A.F.I. - Sing the Sorrow
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Free Music Notes for Sing the Sorrow
Free Music Review: AFI Evolves to New Levels With Sing the Sorrow
Hit: 5 Stars
AFI's new album, "Sing the Sorrow" displays an evolution of the band's musical and lyrical style. "Sing the Sorrow" takes punk music to a level that no one ever has (ok, the Clash come pretty close, but they took it in another direction.) On some of their earlier work a lot of the tracks sound similar. They have made each song on this album distinctly its own. By integrating many different styles such as dark wave, gothic, and still managing to keep their punk roots, AFI creates their most innovative album thus far. Aside from the quality of the music, the lyrics are perhaps some of the most well-written gothic poetry I have ever read. Despite the despairing tone, one is able to "find salvation scratched into the earth like a message" (hidden track). With apocalyptic imagery, obscure theological terminology, (such as anathema, discarnate, and preternatural) and the use of Latin, it is evident that there are heavy theological influences on the music.
Here is a track by track analysis of Sing the Sorrow:
1. Miseria Cantare- AFI seems to be fond of intro tracks, and this one blew me away. It begins with a subtle but beautiful symphony and evolves into a rallying chant, in the middle of which, Davey Havok's unique voice cuts through as he sings the melody. A very good way to set the tone for the album.
2. The Leaving Song Pt. II- Incredible guitar work and one of the best interludes on the album, they have truly mastered transition from soft and melodic to loud and intense. The haunting vocals make the song very memorable.
3. Bleed Black- good intro, not the best song on the album, but not a weak track either. The lyrics might just be better than the melody.
4. Silver and Cold- The ethereal piano intro sets this track aside from the rest of the album. Rather similar to The Leaving Song Pt. II in its approach.
5. Dancing Through Sunday- Closest to their punk roots as it gets on this CD and reminiscent of Art of Drowning (album preceding this one). It is best represents the title with its melancholic lyrics proclaimed with enthusiasm and energy. Ingenious guitar outro.
6. Girl's Not Grey- classified by many fans as the "radio friendly song" mainly because of its infectious chorus. Upon closer inspection, Girl's Not Grey goes deeper than immediately perceived.
7. Death of Seasons- This song definitely starts with a bang, but it eases into a deep melodic chorus foretelling an impending apocalypse. I watch the stars as they fall from the sky. I held a fallen star and it wept for me, dying. I feel the fallen stars encircle me now as they cry. The end of this song is as melodic as the beginning of Miseria Cantare.
8. The Great Disappointment- A bitter elegy of despair, a realization of deception. This song is deeply personal with too much "other worldliness" to not be fantasy.
9. Paper Airplanes (makeshift wings)- Extremely catchy guitar riffs and vocals. This song is something I can't get out of my head for several hours but enjoy every minute.
10. This Celluloid Dream- If I had to pick a favorite song on the album this would be it. This track is really a good follow-up for "Paper Airplanes". For any guitar players out there, this is a good one to learn. Here's a sample of the lyrics: Just like romantic verses, just like a joyous end, just like a memory it twists me. You land as lightly as the new snow onto the melting boy and melt away. You land as lightly you're so cinematic. Bathed in your radiance, I melt. That's about as close to a love song as I've heard from Afi.
11. The Leaving Song- It has been my observation that a majority of rock albums have at least one acoustic track. Following in that tradition, The Leaving Song is a soft song of seclusion and disassociation.
12. ...but home is nowhere- For an ending song, I must admit this is a somewhat weak track, mainly because of the bout of screaming towards the end. The redeeming part of this song is its use of theological terms.
*hidden track*- the most chilling monologue I have ever heard, without the liner notes, this song is completely lost. The only way I can describe it is that it takes every meaningful dream you've ever had and turns it into words. You said "Death is a midnight runner"...There is poetry in despair, and we sang with unrivaled beauty, bitter elegies of savagery and eloquence.
