Taking Back Sunday - New Again

[Chris Fallon]

Taking Back Sunday - New Again
Record Label: Warner Bros.
Release Date: June 2, 2009

During the 1996 Summer Olympics in (anamerican)Atlanta, one of the most courageous finishes came from young gymnast Kerri Strug, who was the female gymnastics team’s key to nabbing the all-around gold medal. After damaging her ankle in a previous event, she was determined to earn that 9.6 for her team and her country. As many recall, she did it with style and ease, springing off the vault like a torpedo and coming to land on one foot. This remarkable feat of strength won over an entire country and earned Strug the right to brag about being “that American bitch that showed up the world by winning gold on one foot.”

There is a lesson to be learned here when using Strug’s heartwarming tale about giving it your all and performing under all the pressure in the world. That lesson is one veteran rock band Taking Back Sunday could have heard before going in to record their fourth full-length album and second for Warner Brothers, New Again. Both agonizingly disappointing and desperately upsetting, it is a record which lacks grit & determination, two key elements that lock an album together and revive the well-worn formula bands urgently need after four discs in the bag. After the departure of co-vocalist Fred Mascherino, it’s quite obvious the band is looking for a new direction, however their identity lacks the focus of past efforts – yes, even the lukewarmly-received Louder Now. Recruiting former Facing New York axman Matt Fazzi to take over Mascherino’s place seems to only work in theory, as his presence here receives very little hoopla. Longtime producer David Kahne (Sublime, Sugar Ray) blends the slightly-hollowed production from Louder Now with his trademarked polish, making for a record that sounds uneven in parts due to the trade-off of cleanliness versus rawness (in more ways than one).

Now, the similarities between Ms. Strug and Taking Back Sunday don’t simply end at the previously-mentioned analogy. Musically speaking, it’s all very well choreographed; the tightly-condensed rhythms recall a fresh-faced quintet from Long Island when they first bust forth on the scene writing angry songs that spoke to post-high school crowds. Mark O’Connell creates electrifying and vivid beats that almost lure the songs in opposite directions, which he singlehandedly does on the first single, “Sink Into Me.” Eddie Reyes can still punch out a solid foundation to carry the songs in an easy direction, and with Fazzi now bringing in a bit of alternative art-rock experience into the fold, the fuzz guitars on the title track and “Catholic Knees” gives a welcome edge to the band’s rock sound. Matt Rubano is again pushed back a bit, much like he was on Louder Now, yet he does make “Carpathia” sound full of vigor. The delicacy, the grace, the finesse – it all seems to be there, and ultimately provides the band with the recipe for success. There’s just one (big) minor problem…

Kerri Strug’s ultimate downfall was her agonizing vocal pitch, something which was often parodied by many late-night television shows in the 90’s. If the band did indeed try to replicate the beauty and style of a gymnastics team, Adam Lazzara picked the wrong athlete to emulate. New Again’s gaping hole that shines through is essentially Lazzara, who is so schizophrenic as a vocalist, it’s difficult to find his delivery appealing. Many times, his odd pronunciations and speaking patterns make lyrics difficult to decipher, and cause a great deal of frustration throughout the disc. However, his largest handicap is his songwriting, which took a swift dive with the absence of John Nolan and now, Mascherino. There doesn’t seem to ever be a distinct focus maintained, and far too many lyrics are placed on repeat and are such retreads of earlier songs, they are forgotten as quickly as they come on (“Lonely, Lonely” is the main perpetrator here). Lazzara is a repeat offender is more ways than one, clogging up the middle section of New Again with misled nostalgia trips that lack a solid hook (“Swing”), syrupy self-confessionals that are too derivative (“Where My Mouth Is”) and messy, garbage-disposal serenades that show off Lazzara’s temperamental flair for wigging out with no particular justified reason (“Cut Me Up Jenny”). That penchant for manic screeches and clenched-teeth tension only takes you so far on so many tracks.

“Summer, Man” harks back to the post-Tell All Your Friends days though, with a low-key melody that ought to perk the ears of older fans, and “Everything Must Go” is a truly well-written ballad that balances the record’s finale. As to what happens in-between, however, well that is questionable. “Capital M-E” is a jab at Mascherino that does exemplify Lazzara’s apathy quite effectively, yet it’s just too mild to include on the disc. In between the full-throttle rush of “Carpathia” and “Catholic Knees,” it gives the record a sense of disjointed satisfaction. Struggling to appeal to the first efforts in their catalog that brought in their die-hard fanbase, while maintaining a new direction on where they want to take their music, New Again sadly feels like much of the same and lacks the spark that gave this band such gravitas in the first place (more Fazzi vocals next time, please).

Taking Back Sunday will not be making that perfect landing for their team. They will not be appearing on a Wheaties box anytime soon. They will not be whisked away by a mustached Ukranian man. New Again is part of a highlight reel that zeroes in on disappointment and raises questions from fans who want answers. Answers, though, are unlikely to come, and by the time the reel is about to wrap it up, there will be few people sticking around to hear them out.

