By "stock", I mean like... basic, I guess? Like Ryan just went with the first thing that came to his mind. That's not always a bad thing, because sometimes it best to not overthink it. However in this case it just feels clunky and boring to me in a way that feels really half baked. I get that that's just an opinion, maybe he worked harder on those melodies than any others on the record. Who knows! And I agree with the lyrics! Actually never said anything bad about them, hah. Between that and your response to the LP thing, it's clear that we simply just have different eyes for songwriting. To me, good lyrics are not enough to carry a song if you've got five entire people painting an almost entirely non-engaging musical backdrop.
I think the melody is great and the arrangement is fine, so I guess we’ll agree to disagree. I think “Rivertown” is kind of boring, even though it’s the one that LP fans love.
Aw man! Yeah, see I love that one. I'd go on about it but I guess that's kinda pointless hah. I do feel like it's worth mentioning that I'm not one of those people that's like "no LP no YC!!!", my two favorite records in their discog are probably the ones without him actually. His crazy fills and stuff were always cool but I mostly appreciated him for adding a unique rhymthic color to parts you wouldn't expect, like the verses of Telescope or the hi-hat rudiments in the verses of Vicious or chorus of Here I Am Alive -- just feel like that presence is missing on the title track.
This is hands down my favourite Yellowcard album. Other than OA I think it's their only one without a single song less than 8/10. such a consistently great album. The title track is incredible, absolute peak Yellowcard.
Yeah sorry I had to go to work earlier than usual so I didn't have time to end this round. Thank you for counting the votes @bachna84! Round is over now. Round 2: Rivertown Blues Vs. Awakening Always Summer Vs. Southern Air A Vicious Kind Vs. Surface of the Sun Sleep in the Snow Vs. Here I Am Alive
rivertown always summer surface of the sun; this should probably be the final right here sleep in the snow; eaaaaaaaaasy call it
Awakening (a pointless battle, I know, but I love it more) Always Summer (super tough, I think the violin solo pushes Summer of the edge for me though. One of my top YC song moments) Surface of the Sun Here I Am Alive (Another toughy, could have gone either way)