This Time Imperfect- A very good closing track. The lyrics are not as captivating as the un named hidden track, but the distortion on the ending is the best closing to an album I have heard in a long time.
So I would say AFI's Sing the Sorrow is definitely their best album thus far, and I would recommend it to any open minded music-lover.
Free Music Review: An Untouchable Masterpiece
Hit: 5 Stars
After listening to Black Sails in the Sunset, All Hallows E.P., the Art of Drowning, and some of AFI's other music for so long, I thought that there was no way AFI could ever top what they had done. The songs they had written so far were by far the favorite of any band I had heard, and I couldn't imagine how they could come up with more songs that could possibly match those.With Sing the Sorrow, AFI has created their most artistic, moving, and possibly best album ever, though I could probably never place Black Sails, Art of Drowning, and Sing the Sorrow higher than one another. This album shows some of the best vocal talent of Davey so far as well as some of the most creative and pleasing new sounds in some songs. The violin section at the end of Death of Seasons with the quiet echo of Davey screaming in the background is amazing. The entire album moves with such fluidity and there are so many highlights. But without a doubt, what really sets this album apart is the entire last track. In ...But Home is Nowhere, Davey screams his heart out with honest passion with touching lyrics. The secret poem afterwards is so chilling and brilliant. It has an aura of mystery to it that makes one long to know where it is all coming from and what it means. The last song, This Time Imperfect, is incredible. When Davey sings his amazing high part it gives me chills through the whole thing; his voice is so powerful.
On a side note, I just have to say something else about the album. I have heard so many people say that the new album "sucks", especially around people who are new to AFI. Whoever is an old AFI fan and says this seriously needs to re-examine themselves, not the band.
It is so obvious to me and so ridiculous that these people are not giving the album a chance because AFI is becoming popular. They think they are too cool to listen to anything that is popular and that because AFI is now more popular, they aren't still the same band. Well, stop being ignorant and take the music at it's true value, which is musically and lyrically. Some people are so caught up in this new AFI stereotype they don't even give the album the chance because it is so different. But they don't realize that EVERY AFI album has been completely different than the last one for the last five albums! I'll admit that I was a little unsure about this new album but after listening to it over and over it's so clear how much work they put into it and how amazing it is, musically and lyrically. The songs grow on you forever as is typical with any AFI album. I have listened to Black Sails in the Sunset, Art of Drowning, All Hallows EP and many other songs of theirs HUNDREDS of times. I have listened also to Very Proud of Ya and Answer That and Shut Your Mouth hundreds of times though not quite as often as those others. Anyone who tells me or many other hardcore fans in here we don't really know AFI is quite mistaken. The fact that AFI may be becoming very popular does not change a thing. It is better that people listen to them than the mostly horrible bands that infiltrate radio and television.
This album begs to be listened to over and over. Read the lyrics and see the passion and work that the band has put in, even if you don't agree with their ideas. Give this band a chance, whoever you are, and listen to this CD with an open mind.
If I were going to attempt to describe the genre of this band, I wouldn't. This is because everyone who attempts to when they review distort the truth, that is, that they don't fit into a genre. LISTEN TO THE BAND instead of listening to some vain description of the genre. Some people in here have said they are more "pop" than anything, an idiotic thing to say in the least that will give people the wrong idea. Listen to "Death of Seasons" and "...but Home is Nowhere" and read all of AFI's lyrics and tell me they are anything close to "pop." Just because their songs are catchy does not mean they are "pop."
I hope everyone who wants to gets to see this band in concert. I saw them on March 11th and LAST NIGHT and they were amazing. Anyone who thinks AFI is selling out just go see them live and you will realize your ignorance. If that was true then Davey would probably change his concert image to be more appealing to a diverse audience but he has not. The band has not changed at all, they are the same as ever when it comes to rocking out in concert. On an unrelated note....Davey did a huge frontflip into the crowd during the concert last night, it was awesome! Enjoy this album, everyone. It is an untouchable masterpiece and I can't imagine what AFI will put out next.
