorded piano melody, the song sounds as if it were lifted from some lost tapes of Elton John's Madman Across the Water. It sweeps you up in an irresistible top-of-the-lungs sing-along and becomes the reference point for the rest of the album. Radio-friendly rock bands these days tend to be virtually indistinguishable from one another, but Train breaks from the crowd, charging full steam ahead. --Beth Massa

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Welcome to the big time.", November 15, 2001

By A Customer

That's one of the awards Train is up for at the VH1 Music Awards in December; and I completely agree. I saw Train nearly 3 years ago in a tiny little hole-in-the-wall bar in Columbus, OH...and that was only because a friend MADE me go. There were maybe 10 people there. Yet from that moment on, I was hooked. Their stage energy, ability to "draw the crowd in," and genuine musical talent captivated me. As a music major myself, I'm really picky about who I listen to. They passed the test with flying colors. Pat has one of those voices that will be remembered for generations.

The past few reviews have discussed the "switch-over" to pop that this album had. But what is pop nowadays? Would you consider Britney Spears, Train, and Weezer all in the same category just because their music is sold under the "pop-rock" section? Music, to me, doesn't really fall under a category. This CD is TRAIN...they went into the studio, recorded until their voices left them and until their fingers were bleeding. They put their heart and soul into this album, and the finished product is absolutely amazing. Each song is different, yet they all tie together like a fascinating novel with interlocking chapters. You have to listen to all of them to get the true meaning of the ending.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Train just keeps getting better!, March 29, 2001

By	Michael Ray (Virginia) - See all my reviews

If you enjoyed Train's self-titled debut, you are going to love their sophomore effort! This album has more musical depth and layers than did the predecessor, but continues with the same strong emotion and longing tone. Pat Monahan's passionate and soulful voice once again brings the heart to the band's mix of southern rock; I love his careful interpretation of each song, and his strong connection with the music underneath him. The textured sound on the disc is due to the use of a variety of cool instruments, ranging from a mandolin (yes, thankfully Stafford once again brings the mandolin to rock and roll helping to capture the Train sound) to a saxophone on the last track "Mississippi" (my least favorite). Highlights on the disc include the rocker "She's on Fire" (the first track which jumps right out of your speakers and sets an energetic tone to the rest of the album), "Respect" the track from the Dawson's Creek soundtrack, "Getaway" and "I Wish You Would"(listen for the bongos!) both of which are melodic, "back porch on a summer evening" tunes. Of course, the popular "Drops of Jupiter" title track is amazing: it builds and moves with each measure, and is built on a soaring piano progression and a lively violin section. I came to this album with high expectations, and must say that they have been exceeded! It's nice to see a group of talented musicians writing and playing their own music; Train is a fresh sound with strong pop hooks and a southern rock edge to keep you coming back to listen. If you are sick of Britney and other "packaged" music with no heart, give this album a try!

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Does not disappoint!, April 5, 2001

By	Carla Hollars (Woodstock, Georgia USA) - See all my reviews

I was lucky enough to catch Train live in Atlanta before the radio snapped up "Meet Virgina" as a heavy rotation single. That day cemented this band into my ears and musical heart. And this album reinforces my initial feeling of wonderment. Every track is worth mentioning...She's on Fire can be listened to over and over without feeling redundent and once you have Drops of Jupiter in your head you will sing it all day long..GLADLY! In my opinion, there is not much danger of anyone cashing in on Columbia Records satisfaction guarantee. If anything, I thought this album was better than the first! They have obviously grown and become more at ease with their talent. I recommend this disk to anyone looking for true musical enlightenment!