Album Review: lowborn by Anberlin

"Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighted on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath." - Psalm 62:9. This is the Bible verse that Anberlin based their final album on. They say every good thing must come to an end. As true as that may be, sometimes it hurts. It hurts bad. Anberlin has been one of my favorite bands ever since I heard "The Unwinding Cable Car" back in 2007, I think it was. After I heard that song, I fell in love and got their album Cities. I loved that album so much that my brother, like a year or so later, I got their New Surrender album for Christmas. I still love that album and it is one of my favorites by them. Then I discovered all their other albums (Blueprints For the Black Market, Never Take Friendship Personal, & Lost Songs) and once again fell in love. I saw them for the first time in June at Warped Tour and just recently got my ticket for their final tour. Warped was emotional and the final tour will more than likely be worse. I can be happy, though, that they are leaving because they miss their families and not because of fighting. lowborn is a great way to finish off a career and they dip in just about every genre in the album. I love it, and I guarantee you will as well.

The album kicks off with the heavy track "We Are Destroyer." The song is about how these days, we rarely earn things ourselves anymore. We are given so much that we almost expect it. The song is talking to God and asking Him to "give us what we think we need." Yet if He does that, as the song says "We don't wanna learn." The second song on the album, "Armageddon" is a rock song, with a hint of dubstep at the beginning. I relate it to kind of sounding like "Madness" by Muse, just with more guitar. The song is about how we all start our own wars and by that, we are stuck in our own hell.

"Stranger Ways" was the album's lead single. We all just meet someone and think they our are soulmate already. We barely know the person and we wanna marry them and call them our lover, which makes no sense at all and is at times, sad. One of the things Anberlin is known for is weird song titles. "Velvet Covered Brick" is no failure to that. The song is about how most people waste their lives away and when it comes time to die, they aren't ready because they haven't got to experience everything they have "wanted" to experience in life.

"Atonement" is the halfway point in the album at song number five. The song is the band reflecting on their career and explaining why they are breaking up. Its also a message to their fans that they would have never been successful without them. Its assuring the fans that although they have loved places they have seen, their heart is going to a better place. "Birds of Prey" is a breakup song. They miss the relationship, and wish they could change the past. The metaphor in the song is how like birds of prey, the memories circle in their mind and never leave.

"Dissenter is the most un-Anberlin song, if that makes sense. The album was inspired partly by hardcore and heavy metal so they decided to take a crack at a hardcore song themselves. I'm not disappointed by any means. It's about some people claiming they aren't Christians because of some of their lyrical content. "Losing It All" is one of my favorites on the album. Its another song from the band to the fans. They assure the fans that although they are breaking up, Anberlin's music is still there so its not losing everything.

"Hearing Voices" is the second single from the album and is a classic Anberlin song. Guitar, bass, keyboard, drums. Nothing else is in the song. The song is about how we all want to get to Heaven or we all want to know God, but we are not willing to do the work for either. "Harbinger" is the final closing track from Anberlin. They want to go out in a way that fans will remember them, as much as it hurts. And what a way they created to remember them.

In their 12 year career, Anberlin never won a Grammy and was never even nominated. It is a surprising factor to many fans. Although they weren't the most successful band ever, they have over a million dedicated fans, which also means a million broken hearts, and it had to be done sometime. Thankfully they didn't fight to break up.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Purchase Links: iTunes, Amazon MP3 (on sale for $6.99)

Top 3 Songs: "We Are Destroyer," "Hearing Voices," "Dissenter"

For Fans Of: 30 Seconds To Mars, Fall Out Boy, Paramore

Album Review: Pop Psychology by Neon Trees

Neon Trees first came on to the music scene in 2008 with their mega-hit "Animal." Then the hits just kept pouring in. After that came "Everybody Talks" and "Lessons In Love." They are very slowly becoming very popular. The Quartet from Murrieta, CA (20 minutes from where I live) now has come out with another huge single "Sleeping With A Friend." That is off their 3rd studio album "Pop Psychology," which just released on April 22nd. They seem to keep a sound that you don't hear with any other band. They are almost a cross between The Killers and Katy Perry. I love the sound and if you like pop/rock music, I guarantee you will love this album.