Taking Back Sunday's Louder Now; Saosin's Saosin; PJ Bland's; that one rock record by that one band I forgot, because it was pretty unmemorable"Summer, Man," "Sink Into Me" and "Everything Must Go"

1. New Again
2. Sink Into Me
3. Lonely, Lonely
4. Summer, Man
5. Swing
6. Where My Mouth Is
7. Cut Me Up Jenny
8. Catholic Knees
9. Capital M-E
10. Carpathia
11. Everything Must GoAdam Lazzara: vocals
Matt Fazzi: guitar/vocals
Eddie Reyes: guitar
Matt Rubano: bass
Mark O'Connell: drums

Official Site (http://www.takingbacksunday.com) | Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/takingbacksunday)Amazon MP3 (http://www.amazon.com/New-Again/dp/B002B2E08S/ref=sr_f3_2?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1243591900&sr=103-2)

[The Boat]

nice review, i kinda agree for the most part, but i dont think its as bad as most think, it has definately grown on me. id give it about at 65-70% though. sink into me, carpthia, everything must go, new again and catholic knees are the only songs i find myself going back to regularly. its a big change, and it works for me, but doesnt seem to grab the angst of everyone else on this site.
and id agree adam's voals aren't as good as they were on louder now. some parts are better some parts are worse. oh well.
hopefully their next album is a return to form. and for me that would be louder now, not tayf.

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Great review Chris, this album is horrible mediocre.

The fanboy hate shall commence now.

[Gumbyjag]

good review. i am still curious to check this out for myself though.

[brokenwings]

i really enjoyed louder now. i'll at least give this a try

[aoftbsten]

I dunno, this album has grown and grown on me. Good review though, pretty much my exact thoughts on the album originally. Though with several listens, even Cut Me Up Jenny has grown on me.

[jasonmeowz]

i completely agree with you're review, i was disappointed with new again, but its got a few decent songs

[EchoPark]

tying in Kerri Strug with an album review and making it work perfectly is pure Gold(no pun intended)

[Chemical Love]

Horribly boring album - I'm so pissed (I think I've said that in every New Again thread lol).

[Charles777]

I love this album. It isn't nearly as bad as people make it out to be.

[MorningStar10]

good review, is an average album nothing horrible, the 59% is because we know what they are capable of.

[npmshah]

HARSH!
i loved this review though, and still wanna check out the disc

[MorningStar10]

Also P.J. Bland ha

[Allister Owens]

no doubt fair review.

[Kobrakai09]

Nice review, but I'd give it about 65-70%. I like Adam Lazarra's vocal delivery for the most part.
I think Creativity at 4.25 is too low. There are some great songs on this album, with a few filler tracks (Where My Mouth Is, Cut Me Up Jenny, Catholic Knees) that bring it down.

[John is a cult]

so, its your pick for AOTY?

[drive-thru]

hilarious review! definitely not buying but ill definitely check it out, thanks!

[CLARIFY THIS]

I've streamed it a few times now and I think it's okay.No more no less. My main issue with it is the lack of dual vocals, something TBS has always done well even on their mediocre tracks.

[olemanblues]

sports analogy--this review is a Buckner

[simensays]

horrible album

[anamericangod]

Good review, atrocious album. I kind of want to write one myself, but that would mean listening to the album a few more times to nit pick things, and I don't know if I want to subject myself to that.

edit: is that a namedrop in the first line? haha

[abbysmith]

I'm not a big TBS fan, so I'm not really that disappointed that this album sucks.

[puhrnj]

Good review....I see what you mean by some songs, but I like it as a whole

[deezee]

I love this album. It isn't nearly as bad as people make it out to be.
I agree. The review is good and I respect Chris's opinion but I totally disagree

I listened to this 3 times in a row because I was typing stuff and was to lazy to change albums hahah

But now I love it.

[ChelseaRiane]

I still don't see the dislike for this album. But whatever

[JorynnRace]

I don't totally disagree here. It is decidedly a mediocre effort, however, I think it will grow on me the same way Louder Now did.

[princesschad]

Stick a fork in this band.

[xsinkshipsx]

everything I've heard I'm down with so far. I hope it isnt as bland as the review says...I'll still give it a shot on tuesday...

but as for the review itself....I want to write like you....seriously

[ddb43]

Review is spot on. This album is mediocre and has no real replay value. I'd rather listen to any of their other albums before putting this on. Great review...keep up the good work!

[2hxc4you]

this album is a big disappointment and even more mediocre than Louder Now, I want a return to form album ( like Emery has done with their new cd ) but I dont think its gonna happen.

[atticusfinch]

Great review. Such a boring and garbage album.

[_><_]

I honestly think that Carpathia is the best song on this album...

[Noah Fawkes]

"Taking Back Sunday will not be making that perfect landing for their team. They will not be appearing on a Wheaties box anytime soon. They will not be whisked away by a mustached Ukranian man. New Again is part of a highlight reel that zeroes in on disappointment and raises questions from fans who want answers. Answers, though, are unlikely to come, and by the time the reel is about to wrap it up, there will be few people sticking around to hear them out."

