williamryankey's Recent Activity
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williamryankey replied to the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
Hey. Guys. Just want to say for everyone who loves City of Angels (I am so fucking pumped on the reception for this song) that something so so so so rad is going to happen with it. I don’t know when exactly, but holy shit. We are in an alternate timeline. It’s just the only explanation
Oct 12, 2025 at 9:54 PM -
williamryankey liked DannyZach's post in the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
Definitely! You Broke Me Too - Lights and Sounds City Of Angels - Lift a Sail Better Days - Paper Walls Honestly I - OA/OFTK Bedroom Posters - Southern Air I know it’s my second post today but I went through the album twice on my drive to work today and I kept pressing repeat on Love Letters Lost. @williamryankey Please man, never stop making music. Everything you made was always so special even your feature on that Lights Out song back in 2000s haha
Oct 12, 2025 at 4:59 PM -
williamryankey liked Jason Tate's post in the thread Band Yellowcard.
Well, here it is: On moving forward when you worry your best is behind you. On late-career albums and how we relate to music as we age. And more than anything just a giant round of flowers for Yellowcard and our music scene. Once mocked, now undeniable. Review: Yellowcard – Better Days
Oct 12, 2025 at 3:32 PM -
williamryankey liked punkermd's post in the thread Band Yellowcard.
Big Blue Eyes was playing when I read this. Such a great song, Ryan's way of putting words together never ceases to amaze me.
Oct 12, 2025 at 3:32 PM -
williamryankey liked Jdfleming89's post in the thread Band Yellowcard.
@williamryankey been a YC fan since Ocean Ave. The ride we as fans have been on over the last 22 years is wild. In 2012, I remember where I was when I heard Ten for the first time. I know that life has seasons and 2012 was a different season for you, but today, you just brought me back when I listened to Big Blue Eyes. As a dad that has also experienced that kind of loss, even though I don't know you personally, I am so happy for you. That song touched my heart, man. I hope you have all the best memories and moments with your son as he grows up, immersing him into all the Star Wars he could ever appreciate. Thanks for the addition of this album into the already incredible Yellowcard catalog. Can't wait to see you guys on the road with ADTR.
Oct 12, 2025 at 3:32 PM -
williamryankey liked StepBackLetGo's post in the thread Yellowcard – Better Days.
Longtime lurker since Absolutepunk circa like 2008, read just about every review there is to read by the admins here over the ages, this is the first time I've been driven to create an account and post. Yellowcard is my second favorite artist of all time and my only complaint of this record is that it isn't longer -- obviously I understand that in itself is an artistic decision/"is the point"/I get the metaphor, I just selfishly want more songs/a track or two over four minutes. Anyway, I didn't come here to comment after 17 years to share my opinion about music so I'm not sure why I'm doing so now; just came to say this review perfectly encapsulates pretty much everything I believe in and stand for, so thank you for the inspiring words. It's moving to know this music still means something to people out there.
Oct 10, 2025 at 11:25 AM -
williamryankey liked AlwaysEvolving21's post in the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
Your Broke Me Too reminds me so much of Light's & Sounds era. I feel the song could’ve been on the album. It’s so fucking great. I can’t believe it. the riff, the chord progression, the violin, the Melodie’s….so Lights & Sounds.
Oct 10, 2025 at 11:05 AM -
williamryankey liked slimfenix182's post in the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
The quality, run length and wanting to just start the album right over again is very like 152 for me
Oct 10, 2025 at 11:05 AM -
williamryankey liked Mrk_Brdshw's post in the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
Ugh. Earlier, I dropped off my (blue-eyed) daughter at daycare and finished the back half of the record on my way to work. I listened to "Big Blue Eyes" for the first time right before I got the office and had to just sit in my car for a little bit so that I didn't walk by the receptionists with obvious tears welling up in my eyes. So Yellowcard, thank you for that moment.
Oct 10, 2025 at 11:05 AM -
williamryankey liked fredwordsmith's post in the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
Third listen through and this is the most I’ve connected with an album on first listen since Glow On or One More Time. I love every track, but the curveballs like City of Angels and Big Blue Eyes are flooring me. This album is a book from every shelf on your career library and it is an all killer, no filler effort. I can’t believe you thought you couldn’t write songs like this again. This community and millions more are so happy you tried again and came through the other side with this absolute gem. And holy fucking shit, I can’t wait to see you guys in Minneapolis on tour. Thanks for being on here and caring about the fans. It means so much to so many of us to hear this record. edit: my wife just came around the corner into my office because I didn’t realize how loud I was sniffling and quietly sobbing with my headphones on, listening to “City of Angels” when you sang “so give me a sunset and color the sky, tell me you love me and I’ll be alright.” So that’s an endorsement!
Oct 10, 2025 at 11:04 AM -
williamryankey liked Dog Fish's post in the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
"I'm too young, to be this old." This line hurts more than any lyric of the decade.
