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by Tony Pascarella Published: July 18, 2005
Bands seem more and more often to make it big by repeating what they've done before, just refined a little. The All-American Rejects are back, following up their 2002 self-titled pop-rock hit with another dose of sugary musical goodness. That said, the band doesn't shake up the scene or anything like that with their sophomore release, Move Along. However, they manage to put out enough good music to keep the casual fans bobbing their heads and the die-hard ones hooked. The All-American Rejects Are: Tyson Ritter (Vocals/Bass) Nick Wheeler (Guitar/Programming) Mike Kennerty (Guitar) Chris Gaylor (Drums) The band retains their knack for catchy single-worthy tracks. The lead single, "Dirty Little Secret" won't have the vast success of "Swing, Swing," but it should be a hit regardless. Catchy and more mature than their forlorn songs of years past, this one features excellent drumming from Chris Gaylor, and the inclusion of stealthy yet crucial keyboard work. Move Along's title track may be the best song that the band has ever done. I saw them perform it live back in April, and since then, I've been looking forward to this album immensely. You'll quickly catch on to Tyson's smooth and melodic vocals in this song of fortitude. I'll sit here and guarantee that this will be the next huge hit out of the All-American Rejects, in what hopefully will be a long line of them. "Night Drive," not to be confused with the eponymously-titled Jimmy Eat World track, is in the realm of AAR meets late-90's boy band. Now that you all think I'm certifiably insane, go listen to the song. Tyson's voice is higher than usual, but luckily he doesn't go after the falsettos of their self-titled album. It's crazy, but pretty darn cool. The poignant ballad returns on album number two with "It Ends Tonight." A silky guitar melody that eventually grows heavier highlights this song. "Can't Take It" is another softer song, but this one seems to miss the mark. A stellar string accompaniment is blatantly ruined by Tyson's off-key singing. About half the time, he's dead on, and the other half, he sounds like me in the shower. Luckily "Straightjacket Feeling" picks up the slack. Chris Gaylor's simple drum beat blends with the keyboards and strings backing Ritter's uplifting yet forlorn vocals. Move Along isn't made up of just slow, sad songs. In fact, "Change Your Mind" is a sing-along All-American Rejects song to the max. Nick Wheeler shines here when he lets loose with his guitar riffs, which happens far too infrequently on this album. "Stab My Back" suffers from heard-it-before syndrome, but the band has cleaned up their act in rehashing the same material. Smoother hooks and tighter vocals improve on the self-titled album of nearly three years ago. In case you haven't picked up the hints yet, I really enjoy Move Along. But I'm afraid a lot of people will go into listening to this album expecting something that rides off on a tangent away from the self-titled CD. Sit back, relax, and be prepared to sing along with The All-American Rejects on this wild, twisting ride through those pop-rock songs we grew to love three years ago. This won't win any "concept album of the year" awards or anything. Move Along is The All-American Rejects at their best--fun, danceable, and pure energy. 
Recommendation: Fans should love another dose of carefree All-American Rejects. Genre: Pop-Rock Overall Grade: B+ (87%) |
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