Audition, The - Self-Titled Album

[Chris Fallon]

The Audition - Self-Titled Album
Record Label: Victory
Release Date: April 28, 2009

Pop punk and gymnastics have more in common than one might think. Both sexes can play along, things aren't always easy, and both dabble with a similar formula, striving to achieve goals that will land one in the top spot: timing, delicacy, grace and most importantly, nailing the perfect landing; the execution is crucial, because if you fail to hit it right, everything else doesn't seem to matter.

For The Audition, it's a perplexing notion that they'd get a wonderful producer in Mark Trombino (Jimmy Eat World, Midtown) and then come up with a cheeky yet unimaginative title for their third release, Self-Titled Album, following last year's fairly well-received Champion. While the last record followed their surprisingly fresh debut with sexually-charged arena rock, many fans were hoping the band would go back to basics and hit the notes that first got them recognized. Trombino certainly gives the band the right tools on keeping their sound level, but what follows is a run-of-the-mill, uneven combination of 10 tracks that aren't sure where they're going and what they want to do.

In one instant, the band is channeling their debut, starting and finishing with two bombastic rock cuts that slowly reach a pinnacle of great, energetic success ("The Running Man," "Sign. Steal. Deliver."). Yet the next moment, they're seductively orchestrating a sugar-coated (yet somewhat hypnotic) dance beat ("My Temperature's Rising"; and to terrible effect on "Over My Head"), recalling parts of Champion. It's a rock-dance fusion, and at times, it's perfectly called for -- then it makes the Audition look like they are peddling to the current scene trend, which relies of bland hooks and is stuffed with overproduced sheen. When the band kicks it into high gear, it's time to crack open a sixer and let the good times roll -- but when the bridge comes, there's a standstill, and it keeps the energy condensed to the choruses (no guitar solos?! COME ON!).

One noticeable improvement is vocalist Danny Stevens, who has toned down his vocal approach quite a bit, after aiming to hit every corner of the planet on the last album. Here, he sings with enough volume to keep the heavier cuts flowing, his libido helping them to trickle along. He's not pitch-perfect 100% of the time, sometimes offering a high-pitched wail and a background gargling sound (see: "Over My Head"), however, Stevens steps up on this record and goes for broke. Without missing a beat, he sounds more confident, redefined and finally seems like he is the voice of this band (check out the Bon Jovi sounding "The Way You Move"). The problem is more in the presentation of the slower songs, which want to be casually charming, but rarely garner any deserved attention ("It's Gonna Be Hard (When I'm Gone)" is standard power ballad stuff). The blend of pop and melodramatic instrumentation lacks sincere energy and doesn't mesh with the adrenaline-rush numbers... or maybe it's the other way around.

And there's the rub: Self-Titled Album is not sure if it wants to get you up to rock out, serenede you backstage or keep things drowned in pure, unadulterated pop lust ("Love With a Motive"). "Los Angeles" hints at stellar qualities, but lacks a genuinely appealing hook, and "Stand On Your Feet" has palpable energy, but relies far too much on repetition to get its point across. This is primarily the type of focus you'd expect Trombino to come in and pull a bandage over, however, it seems the First Aid kit was left at home in favor of giving the record a nicely-polished sound (did he just ignore the dreadful verses in "Everybody is Somebody Else's Secret"?). Trombino heightens the vocals and the drum beats, ensuring we're hearing the rhythm in everything -- which is more effective on an album built for the dance floors, not a pop punk record... or a big rock record... well, we'll call it one or the other.

Like playing Connect the Dots on speed, you know you're supposed to be creating a picture, you're just not entirely sure of what line connects to the other. "I'm being held captive," screams Stevens in the opening cut. Unbind those chains and let this man snack on those tasty notes of passionate pop fury, and rid yourself of the muddled big-rock sound with a penchant for sexual overtones -- The Audition should know that when they put it on full throttle, with just a tad of sexual appetite, they get the party started. On Self-Titled Album, the party seems too poorly planned to get any real momentum going. No gold medal for these guys, sorry.

Bon Jovi's Crush; The Higher's On Fire; The All-American Rejects' Move Along; Yellowcard's Lights and Sounds"The Running Man," "The Way You Move" and "Sign. Steal. Deliver."

