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10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
It could have been so much more, August 24, 2007
In my view, the best album of 2005 is Mae's The Everglow, a brilliantly fresh concept album that still sweeps me away every time I listen to it. With its seamless storytelling, anthemic melodies and innovative soundscapes it's just in a class of its own. So there was probably no way that Mae's 3rd album Singularity was going to live up to my expectations for it. But still, it should have been better than it is. And that is, unfortunately, my one-line summary review of this album: it could have been so much more...
It sounds like they wanted to make a "safe" album filled with songs that are radio-friendly, songs that fans can jump to at concerts. I would describe it as uninspired with pockets of brilliance, like the sweeping Just Let Go, and the bridge of Release Me, which builds up to a soaring climax and then falls flat by just going back to the regular chorus.
Don't get me wrong -- this is still a really solid rock album and I have it on repeat on my iPod, it's just that I don't think the album does justice to the amazing talent these guys have. I don't know if they got lazy, or if maybe the studio made them go in a certain direction, or what the deal is, but the bottom line is that I didn't expect an album of easy listening sing-along songs. I expected an album that challenges me musically and philosophically, like The Everglow did.
Now, having said all that, I still recommend Singularity. As a rock album it is still way above average. But if you're looking for something different that'll keep you busy for years to come, get The Everglow instead...
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good rock, Mae style, October 5, 2007
Before I go any further into this review, one thing needs to be made perfectly clear. This is not The Everglow. Interpret that as you will, but if you buy this CD expecting The Everglow Pt. 2, you will be disappointed.
That said, on to the review. With Singularity, Mae has clearly chosen to take a new tack into the realm of straight-up rock. This is apparent from the very start of the album.
The first track, Brink of Disaster, starts off with a rocking guitar intro accompanied by a rousing keyboard line which really adds a distinct Mae touch. The verses drop into a more reflective mood, then rise back up into a high-energy chorus. This is followed by a fantastic bridge which only adds to the excitement. The song ends with Dave Elkins, in his inimitable way, screaming "asleep at the wheel!"
Crazy 8s is the next track, a more melancholy, slow-paced song with a soaring chorus in which Elkins asks "can you stay with me tonight?"
The third track is Sometimes I Can't Make it Alone, the first single from the album. Here we see a grittier edge to Mae, as Elkins showcases just how versatile his voice is and the guitars relentlessly grind out a hard accompaniment. This song is a make-or-break effort on Mae's part. Fans of harder rock will definitely enjoy it, while those who fondly remember Mae's smoother, more "emo" days will wonder what happened to the band they know and love.
With Just Let Go, Mae slows it down a little with a lilting tune that you'll find easily gets stuck in your head.
The next two tracks, On Top and Waiting, are two of the more forgettable songs on the album. That said, they are still strong efforts, with Waiting showcasing an excellent keyboard line by (unfortunately) former member Rob Sweitzer.
Sic Semper Tyrannis is yet another harder effort by Mae as they test these new waters. The result couldn't be better. And once again, the song works up to a marvelous bridge which fits perfectly.
Release Me is another slow piece, this time with a sad feel to it. In the chorus, Elkins asks "could you be the one to release me?" and the tune flows beautifully.
Telescopes is similar to Sometimes I Can't Make it Alone, with a dissonant, repetitive chorus. Rock lovers will enjoy the effort, especially the wonderful guitar work as the chorus begins.
Rocket starts off feeling like another rocker, but slows down into a more reflective piece with a slower, more tuneful chorus than Telescopes and SICMIA.
The CD closes with Home and Reflections. Home is a spirited, lovely song, more reminiscent of Mae's previous albums. Reflection ends the album on a reflective note, as Elkins shows that he can still sing soulful songs.
All in all, Singularity is an adventurous step into new territory for Mae, and they pull it off pretty well. That said, one still hopes that in the future they will return to more of the smooth, soulful music that made Mae distinctly different.
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11 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Getting Better, certainly (well, in some ways), August 14, 2007
Having fell in love with Mae the moment I heard This Time Is The Last Time, my expectations are for songs that really grab your attention. Destination:Beautiful, while flawed, contained amazing songs that all had a different catch to them. The biggest problem on that album was that the way that the other songs had to stand in the shadow of tracks like Sun, All Deliberate Speed and Embers. Still, the album is easy and fun to listen to and I've gotten any number of people hooked on that album.
Then came the Everglow. I had a much more difficult time getting into this album. The grooves just weren't there. Vocally, some songs were weak as they seemed to be forced to fit the concept of the album. I remained patient and eventually the album drew me in. The classic Mae touch to each song was on there . . . generally occurring in a bridge. These moments definitely showed that the band could pull out some tricks and create a great sonic attack that leaves you yearning for the moments to cover the entire album, rather then resting in each bridge. Still, it's better to have moments than nothing at all.
And now we have Singularity. And I can't be happier. There is definite growth on this album, if you can't tell simply by the up-front and in-your-face guitars on most of the albums tracks (SST, Rocket, Sometimes). This album sounds like Mae has finally written songs that kill when you see them live. Before, they seemed to come through better on a CD.
While I haven't had too much time to let the album to sink it, I have already found myself humming tunes and singing random lines. As the band have stated in interviews, they're an average rock band with a great keyboardist. I would have agreed with that . . . before this album. The rest of the band has come to rock. The keyboards don't add the same layering of sound as we're use to hearing (though it does pop up in that way in a few songs; see: Home), but instead the keys add melody, but in a much more driving way, I'm thinking, in order to keep up with the pace of the songs.
The songs on here definitely demand your attention, but a lot of times, I find that they fall short of capturing that "aha!" feeling from before. It's an interesting combination of a band growing and moving away from what I had thought made them great. The album is still good, don't get me wrong, but it does have its flaws. Every song has a bridge. Every song. The formula begins to wear after a few listens.
But if I drop my pretension and just listen to the album, I'm quite happy. This album rocks and is a much more cohesive album than Mae have put out before. All the elements have come together for the entire album, instead of for small moments in each song. In that way, Singularity is the perfect name for this album.
Recommended tracks: All. None are bad. You'll find something here . . . and it probably won't be what I like, or he likes, or she likes. That's what makes Mae, well, Mae.
Update: Honestly, it's been a while since I've listened to Mae, but I'm currently listening to The Everglow and it is definitely a step up from Singularity. Singularity was a refinement, but they cut out what made the band special. Singularity doesn't call out to me to listen anymore, it was a flash in the pan, but the Everglow is much deeper. Such a shame, one can only hope their next album has more depth.
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