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After endlessly streaming this album over a week, I can safely say that I love this album just as much as Barton Hollow. I agree with the previous reviewer that The Civil Wars is definitely an album that compliments Barton Hollow rather than trying to outdo it. The artists are clearly trying to push a few new boundaries, yet still stay in their (and our) comfort zone. Saying that, it's still a departure from the easy harmonious vocals of Barton Hollow and, while still blending beautifully vocally, this sophomore album reflects the strife between both artists. It's amazing to me that even while at odds, Joy and John Paul still manage to complement each other in every song and make beautiful music together - almost unwillingly.
1) The One That Got Away - This is first single they streamed from this album, and my initial reaction was that I wouldn't like this song since it's different from their previously playful acoustic work, but with repeated listens, I love this song. From the soft, ominous instrumental buildup at the beginning to the angry back and forth between Joy and John Paul, this song is essentially an introduction to the overall feel of the album. Yes, folks. There is a battle going on in the land of The Civil Wars.
2) I Had Me a Girl - This song is rock and roll sexy! John Paul flexes his vocals in this one. There's chaos in this song and the guitar riffing is strong. If "I've Got This Friend" from Barton Hollow was about a kindergarten crush, "I Had Me a Girl" is the sexy one-night stand version of it.
3) Same Old Same Old - I can't help but feel sad listening to this song. The sense of longing and weariness is overwhelming. You feel tired but you want to stay, you'll miss it but you have to go. Joy keeps saying that if you want to know what happened to the band, listen to the album. And the sense I keep getting is that they want to stay together but can't. But it also doesn't mean they value what they have/had any less.
4) Dust to Dust - Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust...is this a goodbye song? If Same Old Same Old made me feel sad, this one makes me feel wistful in remembrance of what was. I feel that this song talks about the loneliness that set in while Joy and John Paul were on the road - specifically John Paul. It must have been hard for him to see a happily married couple day after day while his wife and kids were at home. The sense of loneliness he felt must have been overwhelming and Joy, being on the same wavelength, seems to have felt it too. Being on stage and creating a sense of intimacy with a musical partner gets harder and harder to do when you're not with your loved ones.
5) Eavesdrop - Hands down my favorite song on the album. Not acoustic, but any instrument added has a perfect purpose. Such a beautiful love song. The message - "I'm tired of arguing. Let's just hold each other and enjoy this moment together - who cares what other people say?" One thing I've learned about The Civil Wars is that their lyrics are multi-faceted. While this applies to any couple who are always in conflict, it can also apply to them as a band. "Don't say that it's over. Let's just enjoy the moment. Who says that this has to end?" This song gives me some hope that this may not be the end for them.
6) Devil's Backbone - Another departure of their usual soft sounds, this is a wailing, angry anthem of self-blame. If Joy wants to squelch speculation of something going on between her and John Paul, this song doesn't help. Strong guitars and Joy's vocals carry this one. I will admit that I got chills listening to this as a video intro to their album promotion video ;-)
7) From This Valley - I've loved this song forever. After seeing them perform this on YouTube, this song has an uplifting feeling and their perfectly matched vocals are awesome on this song. A great, fun song. I hope they get back to that.
8) Tell Mama - I will have to admit. This song makes me sleepy lol. This song is this album's "I Want You Back". They take an upbeat song and totally make it their own. The singing is soft, dark and beautiful. But I'm still sleepy ;-)
9) Oh Henry - This is a happy song that they performed live on the road for quite some time. It's a knee-slapping fun song. It definitely has a folksy feel to it and gives a welcome break from the sometimes somber feel of the other songs of the album.
10) Disarm - I'm torn about this one. I love the Smashing Pumpkins' original "Disarm", and The Civil Wars have turned it into a beautiful lullaby. I am glad they put this on tape though. It just showcases how perfectly Joy and John Paul are able to harmonize. My husband, a hardcore SP lover, isn't much of a fan though ;-)
11) Sacred Heart - Another favorite song on this album. I know ZERO French. But it's a beautiful language, and this is an equally beautiful song. I know I'm saying beautiful a lot but hey - I'm calling it as I sees it :-) It reflects sad longing with soft guitar strumming in the background. Awesome.
12) D'Arline - This is a raw cut of a song they recorded on Joy's iPhone. If you read the lyrics, they're quite romantic. Even with this rough draft, it's apparent that these two have more talent in their pinky fingers than many artists out there who rely on auto-tune and over-production. Like the song itself, let's hope that this song is deliberately placed as a last song to convey the message that they are a rough draft as well and we can look forward to a final masterpiece.
If you're looking for a Barton Hollow 2, you won't find it here, though there is some similarity. Whether or not The Civil Wars come together again to make a 3rd album is anyone's guess. However, I will follow "Eavesdrop" `s message and enjoy the music that we have been given in the here and now. Thank you, The Civil Wars!!
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Top reviews from other countries
Jesús Valdés
Excelente disco!
Reviewed in Mexico on January 2, 2018
Jesús Valdés
Reviewed in Mexico on January 2, 2018
El disco contiene grandes canciones por descubrir en el género Folk americano abarcando un Country lleno de nostalgia. Sin duda es un disco que vale la pena comprar.
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San Diego surfer
A great second album from The Civil Wars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 25, 2013