Untitled 2008-01-16
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Dave Matthews, for the most part, I like. However though, it really seems that DMB just slowly deterioated into crap. Just listen to Everyday, and even worse, Stand Up really got some bad reviews. Too be fair, I haven't heard Stand Up, but just looking at the reviews from actual DMB fans, it just seeems to be a failure. Plus, read the reviews. Half of the reason why DMB is enjoyable is their songwriting.
This album is a bit of a step down, but totally bland songs like Cry Freedom sadly hint of the later days. While this album, as a whole, isn't bad compared to Under The Table and Dreaming, I can already hear some uninspiring songs and ideas, and the worst part is, it's unexciting and forgettable. Thankfully, the majority of the songs are excellent.
Crash is a bit more personal, a little more dark compared to Under The Table and Dreaming. Not dark like a death metal album, but it's so hard to understand. The darker undercurrents is what can draw me into some of the songs like Two Step and the title track. When the band lets loose, this is when they really kick. Too Much, So Much To Say, and Tripping Billies are the songs I want to hear live, if I ever get the chance to see DMB live. They let loose with other songs like Lie In Your Graves. When Dave Matthews Band go upbeat and loose, they hardly fault. Well, except Drive In Drive Out.
The slower songs are the reasons there are boring parts and both engaging. I never really considered Matthews to be a lyrical genius, which is one reason why some of the slower songs on here don't engage me. When they use more interesting melodies and rythms, they hardly make it bland. However, Let You Down (yes, even despite the percussion), Cry Freedom, and Proudest Monkey really don't, which is why they become forgettable. On top of that, Dave's voice is extremely boring, and it's hard to feel anything from the songs. DMB fans may like them, but for me, they don't do much. I like slower songs, but only if I can feel something.
The whole album is well produced, but not overproduced. These guys, while not the most talented musicians ever (one thing Dave heads can never quite understand), play very well. I laugh when people use the solos as an excuse for hating DMB, but to me, they do something to me inside. Not quite all the jams, but it's hard to pinpoint it. Maybe because I like the tones they give out. Who knows? I don't know a thing about physcology!
Overall, this album is solid, but still lacks a bit in the slower areas. Still, I reccomend you listen to Crash and don't exactly judge on the first listen.
PS as of writing this, there are 311 five star reviews. Nice!
8/10