Lift A Sail hits really hard for me as it was released the same week as my grandad passed away. The first few opening strings of the album get me immediately.
If you haven’t read it, you might get something out of that retrospective piece I linked a few posts up. I also lost my grandpa right around when this album came out, and I still associate it strongly with him and that loss.
One of my favorite pieces on this website as well, @Craig Manning. I return to it often. I always find it remarkable how much music can bring us back to a certain time or place. In many cases, the records that I connect with the most can bring me so deeply back into those moments that I can feel as if I'm there again. Lift A Sail is no different, and these days it's really special to be able to take a trip back there. Those were difficult, dark days for me and that record was a constant throughout them. It wasn't my favorite initially, but I always loved its depth and I have since grown to connect with it even further as the years have gone by. Similarly, Lights and Sounds is my favorite Yellowcard record. It's just so deeply and personally tied to my life, and while I love this band for all of the positivity and hope they radiate in their summer anthems, L&S is the one that helped me through the most. Can't wait to give the entire piece a listen on Friday. Surely I'll listen to it 10, 11 years from now and remember these days fondly, too.
Yellowcard: “The point was, how do you find the sound that made everyone fall in love with Yellowcard?”
Can't state enough how much of Nate's drumming contributes to the vibe and sound of Lift A Sail. Without him, this album would be drastically different
Question for @williamryankey. How hard was it to wait until the release date knowing what you were about to bestow on the world? You guys must have been exploding every day on the inside! It's perfect, thank you and congratulations.
@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.
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.
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
Great piece, man. Didn’t expect a Yellowcard album review in 2025 to hit so close to home or bring this kind of comfort to a guy entering his 40s
"I want to believe we’ll be remembered for both the spark and the fire." I'm a little bit younger than the original group of listeners of Ocean Avenue, having only been 8 when it released, but your review hits so beautifully on how I'm viewing life and how I felt listening to this album last night for the first time. I'm learning to see life as a cumulative painting that treasures both past and present in a way I wasn't really capable of experiencing before. Weirdly, Yellowcard's album releases tend to coincide with really important moments in my life, and the trend continues with Better Days. It's a gift. Thanks for the great review!
No! But all the riffs are huge and the guitar across the board is really top-notch. If you are a Blink fan you'll also get extra enjoyment out of it.
JoBros have really been showing off their pop punk love on this tour, the list of who they have had is kinda incredible