Oct 10, 2025 at 11:03 AM -
williamryankey liked Jason Tate's post in the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
Well, here it is: On moving forward when you worry your best is behind you. On late-career albums and how we relate to music as we age. And more than anything just a giant round of flowers for Yellowcard and our music scene. Once mocked, now undeniable. Review: Yellowcard – Better Days
Oct 10, 2025 at 11:03 AM -
williamryankey liked Matt Chylak's post in the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
I’d say I’m more of a casual fan of this band; I have checked out every album more than a few times but the only ones I’ve ever really lived with are OA and Southern Air. On first listen, this one definitely feels like it will join those in my personal Yellowcard pantheon. It’s so exciting to hear a band come back and make powerful and vital music that justifies the wait. Part of that is Barker pounding the shit out of the drums and the band locating some absolutely perfect guitar sounds — the production here is pristine without sucking the life out of it — but none of it would work without some of the best vocals of Key’s career and locked-down songwriting. These songs get in and out and pack a punch, full of catharsis and energy. Great hooks and the band is propelling themselves forward when lots of folks at their stage would be slowing down the tempos. Have never seen them live but I hope to on this tour. I’m very happy I didn’t overplay the singles because they are really, really good, and that first four track run is as wonderful and energetic as everyone says. But guys, I think the B-side blows it out of the water. “City of Angels” is fantastic, a cavernous heavenscraper of a ballad that builds into something really danceable and end credits-y. Ran it back immediately. “Skin Scraped” is an immediate favorite with that bass and vocal combo — love how that filtered shouty vocal in the postchorus reminds of my favorite era of Sum 41. “Barely Alive” does that classic thing where you write the epic closer and put it in the penultimate slot. Then “Big Blue Eyes” just fucking breaks me, man… I’m a new father, you can’t do this to me. What a wonderful first listen this morning.
Oct 10, 2025 at 11:02 AM -
williamryankey replied to the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
We really buried the lead there haha
Oct 10, 2025 at 6:54 AM -
williamryankey liked Jason Tate's post in the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
So happy to read all these reactions. woke up a little early today, gonna make coffee and then get the review posted shortly.
Oct 10, 2025 at 6:36 AM -
williamryankey liked sawhney[rusted]2's post in the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
You don’t! Just play the full album and tour with Alk3/Avril/Blink - problem solved
Oct 10, 2025 at 6:36 AM -
williamryankey replied to the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
These comments are wild. More positive energy than I’ve ever seen around a release for us. Especially here where it can be a pretty tough crowd haha. Thank you guys. How the hell are we going to choose which songs to play live next year?!
Oct 10, 2025 at 5:28 AM -
williamryankey liked BenSmith94's post in the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
First listen done - the immediacy of it on the first run-through is incredible. Looking forward to delving deeper into it.
Oct 9, 2025 at 9:13 PM -
williamryankey liked Dog Fish's post in the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
The juxtaposition of Ten and Big Blue Eyes is so beautiful. Southern Air is arguably my favorite album next to OA. The heartbreak I’ve experienced with resonating with the song Ten but also the similar joy from Big Blue Eyes all these years later means a lot. It’s nice to grow up with a band and mature in more ways than just sound.
Oct 9, 2025 at 9:13 PM -
williamryankey liked jimmy john's post in the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
I was at that show as well. I lived in Irvine at the time, so I drove up for the one in LA the night before too. What a journey it's been. I don't have a ton to add that hasn't already been said, but this record is wild. Just perfection at a time I really needed it. Thank you @williamryankey
Oct 9, 2025 at 6:47 PM
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williamryankey liked MShaw88's post in the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
Big Blue Eyes. Both my little kids have big blue eyes. Love the songs about marriage, family, etc. Super relatable. Fun to grow up with this band and have shared experiences without really knowing each other. Well written album man. So good.
Oct 9, 2025 at 5:01 PM -
williamryankey replied to the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
Travis just came on one day and asked “have you guys ever done a shuffle song?” We said no. Then Bedroom Posters was born
Oct 9, 2025 at 3:18 PM -
williamryankey liked irthesteve's post in the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
City of Angels is willdddddddd
Oct 9, 2025 at 2:37 PM -
williamryankey replied to the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
“I know that my heart was black, but I’ve seen light break through the cracks”
Oct 9, 2025 at 1:51 PM -
williamryankey replied to the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
When we first decided to make a full length I wanted to test myself to see if I could still write an entire Yellowcard song on my own. This is back in like October of 2023. I demoed the whole thing at home in my studio. I didn’t show it to the band and Travis until the record was almost done. I guess I just still wasn’t sure. But I’m so stoked it made the record. It was a huge confidence boost for me. After the solo EPs and Jedha and all of the instrumental music I had gotten into for so many years I didn’t know if I could wear this hat again. Rad to see people vibing with that song.
Oct 9, 2025 at 11:03 AM -
williamryankey replied to the thread Yellowcard - Better Days (October 10, 2025).
Love that you guys love it. We are just getting started
Oct 9, 2025 at 10:41 AM