1. The Running Man
2. The Way You Move
3. My Temperature's Rising
4. Love With a Motive
5. Stand On Your Feet
6. It's Gonna Be Hard (When I'm Gone)
7. Over My Head
8. Los Angeles
9. Everybody is Someone Else's Secret
10. Sign. Steal. Deliver.Danny Stevens: vocals/guitar
Seth Johnson: guitar
Timmy Klepek: bass
Ryan O'Connor: drums

Official Site (http://www.theauditionrocks.com) | Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/theaudition)Amazon MP3 (http://www.amazon.com/The-Audition/dp/B0026P7QK4/ref=dm_cd_album_lnk?ie=UTF8&qid=1241083055&sr=1-1)

[Piss]

this better than champion?

[MILFCORE]

I loved their previous two releases. This current one I'm not feeling so much. As said in the review, some songs are good, some aren't so. Hopefully it'll grow on me.

@Piss: Given it a few listens and IMO, no, not better than Champions.

[fadedmemories]

Well written review, but I'm not so stoked with this record getting compared to The Higher.

[Heart-A-Tact]

I've liked everything this band has released, including this. Good Summertime music.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

this is the best thing this band has ever done, and it is better than the score indicated. deserves 82-85%

[CLARIFY THIS]

Great review but I cannot believe you thought Los Angeles lacked a hook!

[Blakebear]

Ryan O'Connor apparently thinks you are a turd.

[wheresadalia]

Great review but I cannot believe you thought Los Angeles lacked a hook!
this
i was at the listening party, and was already singing along by the end of the song. definitely a catchy hook
i still can't stop listening to this album. love it

[glassjaw777]

their best album. rating is low!

[MusicTalks]

I'm still not sold on the album, but am sold on the Audition, which is why I think I haven't made a final decision. Controversy, to me, is still their best album and I had never heard anything but bad things about Champion. I did, however, enjoy that album. With that said, I can see what Chris is saying. It's catchy in a bunch of places, slow in several others, and in the end you're left wondering if they just recorded a ton of songs and then randomly grabbed a bunch to make this record.

[denissuxx]

Dissappointing album. Lasting value and creativity are minimal

[S9Dallasoz]

this better than champion?
I think it's way better.
I just want another track as awesome as "You've Made Us Conscious" personally.

[hiya]

I actually like this better than Champion, but Controversey will always be my fave. I love the Audition for the fact they like to mix things up and can have dance songs and rock songs on one cd.They aren't afraid to have a mix of things and do them all really well. And I'm loling at the Bon Jovi comparison, because really when was the last time you saw anything being compared to Bon Jovi?

[klawansie7]

Like playing Connect the Dots on speed, you know you're supposed to be creating a picture, you're just not entirely sure of what line connects to the other.

hahahaha
needa get me a copy of this, but from what i've heard so far i thought it was pretty good...

[dan sings]

no mention of company loves controversy?

[sweepthenation]

Good review, and seems like a solid but not great album

[Yellowcard2006]

Uhhh RIYL Yellowcard- Lights and Sounds, I really don'y understand that reference


Also I pretty much agree with the review. I wasn't blown away by the album, but its got some solid tracks.

[ACA]

Talk about a totally unnecessary band. I can't think of one reason to listen to this band.

[kylecrowe]

i can't stop listening to this CD. really enjoying it.

[Max_123]

The first and last paragraphs are pure awesomeness

[Coverbydesign]

I think this album was very solid

[irthesteve]

good review

[Chris Fallon]

Uhhh RIYL Yellowcard- Lights and Sounds, I really don'y understand that reference


Also I pretty much agree with the review. I wasn't blown away by the album, but its got some solid tracks.
That might read negatively, but check out "Los Angeles" -- that's the type of song that would have been ripe for the picking on Lights and Sounds. There are some darker tones present here that remind me of that album -- and both strive for an alt. rock-pop sound.

[billyboatkid]

Definitely would have given this a higher score. High 70's mid 80's.

The Audition do pop-punk/rock better than anyone.

[Broclee]

A good, but not great, album. Fun summertime music, with a few killer tracks that'll stay in rotation once the leaves change.

[Nick Le]

Good review, haven't listened yet...

