Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
9 of 10 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...
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Mae on the "Brink of Disaster?", November 9, 2007
I believe most people who have listened to "The Everglow" in its entirety will agree that if a one word summation was in order, it would be an "experience". And an amazing experience it is. However with their latest release, Mae has seems to have changed more than just record labels as their style has changed drastically, and sadly it is not without disappointment.
It's not that the album is bad, quite the opposite, the album's production values are top notch. However the high standards set by Mae in past efforts are unmatched here. "Singularity" is unbalanced in song variety and forgetful when compared to Mae's past compositions. One of the biggest problems is the absence of any slow songs to balance out the album. It seems like every song is plagued with poppy guitars, fast drum patterns, and electronic effects. This is fine for the first few songs, but the album gets tired fast. I was expecting to experience an emotional song of "Tisbury Lane" caliber somewhere on the album to break up the monotony and show off Mae's superb talent at song composition. To my surprise, there was none in earshot. This album never slows down, and I found myself longing for soft vocals and simple yet amazingly beautiful chord progressions found in songs like "Were So Far Away" and "The Sun and the Moon".
The song compositions themselves are decent, and some are quite good, resembling past rock ballads like "Embers and Envelopes" and "Somebody Else's Arms". However, too many songs sound like each other in structure and sound, and none come close to capturing the heartfelt music experienced in past efforts. Like mentioned earlier, "Singularity" is aching for variety.
Hopefully Mae will think about the mistakes they were making with this album and forgo filling their albums with mediocre songs in favor of more meaningful ones like "This Time Is The Last Time". While listening to most of the album, I simply wanted to stop, and pop in "Destination: Beautiful." Good if you love power pop, but ultimately pales in comparison to Mae's earlier material. Hopefully, "Singularity" is a single misstep and simply part of a countdown to a "real Mae" release that can stand up to the brilliance that is "The Everglow".
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
Interact With Your Music: Discover, listen to, and buy new music, all from the pages of SPIN's digital edition, free to Amazon customers.
by Mae 