Free Music Review: Different AFI...but definitely still amazing
Hit: 5 Stars
I stumbled upon AFI listening to The Offspring's cover of 'Totalimmortal'. After being blown away by AFI's rendition of the song, I got 'Black Sails', which was easily one of the best albums I had heard. 'Art of Drowning', in my opinion, was the epitome of AFI w/Jade; they had balanced the different elements of punk, gothic and metal to a point of perfection (although 'Clove Smoke Catharsis' and 'God Called in Sick' from Black Sails were simply incredible). Sing the Sorrow is kind of on the opposite side of the spectrum; whereas 'Black Sails' was definitively punk, this is definitively NOT punk. However, the group has evolved musically; this album really exhibits Jade's guitar abilities, and Davey's vocals are no longer just screaming. Anyways, on to rating the songs:1) Miseria Cantare-The Beginning: As a punk anthem, 'Strength Through Wounding' was incredible; however, despite not being an opening song, this is equal to or better than it. The screamed lyrics are fantastic. 10/10
2) Leaving Song Pt. II-I don't like this song much; the whispered Spanish lyrics and the guitar part doesn't appeal to me. However, once I listened to the rest of the lyrics, I liked it better. 8.5/10
3) Bleed Black-I hated this song at first, but it's grown on me. Chorus is great, and the acoustic interlude is a nice touch. The pre-chorus kind of sounds awkward, though. 9/10
4) Silver and Cold-Definite departure from any previous AFI. Somewhat of an emo song, but the vocal harmonies are excellent. Has a waltzy feeling to it. I was somewhat disappointed by the mispelling in the cover-it should be 'Cold in life's throes', not 'throws'. Nevertheless, a great song. 9.5/10
5) Dancing Through Sunday-The chorus annoys me on here, the 'whoas' are not punk at all. The only redeeming factor is Jade's solo. WOW! As per usual punk fare, there are few solos, and the only distinctive one I had previously heard was on '6 to 8' on AoD-and even I could play it. This solo was worthy of Metallica-considering that their new album was devoid of any solos. 7/10
6) Girl's Not Grey-Not a bad song, but I think the lyrics are weak and more puzzling than ever. The music video doesn't help at all. The fact that it won the MTV2 award shows how much that underground support came through. 7.5/10
7) Death of Seasons-I finally heard punk drumming on this song! The song is classic AFI until the end...it slows down, as per most of the AoD songs, but then it drags out into this orchestral bit...that ruined it a little. Otherwise, classic AFI. 8.5/10
8) The Great Disappointment-Damn long, and a song I still don't like very much. Too slow for AFI...I could deal with 'Silver and Cold', but this was pushing it. The beginning dragged on forever, and it's just plodding. Lyrics redeem it partially. 6/10
9) Paper Airplanes-Fast pace (not punk, though), meaningful lyrics, and interwoven vocal harmony. I hate the 'ohs' at the end by Davey...they sound totally out of place. Otherwise, it's a perfect song. 10/10
10) This Celluloid Dream-another 'oh' to start the song >-0 This song is similar to 'Paper Airplanes', a little slower, but otherwise, it's good. More good guitar work from Jade. 9/10
11) Leaving Song-despises this at first, but it grew on me greatly. NOT an emo song, it's really about loneliness and alienation...strictly just Davey and Jade, it's very reminiscent of 'Morningstar'...not sure if I would say it's as good. Close, though. 10/10
12)...but home is nowhere-I first listened to this CD expecting something similar to AoD. Disappointed most of the time, this track redeemed AFI completely. This is nearly like their legendary 'God Called in Sick Today', except it's better. The lyrics are incredible, the screaming vocals are great, the guitar has an awesome riff...the choir in the end was bone-chilling. Masterful...10+/10
Poem/Monologue: Can't really rate, as it's not a song...however, the poetry is amazing. Davey leaves it up to us to interpret his words however we want.
