Say It Like You Mean It

The Starting Line

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 16, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mca
• ASIN: B000069HJO
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (185 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #85,179 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From Amazon.co.uk
Enjoyment of the Starting Line is entirely dependent upon how you like your punk-pop. If, like Blink 182, you like it light, with a healthy spoonful of immaturity, then you'll be disappointed with the songs on Say It Like You Mean It, their first full-length album. Similarly, disappointment awaits those who are after an attitude-fused rush of pure sweat and spit. The Starting Line fall somewhere in the middle, to both their credit and detriment: playful, seemingly exuberant songs with sweet melodies buzzing around like charged electrons with serious blood and guts beneath their shiny skin.

The songs themselves revisit familiar themes ("Hello Houston" and "Leaving", for instance) and predictable acoustic number "Drama Summer" breaks up the inevitable monotony of this style. The artwork hints at maturity (think Busted a few years and a few broken hearts down the line) but the album has been overproduced, and often finely polished notes would have benefited from more of a ragged edge and some space to breath. The hooks aren't as catchy as the Dum Dums, who also played the same juvenile/serious persona, or even the Jellys, who were just plain silly. But at least you knew where you stood with them--normally humming their songs at bus stops, which, for all the playful harmonies and uplifting guitar work, you'll struggle to do here. --Ben Johncock

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unstoppable, October 8, 2002

By	Emma Views - See all my reviews

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.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Punk Master Piece RIght Here, May 3, 2005

By	Zack "Zack" (Baltimore, MD) - See all my reviews

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Say It Like You Mean It Connects With Everyone, December 29, 2002

By	"snackbar03" (Castro Valley, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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.