[Chris Fallon]

Definitely would have given this a higher score. High 70's mid 80's.

The Audition do pop-punk/rock better than anyone.
I have to disagree with that. Relient K, New Found Glory, The Dangerous Summer, The Graduate... all do the genre much more effectively. This band has a great vocalist in Danny Stevens and could really soar if paid the right amount of attention by a knowledgeable producer (you'd think Trombino would have been that guy...).

[whyte39]

is that really the album art? yuck

[travis113p]

i think it's up there with controversy.

[Kaku]

I think it is a good review, but I also think the album itself is a bit better, than rated. Maybe mid to high 70's.
In my opinion it is a "Have a good time"-record, which won't get 85 or better, but it makes fun listening to it and the release date is a well chosen one. It will be rotating a lot more in the summer.

[HometownHero]

Didn't like it at all. Streamed it on Victorys site and just fucking hated it. Was really sad about it to. I wanted to buy it but couldn't force myself to waste the money in hopes it'd grow on me

[Blake Solomon]

i really like "Los Angeles" and "The Running Man" and decently like a few others. But I think this is a step up from Champion, that record blew.

Nice writing in here, too

[sweepthenation]

i really like "Los Angeles" and "The Running Man" and decently like a few others. But I think this is a step up from Champion, that record blew.

Nice writing in here, too
I really liked Champion. While it didnt hook you instantly like CLC it over time really grew on me

[YouSmellExcited]

this better than champion?
no, but it seems like it picks up where Champion left off. catchy & fun

[sargentlgfuad]

all of their albums are great, and this is right up there.
i agree with the review for the most part, though i really don't find any "bad" song in it. and "The Way You Move" and "It's Gonna Be Hard (When I'm Gone)" are just classics for The Audition.
i don't know why, but i just feel proud of them when i listen to this album.

[dani1292]

This album isn't bad, but it's definitely their worst yet. Maybe it'll grow on me...
This is a great review, by the way.

[klawansie7]

I really liked Champion. While it didnt hook you instantly like CLC it over time really grew on me
yes.

[blimpcityhero11]

I'd say they've gotten slightly worse with each album. By no means, do I think any of their albums are terrible though. Out of the pop-punk out there today, The Audition are one of my favorites, but I feel like they have made little progress from album to album. I like Self-Titled Album, but it feels like Champion part 2.

[Yellowcard2006]

That might read negatively, but check out "Los Angeles" -- that's the type of song that would have been ripe for the picking on Lights and Sounds. There are some darker tones present here that remind me of that album -- and both strive for an alt. rock-pop sound.
What no way! Lights and Sounds is one of my favorite albums ever, if anything L&S >>>> The Audition for me. I totally dig "Los Angeles", not sure I hear the darker tones though.

[Yellowcard2006]

is that really the album art? yuck
It was done by a guy from Glamour Kills. So...yeah you'd think it'd be a little more inventive? or at least colorful?

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Nice review

[Chris Fallon]

What no way! Lights and Sounds is one of my favorite albums ever, if anything L&S >>>> The Audition for me. I totally dig "Los Angeles", not sure I hear the darker tones though.
I dunno, it reminds me of it in places -- pretty much an amalgam of that album and the others I put in the RIYL.

[Sandie-Jenkins]

Great cd, different than Champion but not a complete 180 on their sound. Solid cd.

[smokeanL]

i lost all interest in this band after clc. their music just doesnt do anything for me anymore.

[Broden Terry]

Bon Jovi - Crush? I loved that record. :nod: I've been meaning to check this out.

[whyte39]

It was done by a guy from Glamour Kills. So...yeah you'd think it'd be a little more inventive? or at least colorful?
haha so i guess he exceeded expectations?

[Yellowcard2006]

haha so i guess he exceeded expectations?
Well in this case, yes perhaps!

[birtcho]

probably agree on that. i like this album

[Ragnarok71]

Don't totally agree with this review, but good nonetheless. I would have given it a higher rating but that's just personal preference.

[WalkingMuse]

I was disappointed in this album.
It sounds basically like their old one, they didn't really try anything new or step out of the box.

[DannyDizzle]

hahahahaha, ha ha. ha ha ha!!!!