The album starts out with the fun song "Love In The 21st Century." Like most of their songs, it is about a relationship. The song talks about how relationships these days have a lot of consequences. It hurts when you go through a break up and that is basically what the song is about. The second song on the album "Text Me In The Morning" is about any college party you will go to. You get drunk, meet someone and you can't remember any of it. (FYI, I have never done this.) That's why the song says "text me in the morning and tell me you still love me" because sadly, a lot of people have one night stands at these parties.

The third song is the album's lead single, "Sleeping With A Friend." I actually like this song because, although it is supposed to be a "sex song," it doesn't really get too sexual with the lyrics. It is basically a song about how you are and aren't in love with someone at the same time. The next song, "Teenager In Love," describes how every teenager's first relationship is, awkward. Once again another fun song and one of my faves.

I love "I Love You (But I Hate Your Friends)." The title basically describes what the song is about. Its about a relationship that your significant other's friends don't approve of but you still love each other despite judgements. "Unavoidable" is my favorite is my favorite on the album and if you know me, you will know why. I am a sucker for a good ballad and the guys (and girl) of NT are really good at writing them.

"Voices In the Halls" is another one of my favorites. Its a song about a break up. Everyone goes through a hard break up and you try to remember them in anyway possible. In this particular situation, they are trying to hear the lover's voice in the hallway. I feel like "Foolish Behavior" could be played at the end of a romantic movie. Its about a couple who start out strangers but then they fall in love.

"Living In Another World" almost has a punk-pop feel to it. The lead singer of NT, Tyler Glenn, recently came out of the closet and this is what this song is about. He always denied because he was afraid that "the world wasn't ready for an actual gay pop star instead of straight people being gay spokespeople" (Quote from Rolling Stone Interview with Tyler Glenn). The closing track on the album, "First Things First," (ironic name for a closing track, eh?) is about the band's journey. Every band starts out playing small coffee shops and only like 25% make it. They started out small and look at them now. One of the world's biggest bands.

Overall, the album is a good Wake-Me-Up album. You could probably even listen to is when you are at the gym or having a run. I suggest this for fans of pop or rock or even a little funk.

Rating: 9.8 out of 10

Purchase Links: iTunes (has a bonus track), Amazon MP3

Top 3 Songs: "I Love You (But I Hate Your Friends)," "Living In Another World," "Unavoidable"

For Fans Of: The Killers, Katy Perry, Michael Jackson

Album Review: Rivers in the Wasteland by NEEDTOBREATHE

It is crazy to think it has been 2 1/2 years since I did a review for NEEDTOBREATHE's 2012 release The Reckoning. For the record, that is still one of my favorite albums of all time. But forget about the NTB you knew from the first 4 records. The band has taken an almost indie sound on their latest release, Rivers in the Wasteland. It is yet another excellent release from the band. After lineup changes and struggling to finish the album, the guys are back and I'm very glad they are. But like I said previously, forget the old NTB, they have matured both with sound and lyrically. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you NEEDTOBREATHE's latest release, Rivers in the Wasteland.

The album starts out with the title track, "Wasteland." That is also what their current World Tour is called. The song deals with the struggle the band has had. It seems as if everyone is against them but they find light, "If God is on my side/Who can be against me?" The second track, "State I'm In," is my favorite song on the album. Once again, it is another personal song and the band doesn't know about the state they are in and that they have a long way to go yet.

NEEDTOBREATHE started when the band was finishing up high school. This song is about their journey from then to now. The band almost ended during the absence (despite various amounts of success) and they are asking that they aren't done just quite yet after all the success that they have had (ie touring with Taylor Swift or how big "Keep Your Eyes Open" got). The band is originally from North Carolina. Which is more than likely why the next song is called "Oh, Carolina." When you are a fairly big band, you spend 200-250 days of the year on the road. That's what the song is about. Once they get back home, they have quite a few stories to tell.