Talk about harsh. I'm really enjoying New Again. I think it's their best album so far, and honestly, I'm not alone in this.

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30714

Other reviewers seem to disagree with the one posted here too. I'm not a guy for actually caring for reviews, I can make my mind on my own, but if I had to choose ONE review that I think it fits this album and all the mood and angst around this website I've been seeing, it would be this one:

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713

My favorite part of it:

"New Again works best when it's played loudly, which is perhaps ironic given its predecessor's title. Really, this is hardly a departure from their signature sound for a band which has amassed a loyal following. Some of that following will probably take issue with the album's largely upbeat, almost summery aura, and proclaim it not worthy of the faux-emo pop-punk Taking Back Sunday of old, but behind the eyeliner they'll be desperate to break out in hand-claps on Sink Into Me. So there's no re-birth or leap of faith through these 38 minutes of music, but the absence of dual vocals, the marginally cleaner instrumentation and the hook-filled songwriting hint at a subtle shift in the direction of a genre better described as alt-rock than pop-punk. And they're damn good at it."

I honestly think people around here it's too much about angst and feuds and are missing all the fun. This is a feel good summer album. I honestly believe it'll go as one of the most important albums in this decade for going against the grain for a change. I don't get all the hate this band gets in this website, but that doesn't change the fact that this album does deliver the goods. Best album of the year so far.

Summarizing, just stop being so much angsty and clap your fuckin hands biatches :-d

[dtm34]

Been listening to it since it leaked. Pretty disappointed. There is not one amazing track. I mean, at least Louder Now had MakeDamnSure and Spin. New Again doesn't have anything. They come close with Everything Must Go and in some degrees Swing and Carpathia (I actually enjoy the hell out of this song). I guess it comes down to it having better tracks than Louder Now, but overall not great. More solid tracks, less standouts. Someone mentioned they hope they can do better on the next album or something....that's if there is a next one. I can really see this being their last album if it doesn't do well - got a bad feeling about it

[anamericangod]

"Taking Back Sunday will not be making that perfect landing for their team. They will not be appearing on a Wheaties box anytime soon. They will not be whisked away by a mustached Ukranian man. New Again is part of a highlight reel that zeroes in on disappointment and raises questions from fans who want answers. Answers, though, are unlikely to come, and by the time the reel is about to wrap it up, there will be few people sticking around to hear them out."

Talk about harsh. I'm really enjoying New Again. I think it's their best album so far, and honestly, I'm not alone in this.

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30714

Other reviewers seem to disagree with the one posted here too. I'm not a guy for actually caring for reviews, I can make my mind on my own, but if I had to choose ONE review that I think it fits this album and all the mood and angst around this website I've been seeing, it would be this one:

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713

My favorite part of it:

"New Again works best when it's played loudly, which is perhaps ironic given its predecessor's title. Really, this is hardly a departure from their signature sound for a band which has amassed a loyal following. Some of that following will probably take issue with the album's largely upbeat, almost summery aura, and proclaim it not worthy of the faux-emo pop-punk Taking Back Sunday of old, but behind the eyeliner they'll be desperate to break out in hand-claps on Sink Into Me. So there's no re-birth or leap of faith through these 38 minutes of music, but the absence of dual vocals, the marginally cleaner instrumentation and the hook-filled songwriting hint at a subtle shift in the direction of a genre better described as alt-rock than pop-punk. And they're damn good at it."

I honestly think people around here it's too much about angst and feuds and are missing all the fun. This is a feel good summer album. I honestly believe it'll go as one of the most important albums in this decade for going against the grain for a change. I don't get all the hate this band gets in this website, but that doesn't change the fact that this album does deliver the goods. Best album of the year so far.

Summarizing, just stop being so much angsty and clap your fuckin hands biatches :-d
That review is laughable. How is this a "summery" album?

[awakeohsleeper]

Never really liked this band.

[Noah Fawkes]

That review is laughable. How is this a "summery" album?
sure, the classic spell remark. what a classy act.

[anamericangod]

sure, the classic spell remark. what a classy act.
What?

[P_T_W]

For the most part, i like this album.. much more then louder now (although i think "Miami" was the only real quality track on it.) But you are spot on with saying "Catholic Knees, Capital M-E, and Carpathia" should not have made the cut. The rest of the songs ive gotten real into though.. Everything Must go, Summer Man, Swing, and Where my mouth is have all really really grown on me.

[Noah Fawkes]

It seems very weird and fishy for me that every magazine or website that I look, most of them are raving and talking how much this album is good. AltPress, Kerrang and Sputnick.com, just to name dropping some, are raving about how much this album is. I've been just a lurker around this website because I've never bothered to post, and after reading so many bad things about this album here I thought that the album would turn out to be crap. I was glad surprised to find quite the opposite after I've actually listened the thing. And now that I'm seeing all these reviews talking about how much this album is good, I'm really glad that I actually gave the album a chance instead of listen all the angst that goes around here. It's a new classic feel good summer album, at least in my POV.