[timba88]

how is the member's giving this an 86%, this is like a 40-50% album. The lyrics are terrible, among many other subpar efforts.

[Broclee]

hahahahaha, ha ha. ha ha ha!!!!
A wild Danny approaches!

[billyboatkid]

I have to disagree with that. Relient K, New Found Glory, The Dangerous Summer, The Graduate... all do the genre much more effectively. This band has a great vocalist in Danny Stevens and could really soar if paid the right amount of attention by a knowledgeable producer (you'd think Trombino would have been that guy...).
Ah yes, I guess I should have said IMO. But at least they ain't shit.. amirite. haha

[Chris Fallon]

Ah yes, I guess I should have said IMO. But at least they ain't shit.. amirite. haha
No, not at all -- they're quite good, just need a focal point, because they hint at something special and then drop it. They're still very young with plenty of time to get things right, and I do think they are on the verge of doing something special in their genre.

[Keagan Ilvonen]

I would say this album is a solid 80% but you did a good job with the review Chris.

[Ryzenfall]

Me neither. Its so much better than anything they have done. I would compare it more to Maroon 5 than AAR or the higher
Some tracks off Champion sounded like It Won't Be Soon Before Long b-sides.

[scathemonster]

I like the album. It didn't grab me as quickly as champion or clc, but after the second spin it stuck to me. also, the lyrical content seems like he is in love, to me a lot of the songs sound like one big love story. that is my only complaint, But you can't fault a guy for being in love, I guess.

[Ryzenfall]

I agree. And I fucking love It Won't Be Soon Before Long so that just makes them better to me
You should grab the actual IWBSBL b-sides. Until You're Over Me will be in your head until you die.

[Juxtapose]

Awesome album, deserves a much bigger score, atleast 85%

I love there 2 previous albums but this one is def there best

People will agree with you no matter what though, thats the problem with this website, wayyyyyyy to many fanboys/girls who take anything what a red name says for gospel when really they are no different from anyone else on this website and shouldnt influence you what "good" music is at all. Even if Jason Tate thinks his opinion is greater then everyone elses (proof i have visited this site for quite some time).

That being said I have no problem with any red names really and think they are all pretty great people, its mainly Jason that pisses me off with his huge ego and how he has this sense of being greater then everyone else, even towards some bands that have helped out this site before: also have a problem towards people who seem to come on this site to only jump onto the next bandwagon or for some reason feel they need someone elses opinion on if this band is good or not.

Back on topic: Great Album, Keep up the awesome work Audition, cant wait for your next album

[Untitled09]

I like Champion and still has lasting value for me. I'm probably the only person in N.J. who has the full cd left on his crappy 4 gig iPod. :viking: But ,Ill check this out when I get the time. I hope its good they got harder since Controversy.

[Indoor Living]

I listened to the stream last night, and fucking loved it. I think it deserves a lot better than a 71, but to each their own.

[Broclee]

Awesome album, deserves a much bigger score, atleast 85%

I love there 2 previous albums but this one is def there best

People will agree with you no matter what though, thats the problem with this website, wayyyyyyy to many fanboys/girls who take anything what a red name says for gospel when really they are no different from anyone else on this website and shouldnt influence you what "good" music is at all. Even if Jason Tate thinks his opinion is greater then everyone elses (proof i have visited this site for quite some time).

That being said I have no problem with any red names really and think they are all pretty great people, its mainly Jason that pisses me off with his huge ego and how he has this sense of being greater then everyone else, even towards some bands that have helped out this site before: also have a problem towards people who seem to come on this site to only jump onto the next bandwagon or for some reason feel they need someone elses opinion on if this band is good or not.

Back on topic: Great Album, Keep up the awesome work Audition, cant wait for your next album
Unnecesary Jason rant. Also, if you'll notice, there have been a few people who thought it deserved higher. It's on review. Take it for what it is. It's a well-written review that backs up every point made. Don't go off on a rant just because you don't agree. It's not like he gave it an awful score. It's a pretty fair and relatively high score.