One of the album's lead single's is "Difference Maker." This song is a story of Bear (lead singer's) past life. In the song, he talks about how he used to be a broken man and now God has taken him and made him a difference maker. With this record, the band almost had to start over. The album is 11 tracks, just like their debut. "Rise Again" is a song about how the band, although with struggles, they will rise again.

"The Heart" is another one of my favorites on the album. Its just a simple and happy love song. I have a feeling Bear wrote it for his wife. When your heart knows what it wants, there is a reason to celebrate, right? Tune in to the Ellen DeGeneres Show this Friday to see it performed on her show. A lot of the time, bands play and make music more for the fun of it because they don't make as much money as you think (75% of music is stolen for free). That's what "Where the Money Is" is about. They don't want to know where the money is because they don't make a lot of it, as most bands.

"Multiplied" is a beautiful love song to God. Its worshiping all that he is. It is one of their most beautiful worship songs to date ("Garden"is easily at the top). In the song, they want all the hallelujahs to God to keep on Multiplying until everyone knows who He is. When you are in a band, your band-mates become almost like family. Which is what "Brother" is about. In the song, they vow to never leave each other and they will be each other's shelter through the storm.

The last song on the album is "More Heart, Less Attack." Once again, it is a personal song for the band. Its basically a song that says to leave the past in the past. Never dwell on what has happened in the past.


The album is really good and may even be better than The Reckoning. On the album, the band combines Rock, Country , and Indie and they fit the three together perfectly. Although not as much Rock as the past records, they come through amazing once again. Whether you are a new fan or a fan since the beginning, you will enjoy this album and will have it on repeat.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Purchase Links: iTunes, Amazon MP3

Top 3 Songs: "Multiplied," "The Heart," "State I'm In"

For Fans Of: Mumford & Sons, Taylor Swift, Rend Collective

Why Taco Bell Should Make the Beefy Crunch Burrito a Permanent Item

I know that this post will probably get little or even no attention but I just thought I needed to write this. First of all, I am really missing the Beefy Crunch Burrito. In fact, if someone walked up to me and said "If Taco Bell makes the Beefy Crunch a permanent item, you will never find your true love," I would accept in a heartbeat. I love the food at Taco Bell, but when this was an item, it was the only thing I ate. I have probably consumed about 50 of these since its first appearance in 2010. That year, my family took a trip to Texas and this was one of the only things we ate (I'm from California and its a long trip). The hotel we were staying at for my uncle's wedding in Texas had a Taco Bell right across the street, so I bet you can guess how I celebrated the New Year that year. With about 2 or 3 of these bad boys. I never have understood why Taco Bell has this a temporary item. It was the best seller both times they have had it and they can't seem to keep it on the menu. This could be because they aren't making enough money off of it. Here is a genius idea: Why don't you raise the item $.50 which it would only $1.49, like some of the most popular items on the menu. Raising it at such a small margin would make customers still want it because it still wouldn't break the bank. No offense to Taco Bell, but it is really dumb that you have this for a month or so and then remove it from the menu. You make a crap load off this burrito. People will go crazy over it and get it every day. I recommend bringing this back, Taco Bell, because many fans don't go to your restaurant just because of this. 

Album Review: Supermodel by Foster The People

Well, Foster The People is finally back. And boy am I glad. The only song you heard on the radio by them for the past four years is "Pumped Up Kicks." Not saying that its a bad song, just it gets old after awhile. Earlier this year, the band released "Coming of Age," and it was an instant hit among fans who have been waiting too long for a new album from these guys. I, for one, am glad to see them back in the music scene and am enjoying the new album very much. I have seen several negative reviews on the album, but I personally think that is because not that many people actually like indie. If you are a fan of indie music, this album is a must-get.

