On September 7th, 2014, I woke up so excited to go to the show. After a few hours of being awake, I got the news that my Uncle George passed away. Even though we were never really close, I was upset. I considered not going but knew he’d want me to go have fun, anyway. I ended up having a blast. But when Will started singing the second part to ‘American Secrets’. I was bawling. It was like Uncle George was singing it to me. From that day on, I had a connection with this music unlike I’ve ever had with any other. So I went home and purchased every song they’ve released.
It’s been two and a half years since they released their last album, Overnight. Without anymore waiting, Wide Awake has finally been added to my music library! This album is filled with songs of romance, songs to dance to, and songs about life. I’m so proud of this band and how far they’ve come! They’ve been around for years, so if you’re just now hearing about them through this blog, you have a lot of catching up to do!
As with any album review I write, I take each song and apply it to where my life is currently. I generally speak directly to the artist, if they read it. I'll plug in a few self promotions and previous blogs that go further in depth to a few of the situations I relate some songs to. The beauty of music is how it’s taken in differently by everyone. The power behind music is being able to relate it to something in your life and feeling those emotions. I know Will doesn’t necessarily write about anything in particular. But the passion behind his writing is so deep. So without further adieu, here is my review of Parachute's album, Wide Awake:
WITHOUT YOU: What an incredible song to start this album off with! It’s fun, it’s groovy, and I dance every time I hear it. I was able to cover it with my best friend, Morgan. We had so much fun with this! My first initial review of it is in the description of this video link: https://youtu.be/4ZnYtBT5Qwk
WHAT SIDE OF LOVE: I’ll be honest, I wasn’t a fan of this song at first. But it’s definitely grown on me, since y’all released it. The lyrics are incredibly meaningful in regards to life. I feel like it should be called “What Side of Life”. It’s motivational by telling you just to keep going for what you want in life. And can we please talk about that key change at 2:43?! The whole song just makes me feel like I’m back in the chorus room in high school. #SOPRANOFTW
JENNIE: I love the John Mayer vibe to this. I’ve never been too into him, but I do enjoy his music when I hear it. I feel like this song is about letting yourself go and wanting to find yourself again. Or not even yourself, but something you lost and want back. It makes me realize how lost I was five months ago and how I’m slowly figuring out how to live again.
EVERYTHING: I was already crying before the words started. It just seemed like an emotional song. The strings made it so much more powerful too. The only thing I thought about while listening to this was my [only] niece, Melissa. She’s truly the light to everything in my life. I know I’m not perfect, but she’s perfectly placed in my heart. She’s loved by so many people and I will wait for the day she realizes that. Here’s an open letter I wrote to her: http://alishamarie1993.blogspot.com/2016/01/open-letter-to-my-niece.html
LONELY WITH ME: I love songs that end instrumentally to start into another song! I had the pleasure of hearing this one at your acoustic show, in Atlanta. I fell in love with it immediately. It’s such a sweet song! It’s so fun to dance to as well. When artists sing about places, it makes me want to travel to the places they’re singing about. I mean, I want to travel in general. But when songs make places sound fun, it adds more adventure to my list. Random talking and goofing off in studio in the final recording of songs make me happy. It gives reassurance that the artist had fun planning the album. I will definitely try to work on a cover for this one, so be on the lookout for it, here: http://www.youtube.com/alishamarie1993
LOVE ME ANYWAY: Whoa. This is relatable about how I recently let someone go. We didn’t get to know each other deep enough for us to love each other. I didn’t give him a chance to get to know me because I was afraid of him loving me. Aside from that guy, I feel like this song is about anyone in your life who stays by your side despite what you’re going through. They stay regardless of what happened in your past. They love you for who you are. The beat to this song is just so raw and real. It really fits into the meaning of this song. If you’re interested in the story behind that guy, you can read my blog about it here: http://alishamarie1993.blogspot.com/2016/02/incomplete.html
NEW ORLEANS: I. LOVE. THIS. SONG. I fell in love with it the day y’all released it. You retweeted someone who mentioned that it takes them back to your album, “The Way It Was”. I AGREE! It also makes me think of the Disney movie, The Princess and the Frog. It’s jazzy, romantic, and just amazing. When I first heard it, I thought of my sister and the adventures she had when she went to New Orleans. So my connection to it is kinda sweet. Also Kit kills the sax every time. This is probably my favorite on the album. Though I won’t confirm that until I know every single song and start singing them in my sleep.
WHEN YOU MOVE: I love the strum patterns in this. I love the sound strings make when you slide to each chord. It makes my love for playing guitar more passionate. The harmony is precious. I can’t really connect to the lyrics right now, but perhaps I’ll have a better review of it another time.
GETAWAY: Well if I wasn’t awake, I’m wide awake now! *ba dum tsk* It’s so rockin’! I freaking LOVE the sax and guitar solos. I feel like this song is saying F**K YOU, I’M LEAVING! It’s a good song to listen to when you quit your job.
CRAVE: Dudes, I’ve been dancing to this song since May. It’s kept me pumped for this album! I added it to my sister’s wedding playlist, in July!
WHAT BREAKS MY HEART: Ugh feeeeels!! This is one of those songs you listen to after a breakup when your ex already has someone else when you haven’t even moved on yet. It hurts so much to move on, especially when you two were so madly in love and it just didn’t work out. Also, if you’ve been friend zoned and your crush doesn’t know how you truly feel, let them listen to this.
WAKING UP: This one is about realizing your calling in life and pursuing it with your entire heart. We get so caught up with excuses and comfortability and never wake up to see what’s been in front of us the whole time. I think this is a great song to end this album on because it's another motivational one. Though I must admit, whenever you whisper “wake up”, it’s a tad creepy. But I love it at the same time!
Overall, this album is perfect. I love how y’all have gone back to your old sound yet given yourselves a new vibe. I honestly connect with it all. I have such a hard time picking favorites with your music because it’s all so amazing and put together so well. You’ve truly gone above and beyond, with this one. I’m very proud to be supporting your art. Jonny, Kit, and Will, you’re all so talented and I can’t wait for May 2nd to get here so I can see y’all again!
Here’s the site for more information on the band, their music, and their upcoming tour:
http://www.weareparachute.com
No comments:
Post a Comment