[Juxtapose]

Unnecesary Jason rant. Also, if you'll notice, there have been a few people who thought it deserved higher. It's on review. Take it for what it is. It's a well-written review that backs up every point made. Don't go off on a rant just because you don't agree. It's not like he gave it an awful score. It's a pretty fair and relatively high score.
that not my point

my point is there are people in here who have already made their mind up about it without even listening to it just because of this review which leads me to believe that most of the people that hated champion probably havent listened to it either and are just taking a red names word for 100% truth

its a shame coz the audition are one of the best at what they do at the moment and they really deserve more fame

[Chris Fallon]

Awesome album, deserves a much bigger score, atleast 85%

I love there 2 previous albums but this one is def there best

People will agree with you no matter what though, thats the problem with this website, wayyyyyyy to many fanboys/girls who take anything what a red name says for gospel when really they are no different from anyone else on this website and shouldnt influence you what "good" music is at all. Even if Jason Tate thinks his opinion is greater then everyone elses (proof i have visited this site for quite some time).

That being said I have no problem with any red names really and think they are all pretty great people, its mainly Jason that pisses me off with his huge ego and how he has this sense of being greater then everyone else, even towards some bands that have helped out this site before: also have a problem towards people who seem to come on this site to only jump onto the next bandwagon or for some reason feel they need someone elses opinion on if this band is good or not.

Back on topic: Great Album, Keep up the awesome work Audition, cant wait for your next album
I think all this is pretty unnecessary -- kind of hypocritical in a sense, but I'm not going to get into this argument. I feel like every review has this kind of comment, and it's uncalled for and never fully correct in any way.

[Broclee]

that not my point

my point is there are people in here who have already made their mind up about it without even listening to it just because of this review which leads me to believe that most of the people that hated champion probably havent listened to it either and are just taking a red names word for 100% truth

its a shame coz the audition are one of the best at what they do at the moment and they really deserve more fame

A lot of people have already heard the album, myself included. That's probably the MAIN reason they're saying opinions that line up with the review. It's been streaming for a bit now, and leaked like a week ago or something.

Just because you think they're the best at what they do doesn't mean people have to like it. It's not an amazing album, although I did enjoy it. If someone didn't like Champion, I can't say for sure that this different enough for them to enjoy. Maybe, but maybe not.

Maybe you just shouldn't assume that everyone worships every single staff member on the site...

[wheresadalia]

Awesome album, deserves a much bigger score, atleast 85%

I love there 2 previous albums but this one is def there best

People will agree with you no matter what though, thats the problem with this website, wayyyyyyy to many fanboys/girls who take anything what a red name says for gospel when really they are no different from anyone else on this website and shouldnt influence you what "good" music is at all. Even if Jason Tate thinks his opinion is greater then everyone elses (proof i have visited this site for quite some time).

That being said I have no problem with any red names really and think they are all pretty great people, its mainly Jason that pisses me off with his huge ego and how he has this sense of being greater then everyone else, even towards some bands that have helped out this site before: also have a problem towards people who seem to come on this site to only jump onto the next bandwagon or for some reason feel they need someone elses opinion on if this band is good or not.

Back on topic: Great Album, Keep up the awesome work Audition, cant wait for your next album
did you even read any of the comments here? most people have said they would have given it a higher score. and i'm pretty sure most people here listened to it long before this review was posted, therefor they already formed their own opinion prior to what "the red name" said. this was a well written review, and you are free to disagree with it. and yes, in some cases, people do suck up to others on this site, or say certain things to appear cool (but that happens everywhere online). however, this was not the case here, and your rant was completely unnecessary

[gabegr]

Controversy was great and Champion was terrible so then where does this fall?

[Juxtapose]

did you even read any of the comments here? most people have said they would have given it a higher score. and i'm pretty sure most people here listened to it long before this review was posted, therefor they already formed their own opinion prior to what "the red name" said. this was a well written review, and you are free to disagree with it. and yes, in some cases, people do suck up to others on this site, or say certain things to appear cool (but that happens everywhere online). however, this was not the case here, and your rant was completely unnecessary
unless I posted that rant purely for my own enjoyment on seeing people come and say how "unnecessary" it was and wrong I am but really if I didnt say anything about red names or Jason Tate and just said way to many people here like to jump on the bandwagon, would of any of you replied to it?

I might have to visit a fishing store soon to buy some more hooks, lines and sinkers.

