Five for Fighting - Two Lights
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Free Music Notes for Two Lights
Free Music Review: Simply wonderful...
Hit: 5 Stars
I have to say, I'd heard the name "Five for Fighting" before and honestly, just from the name, assumed that it was some kind of cheesy punk band (not that I have anything against punk rock itself). I think perhaps the biggest mistake John Ondrasik has made is not simply using his own name, or at least picking a name that better suits his music. I consider myself a VERY open-minded person when it comes to music, as I have a college music degree and have played piano since age 7, trumpet since age 10, and written music almost since the time I started playing piano. I probably never had checked out Five for Fighting because, assuming they were some sort of punk rock band, I wasn't all that interested as that's not generally one of my favorite genres of music (although some of it is fine).
Anyways, for the review. The first song I actually heard off this album was "World," on VH1 a few nighs ago while at my new girlfriend's house. She had heard it a day or so before and had told me about it. (Incidentally I'm separated from my wife of a year and a half and going through a divorce, not a painful drawn out one, but still a rather emotionally trying time, and this music is so great to listen to and reflect on.) I'm totally hooked now. Nothing about John's music is overdone - his voice is so clear, the piano and other instruments tastefully used...it just works. And works so beautifully I might add.
I couldn't care less if many of his ballads sound alike - the world could use more of this kind of music, what with a lot of the crap that's put out now. Good, clean, pure music from the heart, that makes you think, and can bring people together. My girlfriend and I had our first dance together to the song "World," I can only hope it's the first of many...
Free Music Review: Ondrasik's best... by far!
Hit: 5 Stars
I really liked "Superman," but I didn't buy FFF's first CD. I really liked "100 Years," but I didn't buy the 2nd CD either. So when I heard "The Riddle," I thought it was time to buy the CD, "Two Lights." Good call. REALLY good call. John Ondrasik (yes, it's a guy, not a band) is clearly a product of his influences; Elton John, Billy Joel, James Taylor, a certain ineffable Southern California point of view). This album is mostly piano ballads; several are topical, about a nation at war ("Freedom Never Cries," "Two Lights,"), some are dreams of a better place ("World," "Road to Heaven"), and some are simply love songs (e.g., "I Just Love You," which at the end gives a wonderful twist on the relationship being considered). But it's certainly not all ballads; "Policeman's Xmas Party" is truly odd but great fun, "California Justice" is sarcastic without being strident (and is full of SoCal references), "65 Mustang" is an upbeat throwaway, and "Johnny America" is out and out exuberant. If you like Harry Chapin and Steve Forbert and my patron saint, Jackson Browne, I think you'll like this. If you prefer songwriters to poseurs and melody to noise, and if the presence of a piano doesn't cause you hives, I think you'll like this. Grade: A.Free Music Review: I loved this CD
Hit: 5 Stars
John Ondrasik has the voice of an angel on the track The Riddle. This is an excellent song about the relationship between a parent and a child. In my opinion, this is a very deep song that questions our very existence as human beings. Freedom Never Cries is an excellent song about the tragic price people often pay for freedom. Two Lights is a song about going off to war in Iraq. These are two similar songs in terms of theme and I enjoyed them. Califormia Justice is an interesting song about a person running from the law after committing a crime. 65 Mustang is a highlight song about how a car can trigger a person's memories of their younger days. I Just Love You is a very pretty love song. Johnny America is an upbeat song about a person working hard to achieve a goal. Road to Heaven is a spiritual and moving song. John hits all the high notes perfectly here, On a final note, I think John Ondrasik plays the piano and guitar beautifully on all of these tracks. His skill as a musician really compliments his talents as a vocalist. I really enjoyed listening to this CD.Free Music Review: A voice of conscience for the times in which we live
Hit: 5 Stars
Like too many places in our world these days, going where John (Five-for-Fighting) Ondrasik has with this release is filled with risks, and yet what he has shown is that he knows the terrain so well--melding words, music and a social conscience into beautiful art--that anyone with a beating heart will find themselves wanting to follow. From the opening notes played on piano, "Two Lights" will alternately move, sadden, amuse and inspire you. I think what makes this such a consistently wonderful release is the fact that John understands, and apparently always has, that the window to the world looks inward. These are songs for our times, and I wouldn't presume to try to interpret any of their lyrics; they need to be heard in the voice of the one who wrote them: "What kind of world do you want?/Think anything/Let's start at the start/Build a masterpiece/Be careful what you wish for/History starts now..." This is a beautiful and important body of work.
Free Music Review: Absolutely Worthwhile
Hit: 5 Stars
Can't understand why a number of people have knocked TWO LIGHTS. I've found something to love on each Five For Fighting album and this is no exception. Do I love every track? No, but I've never met a CD, by anyone, about which I can claim that.
John Ondrasik brings us more of his wonderful signature sound. "Johnny America" is a fun ride, but in the fine tradition of men writing songs about little girls who touch their hearts (Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Clair" and Chris Rea's "Julia" come to mind), "I Just Love You" is worth the price of admission all by itself. Unlike the aforementioned tunes, though, "I Just Love You" is an evocative and movingly poignant song that makes clear just how deeply the singer loves his small daughter.
You may not love EVERY song on this CD, but if you love Five For Fighting, buy it. Buy it now.