[evvandflow]

i agree with the 65-70% posted above me. It is definitely their worst album but still worth the purchase/listen. Their sound is just too good to ignore thise album.

[Noah Fawkes]

That review is laughable. How is this a "summery" album?
And can you tell me why this review is laughable? Because it's positive with a - wait get this, it's huge - good album that doesnt go all angsty and miserable? C'mon, cut me a slack. You are always here in the interweb, anamericangod, I almost think you're just a bloody bot. How can you enjoy a god damn feel good summer album if you actually almost never see the sun?

[John is a cult]

i haven't heard the album.
but now.. knowing that Noah Fawkes' dumb ass enjoys it..
I probably wont listen.

[imtellingseb]

Good review! IMO this is by far their weakest album, but it still has some good parts though! I really liked Summer, Man, Catholic Knees and Capital M-E.

[anamericangod]

And can you tell me why this review is laughable? Because it's positive with a - wait get this, it's huge - good album that doesnt go all angsty and miserable? C'mon, cut me a slack. You are always here in the interweb, anamericangod, I almost think you're just a bloody bot. How can you enjoy a god damn feel good summer album if you actually almost never see the sun?
http://www.freewebs.com/alantudyknet/irobot.jpg

[Undue Noise]

And can you tell me why this review is laughable? Because it's positive with a - wait get this, it's huge - good album that doesnt go all angsty and miserable? C'mon, cut me a slack. You are always here in the interweb, anamericangod, I almost think you're just a bloody bot. How can you enjoy a god damn feel good summer album if you actually almost never see the sun?
Wow, angst. Why are you attacking a poster for politely disagreeing with your statement? He asked 'how is this a "summery" album?' which is a relevant question because the album does not come across that way. You don't need to attack people who have a different opinion.

Good review, Chris, I agree with pretty much all of this. The album was terribly mediocre and bland. Good RIYL as well haha.

[John is a cult]

http://www.freewebs.com/alantudyknet/irobot.jpg
owned

[Olle.89]

i like Carpathia, Summer, Man and Sink into me...but i cant see a singel song on this record who would be good enough to make the final cut for Tell all your friends

[deezee]

"Taking Back Sunday will not be making that perfect landing for their team. They will not be appearing on a Wheaties box anytime soon. They will not be whisked away by a mustached Ukranian man. New Again is part of a highlight reel that zeroes in on disappointment and raises questions from fans who want answers. Answers, though, are unlikely to come, and by the time the reel is about to wrap it up, there will be few people sticking around to hear them out."

Talk about harsh. I'm really enjoying New Again. I think it's their best album so far, and honestly, I'm not alone in this.

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30714

Other reviewers seem to disagree with the one posted here too. I'm not a guy for actually caring for reviews, I can make my mind on my own, but if I had to choose ONE review that I think it fits this album and all the mood and angst around this website I've been seeing, it would be this one:

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713

My favorite part of it:

"New Again works best when it's played loudly, which is perhaps ironic given its predecessor's title. Really, this is hardly a departure from their signature sound for a band which has amassed a loyal following. Some of that following will probably take issue with the album's largely upbeat, almost summery aura, and proclaim it not worthy of the faux-emo pop-punk Taking Back Sunday of old, but behind the eyeliner they'll be desperate to break out in hand-claps on Sink Into Me. So there's no re-birth or leap of faith through these 38 minutes of music, but the absence of dual vocals, the marginally cleaner instrumentation and the hook-filled songwriting hint at a subtle shift in the direction of a genre better described as alt-rock than pop-punk. And they're damn good at it."

I honestly think people around here it's too much about angst and feuds and are missing all the fun. This is a feel good summer album. I honestly believe it'll go as one of the most important albums in this decade for going against the grain for a change. I don't get all the hate this band gets in this website, but that doesn't change the fact that this album does deliver the goods. Best album of the year so far.

Summarizing, just stop being so much angsty and clap your fuckin hands biatches :-d
You know I normally agree with all the reviews on here, but I love this album haha

It's bugging me out, maybe I should just hate on it to fit in.

Maybe I like it because I'm more into "Alternative" stuff now idk

[deezee]

http://www.freewebs.com/alantudyknet/irobot.jpg
Haha I robot nice.

[Charles777]

i like Carpathia, Summer, Man and Sink into me...but i cant see a singel song on this record who would be good enough to make the final cut for Tell all your friends

That's because this is a completely different album. It's a completely different band. There's no sense in comparing the two.

[Brett9]

Good review, Chris. Points for bringing Kerri Strug into a TBS album review...that takes some effort. Honestly, I really do not like this album...at all. "Sink Into Me" and "New Again" have grown on me, but the rest of the album is just not doing it for me. It's all about personal taste - other people will love this album, I'm sure. Just not me...