[Painted Red]

I think if people like Champion, they'll like this album. There are some differences in sound, but for the most part it is very similiar. Champion had a couple more catchier songs, but I think overall this one is compares evenly with Champion. Something like 84% would be appropriate in my opinion. I do think this band deserves more promotion/recognition, they are better than the average pop-punk stuff out there.

[wheresadalia]

unless I posted that rant purely for my own enjoyment on seeing people come and say how "unnecessary" it was and wrong I am but really if I didnt say anything about red names or Jason Tate and just said way to many people here like to jump on the bandwagon, would of any of you replied to it?

I might have to visit a fishing store soon to buy some more hooks, lines and sinkers.
i would still have replied to it. it was out of the blue and unneeded. no one was bashing the audition. as i said, most people agreed with you that the audition should have gotten a higher score. yet you got all defensive saying people hadn't listened and would just go with what the review said. that's pure bullshit, so yeah, i still would have called you out as an idiot who clearly can't read.

[Chris Fallon]

unless I posted that rant purely for my own enjoyment on seeing people come and say how "unnecessary" it was and wrong I am but really if I didnt say anything about red names or Jason Tate and just said way to many people here like to jump on the bandwagon, would of any of you replied to it?

I might have to visit a fishing store soon to buy some more hooks, lines and sinkers.
I'd reply to every comment if I could -- your just trying to start up shit and be a little smartass about things. Let it go, realize people have their own opinions and I can guarantee you my red name doesn't get me any worship, praise or a massive amount of respect -- and best thing is, I could not give a damn.

[Piss]

hmm i just listened to this, their worst album yet

CLC >>>>>> Champion >> S/T

[Juxtapose]

I'd reply to every comment if I could -- your just trying to start up shit and be a little smartass about things. Let it go, realize people have their own opinions and I can guarantee you my red name doesn't get me any worship, praise or a massive amount of respect -- and best thing is, I could not give a damn.
once again

hook, line and sinker

[Broclee]

once again

hook, line and sinker
What are you trying to prove?

[StillTrying1288]

I'd give this an album around an 85 so catchy.

[Juxtapose]

What are you trying to prove?
seeing you still dont get it, I will go into more detail
people on this site take everything red name say for gospel
Now this is the story all about how
My life got flipped, turned upside down
And Id like to take a minute just sit right there
Ill tell you how I became the prince of a town called bel-air

In west philadelfia born and raised
On the playground where I spent most of my days
Chilling out, maxing, relaxing all cool
And all shooting some b-ball outside of the school
When a couple of guys said were up in no good
Started making trouble in my neighbourhood
I got in one little fight and my mom got scared
And said youre moving with your aunte and uncle in bel-air



I begged and pleaded with her the other day
But she packed suitcase my and sent me on my way
She gave me a kissin and she gave me my ticket
I put my walkman on and said I might aswell kick it

First class, yo this is bad,
Drinking orange juice out of a champagne glass
Is this what the people of bel-air livin like,
Hmm this might be alright!

I whistled for a cab and when it came near the
Licensplate said fresh and had a dice in the mirror
If anything I could say that this cab was rare
But I thought now forget it, yo home to bel-air

I pulled up to a house about seven or eight
And I yelled to the cabby yo, home smell you later
Looked at my kingdom I was finally there
To settle my throne as the prince of bel-air

[Juxtapose]

You mean gospel as in the 2Pac song Ghetto Gospel, right?
dude im tryin to do my dailies in Icecrown, gtfo

[dancelukedance]

i don't like this genre anymore, i enjoyed controversy and champion though. Is it worth listening to?

[wheresadalia]

i don't like this genre anymore, i enjoyed controversy and champion though. Is it worth listening to?
if you liked controversy and champion, then yes. it's a great mix of the 2 i think

[dancelukedance]

if you liked controversy and champion, then yes. it's a great mix of the 2 i think
oh ok cheers, i might do that then!

