In regards to Mother Nature: I listened to Mother Nature probably about 10 times now and I’m trying to see if there is a lyrical theme that resonates across the album. To me it sounds like AJ is singing a lot about his journey after the separation with his wife, decompressing it all, starting over and dealing with those emotions, and moving on… but sometimes the lyrics are hard to discern the meaning. Here are my initial thoughts on song meanings Prologue/Blind Ambition – I think it was said this song was about the narrator’s need to get away and find a place to go on an emotional bender where he can just decompress, but I also hear some lyrics regarding nostalgia and also maybe some criticism from people about trying to make it as a rock star. Bring Me Back To Life – More about the emotional time to decompress after the partying on the road touring? Way Down – A “call for help” song, while maybe being purposely reckless in the pursuit as a rock star? Virginia – A song about friendship? One that blossomed out of mutual feelings of depression and recklessness? Not sure what to make of this one. Starting Over / Slow Down – A feeling of hopelessness after narrator’s separation with a significant other? Not sure what to make of the line “will you meet me out there?” Where Were You – A continuation of Starting Over, feeling like the narrator needs to start over after a relationship. The sky opening up could be symbolism for that feeling of starting over. It Is Real – I would like to hear others’ interpretation of what this song is about because it seems to be jumping in between themes. It sounds like a fight against a record label or someone criticizing their music? Violent Red – Growing up and learning from mistakes? Mother Nature – I think AJ talked about this somewhere about how mother nature is volatile --- we need her but she can devastate us at any time. I think it also is a continuation from violent red about growing up and learning from mistakes and moving on. Better Light – A love song Consequence of Living – With living comes death. With relationships, often times there’s a natural ending. That’s okay, we need to come to grips with it and the pain it brings, and appreciate the memories and good times we had from those times. Thoughts?
Cannot wait to listen to this. I’ve only heard the singles they’ve released and I love each one. SO/SD is excellent and the ending had my bobbing along. Love hearing everyone’s positives about this record and their favorite songs too.
I think you have to take this line with that whole section of the song. "What if I need what I won't share? What if I run? Will you meet me out there?" This to me sounds like someone who is fighting an internal battle and can't figure out how to share/verbalize/express an emotion or need. I believe AJ is asking if he runs away from whatever this is that he can't share, would whoever still follow him to where he's going without understanding why he has to run from it and just accepting that and not passing judgement for the struggle he is going through. I thought this was a really powerful line when I first heard it.
I haven't had the chance to listen to the full thing, but listening to that EP/single whatever it is on Spotify. I really do not like the second half of Starting Over / Slow Down
4/4 for me on the songs released so far. So stoked to listen to the full thing. Also, anyone else getting Angels & Airwaves vibes from Bring Me Back To Life too?
Yep, definitely has that AVA/U2 sound Tom went for, and the “ANDDDDD I” is obviously similar to the Letters To God chorus. I just love the way Blind Ambition flows into BMBTL. Then BMBTL into Way Down.
I’m so excited to see them tonight in Anaheim! I think this will be like the 4th or 5th time I’ve seen them lol I’m really hoping they play starting over or it is real (or both). Also going to be picking up the vinyl.
Kudos to MerchNow, I ordered the pre-ordered the vinyl Wednesday (along with a few other things), and it'll be delivered tomorrow. Hell yeah.
nearly done w my first listen of this. got nothing new to add really. this feels like classic dangerous summer again. would've called them my favorite band at one time and it's really nice to be excited about them again. can't wait to let this soundtrack my summer
This has me revisiting the self titled again, which I always liked but never felt drawn to. This definitely feels like a refinement of that sound to me, and there’s some all time great TDS songs on that one
I really like This Is Life, Valium, Fire, and Ghosts in particular. There isn’t a song I dislike on it, but a couple I’m just kinda indifferent towards.
Fuuuuuuck me... was on the fence about going by myself and ended up deciding to just call it a night and go home after work. Really wishing I had gone now. Ah well.