Wednesday, February 8, 2012

So what's your story?

by Johnny Matthias
Unless you’ve been sleeping under a rock for the past decade, you’ve probably heard the alternative rock band The Fray. The same band that brought you the ever-so-sad ballad “How to Save a Life”, the more up tempo “Cable Car (Over My Head)” and the angst-filled single “Heartless”.


After releasing their self-titled record in 2009 they come to us early this year with 12 new songs in the form of ‘Scars and Stories’. Opposed to the first two efforts, the new album from the quartet is surprisingly cheery and upbeat.

The new record has a more down-to-earth tone whereas the first two were more dramatic and somewhat depressing. Though The Fray have been known for more sad lyrics the new record has an overall uplifting feeling which is extremely refreshing.

One of my own impressions after listening was a much defined improvement on Isaac Slade’s vocals. With that said, the rest of the band has also seemingly changed their style from a less technical rhythmic background to a more prominent force in the band’s sound. You might have heard the song “Heartbeat” from last year in October, (the first track on ‘Scars and Stories’) the earliest single from the album.

There are a few songs on the new record that strike a chord more than others. For instance the super catchy song “Turn Me On” is a very different song from the alternative sound the band is used to.

The Fray’s initial sound is still found in many tracks, the pretty ballad “I Can Barely Say” is one of the most heartfelt songs from them yet. “The Wind” and “Rainy Zurich” are some of the more uplifting tunes on the album.

This is definitely the first change-up of the year as far as music is concerned making this album a must have. Look for ‘Scars and Stories’ in stores now!

13 comments:

Matt Martel,  February 8, 2012 9:18 AM  

Johnny, this was great, I've only listened to the fray like once though

Kelsey Friedman,  February 8, 2012 9:31 AM  

Wonderful article Johnny! I really enjoy The Fray, i think they are a great band.

Julianna Natali,  February 8, 2012 9:35 AM  

Good article! I usually don't know what bands you or Josh write about but I'm glad I know who The Fray are. I love the band and this inspired me to listen to their new stuff.

Kaylei Knapp,  February 9, 2012 8:42 AM  

I love The Fray but my boyfriend hates them, hopefully he will like their new CD. Great article Johnny! You and Josh were born to write about music.

MaryAnna Elliott,  February 9, 2012 2:30 PM  

This was a great article Johnny, you do well with writing. I enjoy the Fray's old music, haven't really listened to their new stuff.

Jack Younan,  February 9, 2012 9:40 PM  

Nice review Johnny. I'm still more of a fun of the older stuff but I'll give the new album more of a chance.

Stephanie Panos,  February 10, 2012 8:52 AM  

Johnny this is a nice review for the Fray. I appreciate good music when I hear it, so I'm definitely going to go home and listen to some more of their tunes. Great job!

Joshua Royce,  February 10, 2012 9:09 AM  

I've never given The Fray a complete chance, I probably should because I've never heard anything by them I didn't like. I'm not sure where exactly to start with them though, but this album sounds like a great starting point. I'll check this out, great review Johnny!

Agustav Malakiaiaiaiaia,  February 10, 2012 9:12 AM  

Wonder flavor today! Great shmarticle, the storee, i love. today, i read the story, and yesterday, i didn't. tomorrow, i think about my life choices, and i cry. i cry. the end.

Cody Dean,  February 10, 2012 9:12 AM  

I agree with Agustav, great article bro!

Gage Davis,  February 10, 2012 9:40 AM  

I love The Fray I listen to all their music, but it is awesome that we can get some music articles up. Keep up the good work Johnny.

Bryan Dean,  February 10, 2012 9:45 AM  

I agree with you Johnny! This record was varied up from the first two and it is good when bands try something new.

Savannah Phillips,  February 10, 2012 11:51 AM  

The Fray has never been my favorite band just because they have really depressing songs, but you showed me some of the songs from this album andI really liked them. I think they are doing better at not being so depressing. Haha. Great article by the way!

Post a Comment

  © Blogger templates Newspaper III by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP