Mae - Singularity
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Free Music Notes for Singularity
Free Music Review: A New Direction
Hit: 3 Stars
I've been a mae listener since Destination: Beautiful and I still think their best CD is the Destination: B-sides, but I know I'm in the minority there. Everglow sounds a lot different than early mae, but its expected that a band mature and gain some depth. Everglow is philosophically stimulating and musically a very well put together album. The concept and storyline seem very original and it made the album something of a masterpiece for them.
Listening to Everglow and then popping in this album, you won't really recognize mae. There isn't that kind of melancholy vein running through their music anymore, which is either a good or bad thing depending on your preferences. The point is, though, that it's not the same sound. At all.
In my personal opinion, Everglow did something revolutionary within the genre. It had a concept, a storyline, and it made you think. It was a big album for them, and it put them in a position to get a lot more listeners. Singularity, to me, seems like the increased exposure is taking its toll and sapping them of the sound that made me like them in the beginning. There are already plenty of straightforward rock albums in the mainstream that are better than Singularity. What made mae have a place in my car's CD player was the fact that they didn't sound like every other band on the radio.
That said, Singularity is good. It's not great by any means, but its good. Dave's voice sounds great as usual and their keyboard is pretty awesome. I might be in the minority here, but I kind of miss the driving, persistent note of dissatisfaction and yearning that went through Destination and Everglow. Maybe now mae has found whatever they've been yearning for, and maybe I just need to accept that.
Free Music Review: Mae delivers another Heartfelt, Powerful Album
Hit: 5 Stars
Upon first listen, you will notice a certain intensity in this album. Mae has finally turned up the guitars, delivered powerful choruses, yet continues to mystify again with lyrics that have more meanings than you can imagine. Yes, these songs are organized to be performed live, but they are also organized to be listened to over and over again. This, just like every other Mae album, is one you cannot take out of your cd player. From start to finish, the album takes you on a ride and you never want to get off. The tracks as follows:
1) Brink of Disaster: Starts off blaring synths, and soothes as Daves voice has never sounded better. "And with burning speed
The rearview says he's catching up to me, But I'm already gone." This song will set the tone for the rest of the album. 9.5/10
2) Crazy 8's: One of those songs you will be singing in the shower once you know it. Again, the lyrics here are those that anyone can relate to somehow. "As these waters rush together, we keep ripping them apart
Is this truth? Is this real? Is there something more to feel?" I find myself going back to this track more than any other. 10/10
3) Sometime I Can't Make it Alone: A song that Mae should definitely close a live show with. Blaring guitars, constant rocking rhythm, just a raw rock song that Mae delivers with such intensity. 9/10
4) Just Let Go: This song is extremely reminiscent of other Mae albums. Fans who loved The Everglow will feel right at home with this song. Beautiful, captivating lyrics mixed with the easiness of Dave's voice make this song amazing.
"There is so much that I could give to you, just say you want me to." 9.5/10
5) On Top: Definitely was my least favorite on this album after the first couple of listens. But it's one of those songs that grows on you after a while. Song starts to pick up near the ending, which is the best part. You might find yourself skipping this track to get to the next one, which is really good. 8/10
6) Waiting: This is pure Mae. Everything about the song, from the synth to the drum beats, is exactly what you'd expect from a Mae song. And that means it's a damn good jam. About 3 minutes into the song, you will find yourself singing along. Would be an awesome song to hear live. 9.5/10
7) Sic Semper Tyrannis: Before the album came out, this is the first song I heard. I knew after hearing this, Singularity was going to be Mae's best album to date. A rockin good time that you can blast at the party and see people just feelin it. Song starts off fast and doesnt slow down. Accompanied with powerful lyrics like "To take refunds of your borders where the truth is that we all must die alone." Just a fun rock song. 9/10
8) Release Me: In my opinion, this song rivals "This is The Countdown" as the most profound Mae has written. The lyrics in this song will hit home for any person who hears it. It's simply the best song on the album and makes the album what it is. If you're looking for a beautiful masterpiece Mae song, this one is for you. How can you go wrong with lyrics like "Grey clouds, they infiltrate as every move you make,
Gets me closer to clarity" 10/10
9) Telescopes: Continuing the theme of raw rock songs, this one is another that Mae will deliver with intensity during a live show. The chorus alone makes the song worthwhile. Another fun and different type of Mae song. 8.5/10
10) Rocket: The hardest/heaviest song on the album. I'm sure this might turn some Mae fans off with such a heavy theme, but I absolutely love the fact they finally turned up the instruments! It's the perfect song choice right after Telescopes, and I can't wait to hear it live. 9/10
11) Home: Best intro on the album, the lyrics again achieve. And in this song you will find "Staring into mirrors, Lost in my design, Believe in dreams And wait for signs". I don't know how they do it, but they manage to keep you mesmerized while still providing an upbeat tempo. 9/10
12) Reflections: To close the album, Mae gives you a 6 minute song, with LOTS of drumming. I personally think the song would be much better if the drums in the background weren't overbearing. Nonetheless, the song will win you over with the chorus alone. And in typical Mae fashion, they close the album Singularity out with an instrumental, which will leave you thinking. 8.5/10
You can't go wrong by purchasing a Mae album. You will not be disappointed in this effort, as I believe it is their most mature to date. The tracks are organized perfectly and the lyrics will guide you just as Mae always does.
Free Music Review: It could have been so much more
Hit: 3 Stars
In my view, the best album of 2005 is Mae's The Everglow, a brilliantly fresh concept album that still sweeps me away every time I listen to it. With its seamless storytelling, anthemic melodies and innovative soundscapes it's just in a class of its own. So there was probably no way that Mae's 3rd album Singularity was going to live up to my expectations for it. But still, it should have been better than it is. And that is, unfortunately, my one-line summary review of this album: it could have been so much more...
It sounds like they wanted to make a "safe" album filled with songs that are radio-friendly, songs that fans can jump to at concerts. I would describe it as uninspired with pockets of brilliance, like the sweeping Just Let Go, and the bridge of Release Me, which builds up to a soaring climax and then falls flat by just going back to the regular chorus.
Don't get me wrong -- this is still a really solid rock album and I have it on repeat on my iPod, it's just that I don't think the album does justice to the amazing talent these guys have. I don't know if they got lazy, or if maybe the studio made them go in a certain direction, or what the deal is, but the bottom line is that I didn't expect an album of easy listening sing-along songs. I expected an album that challenges me musically and philosophically, like The Everglow did.
Now, having said all that, I still recommend Singularity. As a rock album it is still way above average. But if you're looking for something different that'll keep you busy for years to come, get The Everglow instead...
Free Music Review: Good to hear some new material
Hit: 4 Stars
Mae has done it again with another great album. They never cease to amaze with their ability to create a, as their bands acronym means, Multisensory Aesthetic Experience.
I noticed a shift in their style a little bit with this new album. Though the music is great, I found it a tid bit sub-par to The Everglow and Destination: Beautiful. To elaborate, D:B and especially The Everglow had songs with extremely profound meaning. This album does not reach as deep as the others.
Overall I am very, VERY happy that Mae has blessed us with another set of amazing music. Any Mae fan as big as myself will love this album.
Free Music Review: Singularity Hits the Mark
Hit: 5 Stars
When I first heard the songs on Singularity, right from the first riff on Track 1, I wondered "is this the same band?" Did the band members change?
Well this album should have been titled "Maturity" - Mae has come into a sweet spot with songs that are melodically pleasing, lyrically provoking and enjoyment abounding!
I can't wait to see them in Dallas this week on the 23rd!