Petar Vodogaz | Sydney, NSW Australia | 05/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am probably one of the biggest Lifehouse fan's that there is. This album is simply amazing and I love listening to it as much as I can. Jason Wade has exceeded with his voice and actions in this sojourn through a softer melodic path in their career as a group. 'You And Me' and 'Into The Sun' are the hits of this beautiful album. This album is for a bona-fide Lifehouse fan and any fan of romantic moody music. There is songs in this album that are for romantic evenings, wedding dance songs, candlelit dinners as well as just sitting back and relaxing.
This is Lifehouse at their best. This album isn't as good as 'No Name Face' but it sure comes close. My two all time favourite Lifehouse songs are 'Simon' and 'Everything' followed by 'Storm' and 'You And Me'. This album continues the great work of the past albums and continues the evolution of this great group. The video of You And Me is beautiful to watch.
I hope Lifehouse brings out a DVD of many of their songs, it would be fitting for this group of talented young men who are well on their ways to achieving some great accolades and fame. Thankyou Lifehouse for your music that is some of the best I have ever heard as well as inspiring, joyful and retrospective."
Lifehouse have done something speical here!
Mark J. Shiel | Mars, Universe | 03/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you have ever liked any of Lifehouse's previous music you are going to love this! Jason Wade and crew return to provide heartfelt lyrics and really strong hooks that will blow you away. Although this album is comfortable enough for even the casual listener who is into this type of music. Like any good performer they ace the test and make it look all too easy.
After a difficult period losing two members and one founding member, Lifehouse return with a new bassist and an impressive range of tracks. From the excellent upbeat sounding opener "Come Back Down" into the romantic first single "You and me" the album rocks up another sure fire hit with "Blind" which is a clear contender for the second single. As you dig deeper you will find hit after hit as front man Wade romps through a lyric writing masterclass!
With so many top tracks to choose from, it is no surprise that peoples opinions differ greatly on the best track, but for sure you will find one that you love! I suggest you take a moment, close your eyes, breathe in deeply and really appreciate the emotion within this album. It's Lifehouse at there best.
This album finds Lifehouse at the top of their game musically and lyrically. The best album of the year to date and come years end, I know for sure it will still be way up there! You have to buy this album, your missing out if you don't!"
Incredible Album! You'll be hanging on by more than a moment
Harold Carroll | Richmond, KY | 03/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After blowing up on the charts with 2001's "Hanging by a Moment" and massive sales on their debut album "No Name Face" Lifehouse seemed destined for success. But after poor label support (Dreamworks) their follow up album "Stanley Climbfall" came and went almost unnoticed. But it's not entirely the labels fault. The album was weak. Only 2 or so songs sounded anywhere near on par with what "No Name Face presented. So the band faded into near oblivion until recently.
The band went through some small lineup changes and replaced some member with good friends and went back at it and have now joined Geffen records. Their Third major label album simply titled "Lifehouse" was released on 3/22/05.
So did it match up to "No Name Face" or fall like "Stanley Climbfall"? Let's put it this way, this album couldn't have come at a better time. With such artists on the radio as John Mayer, this album couldn't have been released at a better time. It is full of the things that made "No Name Face" a success from mellow guitars, easy to listen to vocals, and Powerful material. This album is a much better follow up album and could be the album that propels Lifehouse even further than their debut did. It's amazing. Not one song sounds like another yet they are all really well done and in the style of Lifehouse.
The standout single "You and Me" was a good choice. It is a ballad but that is usually what appeals and draws people in yet there are many songs on the album that surpass the single such as "Blind" which is an ode to lead vocalist Jason Wade's dead father. It is easily one of the most powerful and emotional songs I have had the pleasure of hearing. There are so many standouts on this album "Come Back Down", "All in All", "Into the Sun". This album is a deep and soothing listening experience and gets you away from the world.
"Lifehouse" have definitely outdone themselves on this album. If you were a fan of their first album then you definitely need to get this one and it is impossible for you to be disappointed. They have definitely grown and the lineup changes suited the band. The new label has been behind the album and have given them top notch quality. The album was initially going to be an independant release but jumping in and helping out might be one of the best moves Geffen has ever made. Check it out.
