For better or for worse, @Jason Tate's review really helped me dive into a certain mindset while listening to this the first time through. If anything, tapping into those emotions made this hit me even harder. "The Photograph" is really getting me right now. Absolute standout. I agree with Jason that "Coffee & Cigarettes" would've made a perfect closer, but "Back In The Van" acts as almost an epilogue. A fresh start after a ton of reflection, and the idea of starting something new rather than dwelling on the past. At least that's how it feels to me. Can't believe they pulled off multiple key changes lol.. so cheesy on paper but I'm obsessed.
Well, my first listen is finally done. I can't believe I don't have to keep avoiding hearing the studio version of "Do You Think About Us?" or the live version of "Coffee and Cigarettes" that may accidentally autoplay while I have had The Night Game on. It's as dreamy as I thought it would be, with backroads and summer sunsets. And loss. By the end of it, my heart ached for what Martin was searching for in his time of need in the process of creating this album that almost was never to be. This definitely can be reminiscent in the sounds of "Coffee and Cigarettes", but following it up with "Back in the Van", truly shows you the triumph and how he let music win his heart again, and for that, I think it is the perfect sequence and closing. As there are sports metaphors referenced throughout this project, I think it's safe to say the witer was cheering for themselves in that, as are us, the listeners. I honestly have a big weekend ahead of me, and this may or may not help me get through it!
After one spin I really enjoy this. It’s weird to think how much I loved the first Boys Like Girls album when I was in college and coming to this today it gave me some chills as it feels parallel to think of Martin writing something more for my music taste of today. Overall the album is sprinkled with 80’s sounds. Some strong Huey Lewis moments for me and other artists from that time which I love. It also gives off that cinema feel that instantly made me think of ‘coming of age’ films from the 80’s.
My vinyl came today. It’s so pretty and I will be listening to it with the lights off with an IPA on the porch starting now.
This is my absolute AOTY right now. The detail in these lyrics kill me. The bedroom he describes in "The Photograph," the sideways hug in "Coffee and Cigarettes." Just damn. Good lyrics always paint a picture in my head, but these songs especially are bringing me back to very vivid, specific memories I had with someone in the past. Wasn't really interested in revisiting them right now but here we are
Same story with me.... my first couple listens to the album got pretty emotional as I revisited memories of someone who was now in the past.
“Back In The Van” is such a good way to send you out. Reminds me of a fun. song with its swing and the way Martin is singing.
Honestly, when all we had were live versions, my favourite immediately was "Bad Girls Don't Cry", and alternating from that between "Do You Think About Us?", "The Photograph", "Die a Little" and "Back in the Van". But since the album dropped, I cannot stop thinking of "Coffee & Cigarettes" and "Summerland" - maybe because they are the most fresh as we heard pretty much everything else previously. I swear, "Summerland" was in my head all day yesterday when I didn't play it.
This is definitely a pleasant fall surprise for me. Didn't even know this band existed until last week. Cool to see Martin still in the business, and writing the best songs of his career. It's too bad Scrubs is done, a lot of these songs would be perfect!
Damn this is SICK! So jealous of my brother. He saw Butch Walker in Denver yesterday, booked a VIP ticket to see The Early November on the 18th, and sees The Night Game on Halloween.
The vocal performances on this album are so good. The way he says "don't you ever stop" in verse 2 of "The Photograph" hurtttssss
The Photograph and Coffee & Cigarettes both slay hard. They definitely both paint a picture whilst listening.
Yes! Favourite part of the song. There are so many moments throughout the album where a single line just crushes you just by his vocals.
This album starts out strong then slays from Do you Think About Us? To the end. Can’t wait to unravel all the intricacies