This Time Imperfect (hidden track)-amazing song. Mainly acoustic, somewhat of a slow song. Not something I would normally prefer, but the lyrics are absolutely stellar. The whole album is about the lyrics, not the music, and these are amazing, intense lyrics that hold some deep meaning that most music never comes close to holding. One negative: just as 'Disappointment' drags at the beginning, why can't this song end quickly? You get 3 minutes of sound effects at the end. Otherwise, it's a nice addition that shouldn't have been a hidden track: 10/10
Free Music Review: Sellouts? I Don't Think So
Hit: 5 Stars
So, AFI is on the radio now, so they've automatically sold out, right? Wrong. This is more polished than their earlier stuff, but it's still just as good. I'll admit, this CD was the reason I got into AFI, and even after I've checked out some of their earlier stuff, which is also amazing, but completely different, I still feel Sing the Sorrow is the best AFI CD. However, I didn't think this way. I got it after hearing Girl's Not Grey, which I thought was an awesome song. Unfortunately, I kind of forgot about it for a few months until The Leaving Song Pt. II came out. Then, I said to myself, I'm going to listen to this CD if it kills me. And all I can say is I'm sorry I waited so long. Sing the Sorrow is one of, if not the best, release of the year, as each song is beautifully crafted with Davey Havok's chilling lyrics, Jade Puget's excellent guitar work, Hunter's nice bass, which, unfortunately, seems a bit more noticeable on other CDs, such as the Art of Drowning. Adam Carson rounds out with his best percussion ever. But, enough of me rambling, and onto the track-by-track breakdown.1. Miseria Cantare (The Beginning)- The new chant for AFI fans, this one isn't my favorite, but it does its purpose of introducing the album. 7/10
2. The Leaving Song Pt. II- The second single off the CD, it's a harder, more raw effort than Girl's Not Grey, but it still switches off between Davey yelling and melodic singing, making for a nice touch. The music video is pretty cool, too. 9.75/10
3. Bleed Black- A song with potential to be a single, Bleed Black starts off quietly, but busts out into a faster paced song that talks about fatality and self-destruction, while still sounding upbeat. 9.75/10
4. Silver and Cold- Another longer song that starts off with a car driving away and a piano intro, and then that moves into the main part of the song. Haunting lyrics and solid choruses make this a good overall effort. 9.25/10
5. Dancing Through Sunday- Probably the closest to anything from their previous efforts, this is the shortest song on the CD, with Davey yelling through the verses. Jade also plays an amazing guitar solo in the bridge, it sounds like something from the 80s, that solo alone is worth it. 8.5/10
6. Girl's Not Grey- The reason I got this CD. It sounds like a typical pop-punk song, but upon further speculation, the lyrics are deep and meaningful. Interesting music video as well. 10/10
7. Death of Seasons- Another one with Davey screaming strongly throughout most of the song, but singing masterfully in the chorus. The second verse goes into a techno beat that makes for some laughs and is a cool variation of the song. 9.25/10
8. The Great Disappointment- I didn't like this song originally, but even though it clocks in at 5:27, it's still a solid song with some nice instrumental work. 8.75/10
9. Paper Airplanes (Makeshift Wings)- Another potential single, this one displays Davey's melodic voice, along with his screaming, and put it together for an amazingly catchy song that's got good instrumentals, too. 10/10
10. This Celluloid Dream- If one song is more catchy than PAMW, it's This Celluloid Dream. Upon close scrutiny, these lyrics have amazing depth and along with once again solid instrumentals, this song is probably the best on the album, quite a feat for such a strong performance. 10/10
11. The Leaving Song- This one is more hollow, with just a guitar in this one, Davey's chilling voice cuts through and blends perfectly into...9/10
12....But Home is Nowhere- Another song that starts off quietly and soon gets loud. Davey does quite a bit of screaming in this one too, and the final cut is a solid performance that's actually weaker than most of the stuff on this album, but still strong. 8.75/10
13. This Time Imperfect- It wouldn't be AFI without a hidden track, and this one showcases Davey's voice. While it takes a bit of effort and patience to find it, in the end it's a great way to end the album. 8.5/10
Overall, this isn't the most positive stuff, a lot of dark material covered here, but when you just get down and listen to the music, it sounds great and AFI is one of the best bands out there. Do yourself a favor and get this album. It won't be a great disappointment.
