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That's my impression of the first five songs on this album. It's sort of unnatural how they do that.
I play drums every few years for the local college theatre group, and I couldn't help but notice that a singalong of "Never Let You Go" has become their preshow tradition (just as "Cecilia" by Paul Simon owns their postshows). It's that kind of song, and this is that kind of album.
No sophomore slump here. While the second half does fall off a bit, you will forgive, or I'll just have to get all John Cusack on you with the boombox.
_Blue_ manages to be both sad and joyous simultaneously, which is never easy to do, and it simply sounds really, really good loud.
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Third Eye Blind's sophomore effort "Blue" was one of my favorites when it was released in 1999, and it's still an album I listen to fairly regularly even today. Following the multiplatinum smash that was their 1997 debut Third Eye Blind, which had multiple hit singles and established a huge following, "Blue" finds the band in a less depressed mood and rocking a little harder. Something I always admired about 3EB was how they were able to balance commercial success with artistry. Each album had a handful of bona fide pop radio monsters, but they fit into the albums' progressions of emotions and ideas. Even while being a very mainstream and accessible band, they remained artistic and their sometimes wild and emotional lyrics were not molded by the Top 40. In relation to Third Eye Blind, which was often more somber and sad, "Blue" has more upbeat, electric guitar-heavy tunes. The songwriting is as equally brilliant, and the combination of great songwriting, production, sensibility, and pure musical talent again establishes 3EB as one of post-grunge rock's greatest bands in my mind. Stephan Jenkins spends more time shrieking in his signature falsetto, and Kevin Cadogan and Arion Salazar are given more room to shine. Overall, "Blue" is a absolutely fun, emotional, and artistic gem of late-90s rock.
I only have a few minor complaints about the album. I sometimes tend to skip over a few of the late tracks on the disc, the slower and less memorable ones, but a closer listen actually finds these songs quite compelling. As other reviewers have noted, shoppers should beware of an indistinguishable "edited" version, which cuts the lyrically disturbing "Slow Motion" from the tracklist and includes an instrumental version as the last song. Both versions look identical, so if shopping for this in a store, consumers should closely review the tracklists.
The album begins with the short "Anything," a fast, hard-rocking, dramatic ballad and a great start to the album. "Wounded" continues lyrically in the same vein, a sad song of lost love, but musically is much slower and sad. One of my favorites follows, the ingenious "Ten Days Late," an immediately catchy guitar jam which gives way to a bridge with a full choir break. The first single "Never Let You Go" is an absolute classic, a completely perfect pop song. From the inescapable guitar riffs to the clever lyrics, bridge, and "rap" that finish the song, this song should be remembered as one of the greatest of the late 90s. "Deep Inside of You" was the second single. I find this song similar to "How's It Going to Be" from their debut. It's an effective slow jam, with a more acoustic feel. Jenkins' performance is gripping, and the final push at the end is memorable. The pounding "1000 Julys" precedes one of the very best songs here, "An Ode to Maybe." The confused verses are nearly a backdrop to the awesome arrangement, instantly catchy. "The Red Summer Sun" is a very unique and likable cut, and the fast rock 'n roll of "Camoflage" sets it apart. "Farther" is a song that's grown on me over the years, the simple production is nice. The aforementioned "Slow Motion" is one of their most radical works, a must-hear. The midtempo "Darkness" closes the album along with maybe my favorite song, "Darwin." The electronic instrumentals make a fun sound, and the crazy verses give into an awesome hook. I love the acoustic riff at the beginning and end too.
While it didn't create quite as many waves as its predecessor, I think "Blue" is just about every bit as enjoyable as their groundbreaking debut was. What's sad is that it seems like, from a commercial standpoint, "Blue" was the peak for 3EB. Hopefully, a new album will surface as rumored and more great music will come our way. Until then, definitely pick up "Blue" if you haven't already.
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This album is awesome...Although not as good as the first one, this is 3EB delivering what the fans seek, a brilliant Alternative-Pop Rock masterpiece...
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This cd goes down as one of the most under-rated rock records of the last 15 years. You will be humming these songs all day. Great production values too. Get this. You will love it. Wounded is an unbelievable rock song. Get it for that alone.
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One of the best albums I have ever heard. Well done.
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