[WFUJerseyJon]

That review is laughable. How is this a "summery" album?
To say this is their best to date is one of the most ignorant things I've ever read. This album sucks, the review is spot on, and Summer, Man is the only decent track on it. This used to be my favorite band. Now they're worthless.

Love the RIYLs.

[Stevecase]

"that one rock record by that one band I forgot, because it was pretty unmemorable"

haha. Lazzara was a drunken fool at bamboozle. I was forced to flee away from the music.

[TheLoyalVox]

Not even gonna bother... this band is no longer worth the disk space.

[TheArdentLove]

I see where you're coming from, but I personally love this album. I like how Adam is given the spotlight while Fazzi is there to compliment him more or less. A lot of fans are probably upset that they kind of lost their dual vocal deliveries, but a lot of the lyrics reflect Adam's personal life so it only makes sense to me that Adam would be the one to handle the bulk of the vocals. His voice may be all over the place, but that's what I like about it. It's raw and emotional which is something I haven't heard from him since their first album. With the exception of a few tracks, this is their best album since Tell All Your Friends.

Don't hate on me too much.

[im_FINK]

I do agree with your review, but I think I'd give it more credit.

The primary things TBS needs to take from this record are --

1.) Let Fazzi have more lyrical and vocal input.

2.) Leave Warner Bros. Record and sign to Epitaph or something. They're at the point now where they can stand on their own two feet.

Anyway, I'll be writing my own review and will submit it here so stay tuned.

[Charles777]

^ I agree. It's a great album.


Edit: That was to TheArdentLove

[TBSowns524]

very well written review. i've heard most of the songs and i gotta agree with you that they're lacking edge and are pretty bland. there are no dual vocals, the lyrics are repetitive (which old songs were too, but there was an edge behind them), and there's a lack of interesting hooks. Now I did find myself singing sink into me out of nowhere last night and ive probably only heard it 2 or 3 times. I also agree that everything must go is a darn good song. I'll prolly give it more of a listen and end up giving it like a 65-70% but its an overall disappointment. I want to like the record and this band, but they make it so difficult.

[jawstheme]

This is the best and most original review I have read on this site. I love the Kerri Strug comparison, haha. I have to know, how the hell did you think of think of that?

[leifstar]

Good review, and my exact thoughts. I do need to give it a few more spins, but it is disappointing so far. I thought prior to starting the album they said it was going to be like tell all your friends, but wasn't even close, I know it will be impossible to replicate, but it is not even close, mainly for its only adam singing the whole time. I miss the dual vocalist.

I will see if it grows on me.

[timb89]

haha great segue into the review

[thirtyfourdays]

<3 this album, tbs wrote a good rock album, not a tbs album sowwwwwy fans

[gladnads]

going to be passing on this. Band should stick to Denny's gimmicks.

[Noah Fawkes]

Wow, angst. Why are you attacking a poster for politely disagreeing with your statement? He asked 'how is this a "summery" album?' which is a relevant question because the album does not come across that way. You don't need to attack people who have a different opinion.

Good review, Chris, I agree with pretty much all of this. The album was terribly mediocre and bland. Good RIYL as well haha.
I see this album as an upbeat, almost summery album, yes. It's my opinion, and if you read this review here ( http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713 ) I think you'll see that I'm not alone in this. There were other people around the Taking Back Sunday boards here saying something in these lines too. I'm not following you dude, I don't see where I went aggressive with anamericangod. I've stated a fact: he's mostly all the time here, I don't post much, but he is always in the boards and most of the time pissing in bands that he dislikes with snarky deliveries, are you his big brother or something?

[zrac99]

I love this album. I think people need to stop expecting TAYF part 2.

Cut Me Up Jenny is a grower. I hated it the first time I heard it, but its really grown on me.

[OCNickLTJ13]

The review tries to hard to be interesting with the Strug analogy. Maybe you'd be on to something if they bad ever did anything to reference Strug's performance at the '96 Olympics, but they didn't. It takes panache to write a review like this, but ultimately, the two subjects are too diverse to make the piece cohesive.

[Noah Fawkes]

http://www.freewebs.com/alantudyknet/irobot.jpg
Well, not really, I was thinking in something more or less like this:

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s204/Boba_Fettuccini/ClicheComic/emorobot4.jpg

[Ivogoossens]

I am a long time TBS fan and over the years I've became less and less fan of their music. I don't agree with the review at all. I think 'New Again' brings TBs where they were. Agressive upbeat catchy songs. Nice album if you ask me.

[Noah Fawkes]

To say this is their best to date is one of the most ignorant things I've ever read. This album sucks, the review is spot on, and Summer, Man is the only decent track on it. This used to be my favorite band. Now they're worthless.