Free Music Review: AFI's song the sorrow to bring excellent music.
Hit: 5 Stars
Ok, I must confess something. I DESPISE "new" Punk. I do not care for bands like Rancid, NOFX, Anti-Flag, Distillers, Good Charolette etc. To me these bands should not even consider themselves ranked with the raw energy, and noise that was originated by the likes of Dead Kennedys, DRI, Discharge, Broken Bones, Doom, Amebix, etc. It's like oil and water; it doesn't mix. But...BIG but...AFI is a different story. I heard their "All Hallows E.P." a while back and was impressed by their very good cover of The Misfits classic "Halloween"(and yes I do enjoy The Misfits). After that I never did pay much attention to them. I considered them to be just another 90's Punk(...someone should stop making those Exploited "Punks Not Dead" t-shirts - because it is dead) band just cashing in on a genre label. A week or so ago, my best friend had just purchased "Sing The Sorrow" and offered me the chance to give it a listen. My first impression was that it did not sound anything like these other new puke Punk bands....more of a 80's Goth-vibe atmosphere surrounding them. Atmosphere never hurts in the long run. After being impressed with the album, ... . For the rest of the night, I had it revolving in my Discman and carefully analyzing and dissecting it's contents. First thing I noticed was that it had very well-written and extremely catchy hooks. Not bad. Take note: Hooks are very good! Then I read the lyrics. Wow! Very poetic and not highschool cliche BS like most so-called "Punk" bands these days. Danny Havoc, being a very excellent vocalist, can write some very somber lyrics while keeping them happy at the same time. Sometimes even a hint of sarcasm which is always welcomed. After continuous plays, I welcomed "Sing The Sorrow" into my CD collection right next to my Napalm Death, Cocteau Twins, and Candlebox CDs(yes, I like a variety in my music as well). The one thing that bugs me is what these eletist AFI fans are calling this album "sell-out"...If selling-out means being a better musician and having the ability to progress musically while still keeping the core of what made you known in the first place, then you my friend are guilty of stagnation and being stale. Overall rating: Five depressed Sister Of Mercy fans wearing Misfits t-shirts out of five.Song Analysis:
1. Misceria Cantare - The Beginning - Pretty cool intro with Dany Havoc and company screaming behind a Terminator-style techno beat and then going into a hypnotizing drum beat/guitar riff...
2. The Beginning - Excellent song. Plain and simple.
3. The Leaving Song Prt. II - Good song. A filler, IMO.
4. Silver And Gold - Beautiful piano intro before kick-starting into a 50's swinging tune. My second favorite song on "Sing The Sorrow".
5. Dancing Through Sunday - HOLY [cow]! A GUITAR SOLO! Major points for pulling that one off!
6. Girl's Not Grey - It's good, but not really a top pick.
7. Death Of Seasons - Love the whole Assemblage 23-inspired Darkwave/Industrial dance beat during 1:12 - 1:24
8. The Great Dissapointment - See track 3
9. Paper Airplane (makeshift wings) - All around great well-paced, and well-written catchy song.
10. This Celluoid Dream - Probably one of my favorite songs on "Sing The Sorrow". The pre-chorus sounds a LOT like from the 80's one-hit wonder group Yaz with their song "Don't Go".
11. The Leaving Song - Nice acoustic piece.
12. ...but home is nowhere - Starts out pretty decent but then cut in the middle for a whopping 4 minutes & 12 seconds(4:28 - 8:40) of pure haunting music with piano keys and cellos mixed in with even more haunting voices whispering in the background. Absolutley beautiful interlude there.