FINAL ANALYSIS: If you are looking for something to get away from the world, chill out, and listen to that is soothing, sometime upbeat, deep and smart lyrically, this is definitely your album
"
GREAAT CD!
Jared | New York, USA | 03/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is really great- I was worried that it wouldn't be so good but after hearing You & Me on the radio, I changed my mind. I decided to buy the cd.
Come Back Down- pretty good track-not the best on the album but not the worst. 8.5 out of 10.
You and Me - great great track-not overplayed like Hanging by a Moment - 9 out of 10.
Blind - great slow song - 9 out of 10.
All in All - one of my favorites on this cd - 10 out of 10.
Better Luck Next Time - my favorite on this cd. I love this track - 11 out of 10.
Days Go By - so so - not as great as tracks 4 and 5. 7 out of 10
Into the sun - slow track - not my favorite. 7 out of 10.
Undone - I cant stop listening to this track- I LOVE THIS TRACK - 11 out of 10.
We'll Never Know - not my favorite- 7 out of 10.
Walking Away - slow song but nice - 8 out of 10.
Chapter One - very moving song- I really like this one - 9.5 out of 10.
The End Has Only Begun - not the best way to close this awesome cd. 7 out of 10.
All in all, this cd is great. It does have its share of not-so-great slow songs, but tracks 1,2,3,4,5 and 8 overweigh them. This cd is great, and if you liked Lifehouse's older 2 albums, you'll love this one. This cd is awesome- I cant stop listening to it. BUY IT!!
"
A review doesn't do them justice
SiN | Montreal, Canada | 06/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album reminds me of why this band is such an integral part of my life. It started off with No Name Face and continued with Stanley Climbfall,... but this album re-ignites a musical passion that's been missing in mainstream music for so many years.
1. Come Back Down - a phenomenal opening, where the first few chords immediately capture your emotional attention; one of the greatest songs they've ever written. 5/5
2. You and Me - whether at a wedding, prom, or any Smallville formal dance, this song really reflects that heart-tugging moment in its most simplistic beauty. Jason Wade's vocals wafts along so calmly and effortlessly, making this an elegantly understated ballad. 4.8/5
3. Blind - Such a passionate, powerful song with unsubdued emotion; an expression of love and loss at its ultimate, heart-wrenchingly despondent core. The result of this virtuous undertaking is a song that's as inspiring as it is heart-breaking. A masterpiece, a classic. The essence of the album. 5+/5
4. All in All - Another excellent song; catchy but not overwhelming, light-hearted and fresh. It's simple, but reels you in immediately. 4.8/5
5. Better Luck Next Time - Only Lifehouse could have written such a riveting and irrestible number. Don't be put off if by it's edginess if you're a seeker of senstive ballads; this unpredictable piece demands your attention. 5/5
A peek at the first five tracks alone reveal an astonishing assortment of inspired song-writing accompanied by flawless instrumental arrangements. The latter half of the album delivers even more diverse material, with Lifehouse incorporating influences from bands like the Beatles in "Chapter One" and "The End Has Only Begun." "Walking Away" is hauntingly nostalgic while "Into the Sun" is wistfully beautiful. Radio would-be favorites "Undone" and "We'll Never Know" are discrete gems likely to be overpowered by the first five tracks, but eventually claim their own standout status.
Although veteran Lifehouse fans will probably argue that their No Name Face album is the unsurpassed standard, many will agree that this album is close to (if not better) than its predecessors. It's different in that they experiment with new sounds, veering in alternate, sometimes unexpected directions. But Lifehouse's defining element is never completely lost; as always, the band plays with such delicate honesty and clarity, that they can't seem to dissapoint. New listeners need to give this band a chance. Sure, you might listen to the album and hate it - or you might just discover a musical ingenue that sincerely empathizes with the very emotions you thought no one could ever understand. This band is incredible - even more so live - I have no doubt they'll be able to prove themselves once again."