Love the RIYLs.
Since when an OPINION about something so subjective as music tastes can be ignorant for being different than what you think? And worst yet, since mostly the bad rep this album is getting is mostly coming from this website ONLY and not another good and respected review sources, since when what is said around these parts is classified as UNDENIABLE TRUTH? Is this Bizarro world or what? :-|

[Noah Fawkes]

I am a long time TBS fan and over the years I've became less and less fan of their music. I don't agree with the review at all. I think 'New Again' brings TBs where they were. Agressive upbeat catchy songs. Nice album if you ask me.
I couldn't agree more. Same thing here.

[Deadbolt01]

I'm not usually harsh on reviews, but as its a staff one I feel I can be:
I don't like the stupid Gymnast reference. So American it makes me feel a little bit sick.
I don't like the overall opinion - This is a far better record than people are saying it is. If this had been a debut people would be raving about it, but people have turned on TBS. Grit and determination is not what this record is about, its a pop record, leave it be. The time when it goes into something heavier(Carpathia) I think plenty of grit is present. Its a gritty song . I'd call it gritty.
And I don't like the fact that you called them a veteran rock band. 4 Albums isn't veteran for me. 7 maybe, but not 4.

I might review this actually.

[hcky0819]

i have heard nothing good about this LP. i hope somehow, some way, everyone is mistaken.

[smelltheglove]

great review, what an outlandish analogy. entertaining and well written.

i had a feeling this album was gonna suck balls (i mean shit, Louder Now already sucked balls...fuck, you know what...even "where you want to be" isn't that great)

this is a band still being carried by their debut album. TAYF is a scene classic, lightning in a bottle, and it has carried thme this far, but lightning isn't going to strike the same place twice apparantly.

OVER IT! NExt!

[losnoufy]

sports analogy--this review is a Buckner
not cool, man.

[tbsrock08]

I agree 100%. I mean if this band can find John Nolan and Fred. They are bound to find some1 who will want to stick with the band for more the 1 Full Length CD. Its an OK CD. I still think its better then there past releases. It does remind me slightly of Tell All Of Your Friends. Just because the music is better then Louder Now, I liked where you want to be. But not as good as tell all your friends
Good Review

[combatchuckaa]

The music on this album sounds like something I was hearing 8 years ago...in a not good way.

[con40dmitri]

Ha, nice analogy. I'll still check out the album when I get to it, unlike past TBS albums where I would kill to hear a stream of a new song.

[noles848]

i have heard nothing good about this LP. i hope somehow, some way, everyone is mistaken.
there are plenty of people out there defending this album.. just because anamericangod decides to troll around every tbs post and jason tate says he doesn't like it doesn't mean the rest of us feel the same way.

[Noah Fawkes]

i have heard nothing good about this LP. i hope somehow, some way, everyone is mistaken.
Alternative Press Review [4.5/5]: http://altpress.com/reviews/tbsnewagain.htm

Kerrang [4/5] http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kerrang1263.jpg

Sputnik Music Review 1 [4/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713

Sputnik Music Review 2 [5/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30714


The problem of this website with Taking Back Sunday isn't exactly this album, if you get what I'm saying... I hope you're served in opinions. But I really hope you listen the album and make your own opinion about it. It's the best album of the year for me so far, and this year had Manchester Orchestra and As Cities Burn already, so that says something.

[Noah Fawkes]

there are plenty of people out there defending this album.. just because anamericangod decides to troll around every tbs post and jason tate says he doesn't like it doesn't mean the rest of us feel the same way.
This.

[WhoSaidThat?]

Nice review, Chris. Just like the last two TBS, it had its moments, but not as a cohesive whole. Damn.

[trebmal]

I think it's funny that it's not even officially released yet and people are responding with "it's grown on me." This release isn't horrible, but I don't expect Taking Back Sunday to ever be as they were before. I accept that, move on and are open minded to the new sounds they create. It could be worse.

[brentkid]

I don't find this album to be absolutely awful, it's just very forgettable.

[CyberInferno]

I agree. The review is good and I respect Chris's opinion but I totally disagree

I listened to this 3 times in a row because I was typing stuff and was to lazy to change albums hahah

But now I love it.
I agree with you. Chris's review is well-written and entertaining as always, but the tracks he disses are some of my favorite (Swing, Where My Mouth Is, Capital M-E).

I will say that this is my least favorite TBS album though.

[NateFoundGlory]

I'm not usually harsh on reviews, but as its a staff one I feel I can be:
I don't like the stupid Gymnast reference. So American it makes me feel a little bit sick.
I don't like the overall opinion - This is a far better record than people are saying it is. If this had been a debut people would be raving about it, but people have turned on TBS. Grit and determination is not what this record is about, its a pop record, leave it be. The time when it goes into something heavier(Carpathia) I think plenty of grit is present. Its a gritty song . I'd call it gritty.
And I don't like the fact that you called them a veteran rock band. 4 Albums isn't veteran for me. 7 maybe, but not 4.

I might review this actually.

Please do. I'm going to give it a listen and see how I feel, but it cannot possibly be as god-awfully terrible as everyone is making it out to be. I rather enjoyed Louder Now a lot, so I predict I'll like this. They're not going to sound like they did on Tell All Your Friends. Get over it. Please.

