The Academy Is... - Fast Times at Barrington High
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Free Music Notes for Fast Times at Barrington High
Free Music Review: A huge bounce back from "Santi"
Hit: 5 Stars
Firstly, I'd just like to say I'm really surprised that the rating for this is so low (3.5) because this cd is easily one of my favourites and one of the best I've bought all year (and I buy a lot of cds!), and it literally has not left my stereo since I bought it.
Anyways, I first saw The Academy Is when they opened for the All-American Rejects, and I've never been that impressed by an opening band, and right after their set I bought their CD which I absolutely loved. Unfortunately I was really disappointed with "Santi". It was way too dark, and seemed to have lost all the fun and energy from "Almost here". This cd is like a total 360 from that one; it's fun, full of energy, and like some of the other reviews I read, I'd agree that it's the most mainstream. However, I don't mean that in a negative way AT ALL - by mainstream I mean that it's really catchy, very easy on the ears, and not one of those where you have to listen to it a few times before you like it. Although I would say you have to listen to it a few times before really appareciating the lyrics, the melody and the structures of each song. It may be stylistically less complex, but in no way is it a superficial, poppy album with no substance.
All that being said, I give this CD the full 5 stars and recommend it to any music fan in general. I honestly don't skip any of the songs when I listen to it, but if I had to choose, my favourites are:
About a girl, Summer hair = forever young, Beware! Cougar, Paper Chase, and One more Weekend. If you're just browsing and haven't heard any of their songs, I'd recommend you to download "Summer hair = forever young."
In conclusion, BUY IT BUY IT NOW!
Free Music Review: "We're almost here again"
Hit: 5 Stars
Almost Here was a great album, with songs that grew on me with time, especially after I saw the band live. I eagerly awaited their next release and I remember clearly the day I rode my bike several miles to go buy Santi, the day it was released. However, that album, with a few exceptions, was full of largely disappointing tracks and was easily forgotten.
When I heard the first single off of Fast Times At Barrington High, I fell instantly in love with it. The academy is... had finally delivered the follow-up to Almost Here that I'd been hoping for. With lyrics I can relate to, melodies that are catchy but not too poppy, and skillful arrangements that reflect a band that knows it's potential and it's limitations, Fast TImes is a pop-punk masterpiece.
On tracks like "His Girl Friday" and "The Test," the choruses are hard-driving, but the band is selfless enough to let William's voice shine through during the verses. And those aren't even the best songs!
I love every song on this record, but my favorites would have to Rumored Nights and Automatic Eyes.
This album is a must-have for anyone who appreciates catchy hooks and feel-good songs.
P.S. To all the people who said that TAI were regressing in lyrical maturity from Santi- The lyrics on Santi were trying WAY too hard to sound sophisticated and impressive, while really they didn't cut it for most of the fans. Fast Times is an album by a band who not only realizes they are still young, but has chosen to embrace their youth. At least for the time being.
Way to be honest TAI!!!!
Free Music Review: The Academy Is...Back with another hot one!
Hit: 5 Stars
First of all, let me say that even though this isn't TAI's best material, I kind of expected lyrics about parties and girls. Hence the name 'Fast Times at Barrington High'. Santi was so much better, but you just can't help but love William's voice singing all these songs. I'll admit that it seems that they've gone more juvenile instead of maturing in their music, but part of the fun of making music is that you can try whatever makes you happy and I can tell that William and the boys definitely had a good time on this album. Even though Fast Times is not as great as TAI's past albums, they still have a unique style that makes me want to keep buying their albums even if they keep getting worse.
All in all, this cd was better than I expected. Maybe I'm just biased because I'm a devoted TAI fan. Some of my favorites from this album include:
Summer Hair=Forever Young
His Girl Friday
After the Last Midtown Show
Automatic Eyes
The rest were okay, but these really stood out to me. It's a decent cd and I hope TAI comes back even hotter next time.
BRI
Free Music Review: Very Excellent Album
Hit: 5 Stars
For the reviewer above me, don't you get it?! Not very many band's want to create the same album over and over for their entire career! It is a little bit odd that all of the songs are about girls, but at least their moving in a fresh new direction. Besides, think to yourself, if they had released an album like Almost Here instead of Santi and Barrington High, wouldn't it get repetitive? I think that this a wonderful album and you should have listened to it on their myspace then left them well alone.Free Music Review: nothing wrong with a lil pure pop.
Hit: 5 Stars
Just because this record seems like they are backsliding, who cares. This is a pop masterpiece front to back and I havent taken it out of my car cd player since I got it. I havent heard something so catchy since Teenage Fanclubs' "Bandwagonescue". Instantly catchy with all the right hooks and melodies, this is a perfect Summertime record.