The album starts off with the Alternative (which is what indie is, in a sense) "Are You What You Want To Be?" The song even has a little bit of a reggae sound, in my opinion. The song talks about how people these days are almost forced to do things they don't want to do. The second track is a nice ballad. "Ask Yourself" opens eyes to a lot of people. A lot of the time, people will dream and when they get what they dreamed of, they are not satisfied and just want more, aka greed.

"Coming of Age" is the band's first single in 3 years and first successful single in nearly 4 years. I love the song, a nice alternative tune with a lot of keyboard. It is about how things (like the band did) will change over time. "Nevermind" starts out with a nice finger picking of an acoustic guitar. The song suggests to forget what you are looking for because sometimes, it could be standing right in front of you.

"Pseudologia Fantastica" is probably my favorite song on the album. From the lyrics, it sounds like it is about the band's journey over the past three or four years. With the new album they almost had to start over since they were gone so long. "Best Friend" is technically the 6th song on the album, but there is an interlude ("The Angelic Welcome of Mr. Jones") between that and "Pseudologia Fantastica." It is probably my second favorite on the album. The title says it all. It is a song about best friends.

The album's 7th track, "A Beginner's Guide To Destroying The Moon," starts out with synths and that is pretty much what leads the entire song. The song has an almost sarcastic tone toward people who have "too much power." Indie can have some of the weirdest songs/lyrics ever, which might be why the album doesn't have as many good reviews as bad ones. That's exactly what "Goats in Trees" is. I kind of feel like its a nice acoustical love song but you never know sometimes. What do you think its about? Every song has a story.

"The Truth" has an almost Dubstep beat throughout the song. Fame can be a tough thing. You are always gonna get people criticizing you and they tell you what too be (which is what has happened to America's sweetheart, Taylor Swift). As most albums do, "Supermodel" ends with a slow song. "Fire Escape" is the only song on the album without keyboard being the main instrument. This world is becoming a scary place to live and you never know what's going to happen, so you have to save yourself.

The album is a little on the long side. The shortest non-interlude song on the album clocks in at 4:22. It could be a little better for working on it for four years, to be completely honest. Other than that, I am glad that these guys are finally back with new music. Now "Pumped Up Kicks" will (hopefully) stop playing so much.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Purchase Links: iTunes, Amazon MP3

Top 3 Songs: "Coming of Age," "Best Friend," "Pseudologia Fantastica"

For Fans of: Echosmith, Of Monsters and Men, Switchfoot

My Thoughts On Gay Marriage...

Good afternoon everybody! I have been thinking about how to word this post for awhile now and I think I finally have the perfect wording and everything to make my opinions (based on truth) easy to understand. I would like to start this off by saying I am neutral on the whole gay marriage thing. I don't want anyone to start commenting stuff on this post and getting on me. If you didn't want to know my opinions, you shouldn't have read it. Simple as that.

1.) I do not think it is right to bully or make fun of them. That is wrong. I have been bullied and it hurts like hell. You cry and everything. Just think, if someone was bullying you, would you like it?

2.) Why is the media focused basically only on gay marriage? People are going to be gay so please get over it. There are other things in the news that could be covered that actually affect the wellbeing of America.

3.) I'm a Christian and am frankly pissed off on how the culture I represent treats gays. It is purely sick. The Bible says keep your bodies pure, yet 13, 14, 15+ year olds are having sex out of wedlock. The Bible says to not tattoo yourself or mark up your bodies. I have a tattoo, so I cant really say anything here. The Bible says "Help those in need." There are millions of people in America alone that need help. Why not focus news on that and help them? Most of all the Bible says "love one another."

All in all, people are going to be gay. We all need to get over it and deal with it.

Until Next Time,
Alex

5 Bands/Artists to Watch in 2014

Well, as you all know, I am a music junkie. Love every bit of it. So now, here is a new annual segment I am going to start on this blog. These are bands or artists that I think you need to watch this year. I think these bands will be big, either this year, or just a little bit longer than that. So watch out to bands like OneRepublic, Maroon 5 or Owl City. These bands/artists may just beat your album on the charts one day.