/rant

[flks511]

Now I kind of feel like an idiot...I submitted a review for this 2 days ago.

[DItaliaO]

"New Again" is the best song they've ever written. Gone is the screaming which I'll admit was a selling point for me when I was 19. It makes the songs easier to listen to. Fred was never a good screamer anyways (he sucked live).

"Lonely, Lonely" is such a good song, but i can't help to think their should be a intense solo at the end of the song. (which brings me to another point, why aren't more bands using solos?!, it doesn't have to be grandiose, but it shouldn't be two seconds either)

I'm not sure about the single "Sink Into Me". I don't get excited listening to it from the album, but boy when that sucker comes on the radio i'm pumped! Must be from the shock that the rock station here is really playing TBS.

"Carpathia" is another good song on this album with it's chants of "man that was ages ago!!" really drive me as a listener, a good sing along for live play.

These few thoughts have come about thru countless plays on my 4 hour road trip to D.C. I concur with some of posters in which the album has a summer vibe. It's a good album from these guys and I only hope they can keep building upon it.

[new_arbiter]

I gave it a listen and probably never will again. A completely forgettable album.

[Broclee]

"Taking Back Sunday will not be making that perfect landing for their team. They will not be appearing on a Wheaties box anytime soon. They will not be whisked away by a mustached Ukranian man. New Again is part of a highlight reel that zeroes in on disappointment and raises questions from fans who want answers. Answers, though, are unlikely to come, and by the time the reel is about to wrap it up, there will be few people sticking around to hear them out."

Talk about harsh. I'm really enjoying New Again. I think it's their best album so far, and honestly, I'm not alone in this.

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30714

Other reviewers seem to disagree with the one posted here too. I'm not a guy for actually caring for reviews, I can make my mind on my own, but if I had to choose ONE review that I think it fits this album and all the mood and angst around this website I've been seeing, it would be this one:

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713

My favorite part of it:

"New Again works best when it's played loudly, which is perhaps ironic given its predecessor's title. Really, this is hardly a departure from their signature sound for a band which has amassed a loyal following. Some of that following will probably take issue with the album's largely upbeat, almost summery aura, and proclaim it not worthy of the faux-emo pop-punk Taking Back Sunday of old, but behind the eyeliner they'll be desperate to break out in hand-claps on Sink Into Me. So there's no re-birth or leap of faith through these 38 minutes of music, but the absence of dual vocals, the marginally cleaner instrumentation and the hook-filled songwriting hint at a subtle shift in the direction of a genre better described as alt-rock than pop-punk. And they're damn good at it."

I honestly think people around here it's too much about angst and feuds and are missing all the fun. This is a feel good summer album. I honestly believe it'll go as one of the most important albums in this decade for going against the grain for a change. I don't get all the hate this band gets in this website, but that doesn't change the fact that this album does deliver the goods. Best album of the year so far.

Summarizing, just stop being so much angsty and clap your fuckin hands biatches :-d

"Just have fun" is the attitude that allows shit to be made in the first place. "Just have fun" is what's killing the music we all love and cherish.

Also, this is far from Album of the Year. Even if this was a better album, there have been some (almost) flawless albums released this year, and this just can't compare.

As for importance, Tell All Your Friends might be one of the most important albums of the decade, but this is not. This is just radio rock as done by a band that used to be near and dear to a lot of people's hearts. Do a lot of people like this album? Yeah. Hell, I don't particularly dislike it. I agree with most of the review, but my score would've been a little higher.

But assuming that everyone dislikes it because they're angsty emo bitches who want a TAYF 2 is ridiculous.

I'm not usually harsh on reviews, but as its a staff one I feel I can be:
I don't like the stupid Gymnast reference. So American it makes me feel a little bit sick.
I don't like the overall opinion - This is a far better record than people are saying it is. If this had been a debut people would be raving about it, but people have turned on TBS. Grit and determination is not what this record is about, its a pop record, leave it be. The time when it goes into something heavier(Carpathia) I think plenty of grit is present. Its a gritty song . I'd call it gritty.
And I don't like the fact that you called them a veteran rock band. 4 Albums isn't veteran for me. 7 maybe, but not 4.

I might review this actually.

The gymnast reference isn't that stupid...and I don't really see why it'd make you sick....care to elaborate?
(I'm not trying to be an ass, I'm genuinely curious)

[NotThtKndaGirl]

i agree for the most part. my favorites are "New Again", "Summer, Man", "Everything Must Go", and "Sink Into Me"

[KingsCrossing]

This album is decent, not as bad as some are making it out to be.

Also, this review is just not... good. The analogy didn't really fit at all, and it seems like the writer just tried too hard to make it work.

[Broclee]

"New Again" is the best song they've ever written. Gone is the screaming which I'll admit was a selling point for me when I was 19. It makes the songs easier to listen to. Fred was never a good screamer anyways (he sucked live).