[Broclee]

seeing you still dont get it, I will go into more detail
people on this site take everything red name say for gospel
Now this is the story all about how
My life got flipped, turned upside down
And Id like to take a minute just sit right there
Ill tell you how I became the prince of a town called bel-air

In west philadelfia born and raised
On the playground where I spent most of my days
Chilling out, maxing, relaxing all cool
And all shooting some b-ball outside of the school
When a couple of guys said were up in no good
Started making trouble in my neighbourhood
I got in one little fight and my mom got scared
And said youre moving with your aunte and uncle in bel-air



I begged and pleaded with her the other day
But she packed suitcase my and sent me on my way
She gave me a kissin and she gave me my ticket
I put my walkman on and said I might aswell kick it

First class, yo this is bad,
Drinking orange juice out of a champagne glass
Is this what the people of bel-air livin like,
Hmm this might be alright!

I whistled for a cab and when it came near the
Licensplate said fresh and had a dice in the mirror
If anything I could say that this cab was rare
But I thought now forget it, yo home to bel-air

I pulled up to a house about seven or eight
And I yelled to the cabby yo, home smell you later
Looked at my kingdom I was finally there
To settle my throne as the prince of bel-air
Ah, see, it all makes so much sense now.

[fairweather002]

I loved Controversy but was a little bummed out over Champion, save for Warm me Up. This album is solid and it doesn't remind me of either of their other 2 albums, but its really good and extremely catchy. Plus the album covers colors are just awesome.

[Kbm600]

Great review but I cannot believe you thought Los Angeles lacked a hook!
catchiest song I've heard yet.

[americandream]

first of all, whoever "reviewed" this album, should be fired-no doubt. i'm completely baffled at the fact that you (ONE INDIVIDUAL) are really going to sit here and say The Audition's new album is unimaginative and unorganized! This is The Audition's most well-written, and put together c.d. to date. It includes a broad spectrum of different sounds, which gives EACH individual a chance to connect with at least one, or more songs. It was a genius idea for Danny and the band to actually make an album that can not only attract to their current listeners, but also to the listens that have just blown them off before. Each track is unique in its own way, lyrically AND musically. It really disheartens me, a fan of not only the audition, but the rock-alternative genre in general. I've seen this band perform live numerous times, and I have never seen a singer love what they do, more than Danny Stevens does. A singer that truly CARES for his fans, and strives to give them what they want, and expect. This band is part of the Victory Records label, which is probably the worst label there is. They have to work twice as hard to prove themselves to their following, because Victory doesn't do diddly-squat for them. They have done nothing but take advantage of this hard-working, multi-talented band. Danny Stevens is MUCH too good of a singer/songwriter to be belittled the way you have in this review.


Like I said, whoever wrote this article is on drugs.
You must have been listening to some other shit,
because "Self-Titled Album" would have BLOWN your face off.

[wheresadalia]

first of all, whoever "reviewed" this album, should be fired-no doubt. i'm completely baffled at the fact that you (ONE INDIVIDUAL) are really going to sit here and say The Audition's new album is unimaginative and unorganized! This is The Audition's most well-written, and put together c.d. to date. It includes a broad spectrum of different sounds, which gives EACH individual a chance to connect with at least one, or more songs. It was a genius idea for Danny and the band to actually make an album that can not only attract to their current listeners, but also to the listens that have just blown them off before. Each track is unique in its own way, lyrically AND musically. It really disheartens me, a fan of not only the audition, but the rock-alternative genre in general. I've seen this band perform live numerous times, and I have never seen a singer love what they do, more than Danny Stevens does. A singer that truly CARES for his fans, and strives to give them what they want, and expect. This band is part of the Victory Records label, which is probably the worst label there is. They have to work twice as hard to prove themselves to their following, because Victory doesn't do diddly-squat for them. They have done nothing but take advantage of this hard-working, multi-talented band. Danny Stevens is MUCH too good of a singer/songwriter to be belittled the way you have in this review.