5. The Royal Concept

Who is The Royal Concept? Yeah, that was my question a few weeks back when my favorite band, Switchfoot, announced that these guys would be opening for them on the Spring Leg of the Fading West Tour. So of course, I go and look them up. Well not exactly. I was listening to iTunes radio for my other favorite band, Echosmith, when TRC's song "On Our Way" came on. "Hot dang they are good," I thought. So I listened to the entire Royal EP from them. Once again, I was not disappointed. Although I can't make it out to the Fading West Tour, I envy you if you can, because these guys seem like they would put on a good show.

4. J. Thoven

Let's keep up with the theme of bands that open for Switchfoot, why don't we? Well I saw these guys when they opened for Switchfoot back in June of 2013. I actually got their EP for free from their site before the show because I found out they were the opening act. The EP was enough sweetness to go around, but these guys put on one helluva live show. They blew everyone away. Including me. I think I was the only one who knew the words to their songs though haha. The sound like they are back in the studio, so if that is true I cannot wait to hear their new music because I guarantee it will be amazing.

3. Bridgit Mendler

Most known for her work on Good Luck Charlie and Lemonade Mouth, Disney Channel star Bridgit Mendler really hasn't hit the big time music scene yet. The only people who really know about her is Radio Disney listeners (I don't listen though). I first found out about her album in mid-2012 when iTunes had her song "Hurricane" as the free single of the week. So, of course, loving indie, I buy the album and the whole album is phenomenal. Most Disney Channel stars-turned-singers either twerk or date Bieber. Not her. I don't see any reason why she would want to. Her music is mature for her age (21) yet still appropriate for her young audience. Its hard to believe Miley is the same age and does the stuff she does. I saw her live last June and she was amazing. Now that her contract with Disney Channel is ending, hopefully she can get to recording a second album. If its half as good as her debut album, Hello My Name Is..., Then she will definitely breakout.

2. Tiffany Alvord

What to say about Miss Alvord? Well she is young, beautiful and I think I am forgetting something... OH YEAH! She can sing. And most of the world doesn't actually know it. She has been putting covers of current top 40 hits on YouTube for going of 5 years now. And not to mention has 2 full-length original albums with music videos to about half those songs. I have been watching her for a good 3 or 4 years at this point and have just wanted her to breakout so bad, but that just hasn't happened yet and I don't know why. She writes songs in a similar way as Taylor Swift. So why is it that Taylor is the biggest popstar in the world and Tiffany isn't? That is a question I, sadly, cannot answer. She is currently in the writing stage for her third original album, and I hope for her sake, it kicks major ass on iTunes, Billboard, all that lovely stuff. If not by itself, I will make sure that she gets huge.

1. Echosmith

If you follow me on Twitter (@Alex_Vanderspek if you don't), you see me tweet about these guys and girl all the time. I don't know how they aren't huge yet, considering they were on Warped Tour last year. They gained a few fans at every show, but not like other bands. But there is a reason why. Because they are Indie. Indie is slowly becoming popular, but definitely isn't favored by most parties. They are definitely at the top of my list for most played bands on my iPod. The band of four siblings, Sydney (lead vocals, keys), Jaime (guitar, vocals), Noah (bass, vocals), and Graham Sierota (drums), released their debut album Talking Dreams back in October. It is definitely, in my opinion, up there with my favorite albums of 2013. The best part about them? They are all 20 or under. In fact, I'm older than 3/4 of the band. Just trust me, go to Warped 2014, see these guys, buy a shirt and a CD and watch them become a household name in the near future. Oh and give them hugs and get an autograph too. 

What bands/artists do you think will be big this year? I think I'm pretty accurate with my predictions. If you're reading this, comment with your guess.

Until Next Time,

Alex