Like I said, whoever wrote this article is on drugs.
You must have been listening to some other shit,
because "Self-Titled Album" would have BLOWN your face off.
LMAO
please, i love the audition, but people like you make the ones of us who are sensible look retarded. go fangirl somewhere else.
this was a well written review, and actually compliments the band in many areas, especially danny. should it have gotten a higher score? perhaps.do i agree with all of it? no. but guess what? people are allowed to have opinions (CRAZY notion, i know) and this was Chris's (which by the way, his name is clearly there...you don't have to refer to him as "whoever reviewed the album"). your opinion is not fact, so stop talking like it is. i can't stand when people do that, even if i agree on some points

[Broclee]

first of all, whoever "reviewed" this album, should be fired-no doubt. i'm completely baffled at the fact that you (ONE INDIVIDUAL) are really going to sit here and say The Audition's new album is unimaginative and unorganized! This is The Audition's most well-written, and put together c.d. to date. It includes a broad spectrum of different sounds, which gives EACH individual a chance to connect with at least one, or more songs. It was a genius idea for Danny and the band to actually make an album that can not only attract to their current listeners, but also to the listens that have just blown them off before. Each track is unique in its own way, lyrically AND musically. It really disheartens me, a fan of not only the audition, but the rock-alternative genre in general. I've seen this band perform live numerous times, and I have never seen a singer love what they do, more than Danny Stevens does. A singer that truly CARES for his fans, and strives to give them what they want, and expect. This band is part of the Victory Records label, which is probably the worst label there is. They have to work twice as hard to prove themselves to their following, because Victory doesn't do diddly-squat for them. They have done nothing but take advantage of this hard-working, multi-talented band. Danny Stevens is MUCH too good of a singer/songwriter to be belittled the way you have in this review.


Like I said, whoever wrote this article is on drugs.
You must have been listening to some other shit,
because "Self-Titled Album" would have BLOWN your face off.
Please, just...just...fuck it.

:chill:

[Mattylikesfilms]

Dissappointing album. Lasting value and creativity are minimal

pretty much. i only liked "the running man", " sign. steal. deliver." and "stand on your feet"


champion is wayyyyyyy better imo

[denissuxx]

pretty much. i only liked "the running man", " sign. steal. deliver." and "stand on your feet"


champion is wayyyyyyy better imo
I agree that Champion is better, but I don't agree with your song choices. I'd say My Temperature's Rising, Love With A Movite and It's Gonna Be Hard (When I'm Gone) are my favs

[Mattylikesfilms]

I agree that Champion is better, but I don't agree with your song choices. I'd say My Temperature's Rising, Love With A Movite and It's Gonna Be Hard (When I'm Gone) are my favs

well at least we both know champion is the best :)

[denissuxx]

well at least we both know champion is the best :)
Yep.

[Yellowcard2006]

I agree that Champion is better, but I don't agree with your song choices. I'd say My Temperature's Rising, Love With A Movite and It's Gonna Be Hard (When I'm Gone) are my favs

pretty much. i only liked "the running man", " sign. steal. deliver." and "stand on your feet"


champion is wayyyyyyy better imo

you both forgot "Los Angeles" the catchiest song on the album. Also "The Way that You Move"

[denissuxx]

you both forgot "Los Angeles" the catchiest song on the album. Also "The Way that You Move"
Yes. I forgot LA, its probs my favorite

[Mattylikesfilms]

you both forgot "Los Angeles" the catchiest song on the album. Also "The Way that You Move"

LA is ok, didn't like " the way you move " however.



Closure in Moscow is wayyyyyyyy better anyways ;)

[Yellowcard2006]

LA is ok, didn't like " the way you move " however.



Closure in Moscow is wayyyyyyyy better anyways ;)
Yeah thats right! I think my pre-order is arriving tomorrow :excited:

[Mattylikesfilms]

Yeah thats right! I think my pre-order is arriving tomorrow :excited:

I downloaded the leak of new temple and its pretty amazing. Ill either buy a copy of it in a week or go to a show of theirs and buy a shirt to make it up. Maybe two shirts? Hah

[xpolaris]

I'm listening to the stream on their myspace.. I wasn't even aware they had a new album. lol
I think I like it better than Champion because I found that album disappointing after Controversy. Yeah I'm part of the few that didn't like Champion all that much.
This album falls somewhere in between for me. The vocals sound a lot better than on Champion.
I think I need a few more listens. But it's pretty good.

[hemorrhaged]

imo this album is better than the other 2.. but its definitely a personal thing. the first album of TA i listened to was champion and i loved it : ) definitely worth a listen to

[Absolut_Punk]

this CD has a couple gems on it, but doesn't even touch Champion which is disappointing

[nickthehick2]

Album of the Year for me so far.