"Lonely, Lonely" is such a good song, but i can't help to think their should be a intense solo at the end of the song. (which brings me to another point, why aren't more bands using solos?!, it doesn't have to be grandiose, but it shouldn't be two seconds either)

I'm not sure about the single "Sink Into Me". I don't get excited listening to it from the album, but boy when that sucker comes on the radio i'm pumped! Must be from the shock that the rock station here is really playing TBS.

"Carpathia" is another good song on this album with it's chants of "man that was ages ago!!" really drive me as a listener, a good sing along for live play.

These few thoughts have come about thru countless plays on my 4 hour road trip to D.C. I concur with some of posters in which the album has a summer vibe. It's a good album from these guys and I only hope they can keep building upon it.
There's a shitton of screaming on this album, much more than there was on Louder Now.

[Yellowcard2006]

Still buying, I read 2 other excellent reviews. And this review is good enough for a buy anyway (RIYL Saosin and Louder Now? Awesome!)

[ohstumbleine]

i actually really like this album. if you stop trying to compare it to their older albums, it's actually not that bad.

[venner]

the strug analogy was distracting and not having heard the record i cant say that i agree but the review definitely confirms everything i expected from the release. based on the songs i have heard i gotta say there is nothing appealing left about taking back sunday. everything since TAYF was mediocre so im not surprised to read this.

[imtellingseb]

"New Again" is the best song they've ever written. Gone is the screaming which I'll admit was a selling point for me when I was 19. It makes the songs easier to listen to. Fred was never a good screamer anyways (he sucked live).

"Lonely, Lonely" is such a good song, but i can't help to think their should be a intense solo at the end of the song. (which brings me to another point, why aren't more bands using solos?!, it doesn't have to be grandiose, but it shouldn't be two seconds either)

I'm not sure about the single "Sink Into Me". I don't get excited listening to it from the album, but boy when that sucker comes on the radio i'm pumped! Must be from the shock that the rock station here is really playing TBS.

"Carpathia" is another good song on this album with it's chants of "man that was ages ago!!" really drive me as a listener, a good sing along for live play.

These few thoughts have come about thru countless plays on my 4 hour road trip to D.C. I concur with some of posters in which the album has a summer vibe. It's a good album from these guys and I only hope they can keep building upon it.

New Again is the best song they've ever written? Really? I could think of at least 10 songs by TBS that are more well written than New Again..

[WFUJerseyJon]

Since when an OPINION about something so subjective as music tastes can be ignorant for being different than what you think? And worst yet, since mostly the bad rep this album is getting is mostly coming from this website ONLY and not another good and respected review sources, since when what is said around these parts is classified as UNDENIABLE TRUTH? Is this Bizarro world or what? :-|

Considering this site largely is compromised of the fans that have followed this band over the last 10 years, I would say this site's opinions should be at the very least considered 'good' and 'respected'. This site isn't the only site giving this album harsh reviews at all. It's devoid of any emotoin, all the songs blend together and sound alike as poor b sides from Louder Now, and that album was pretty bad in and of itself. Go listen to the first two, there is creativity in those albums. Unique tones and sounds, loaded with emotion. This album is a perfect example of empty radio rock with no substance, except done even more horribly. By the way, thanks for being so specific with your "good and respected review sources".

[anamericangod]

Considering this site largely is compromised of the fans that have followed this band over the last 10 years, I would say this site's opinions should be at the very least considered 'good' and 'respected'. This site isn't the only site giving this album harsh reviews at all. It's devoid of any emotoin, all the songs blend together and sound alike as poor b sides from Louder Now, and that album was pretty bad in and of itself. Go listen to the first two, there is creativity in those albums. Unique tones and sounds, loaded with emotion. This album is a perfect example of empty radio rock with no substance, except done even more horribly. By the way, thanks for being so specific with your "good and respected review sources".
Quiet down, you troll.

[Here It Goes]

I did not get that analogy about Kerri Strug at all. This was a pretty weird review, for me. Every other critic seemed to applaud this album, and while I don't LOVE it, I'm assuming I just haven't listened to it enough.

You're right about the lyrics being pretty vanilla, but...I dunno, this seemed harsh. If anything, it's certainly no worse than Louder Now, which I thought was insanely lame.

[Noah Fawkes]

"Just have fun" is the attitude that allows shit to be made in the first place. "Just have fun" is what's killing the music we all love and cherish.

Also, this is far from Album of the Year. Even if this was a better album, there have been some (almost) flawless albums released this year, and this just can't compare.

As for importance, Tell All Your Friends might be one of the most important albums of the decade, but this is not. This is just radio rock as done by a band that used to be near and dear to a lot of people's hearts. Do a lot of people like this album? Yeah. Hell, I don't particularly dislike it. I agree with most of the review, but my score would've been a little higher.

But assuming that everyone dislikes it because they're angsty emo bitches who want a TAYF 2 is ridiculous.



The gymnast reference isn't that stupid...and I don't really see why it'd make you sick....care to elaborate?
(I'm not trying to be an ass, I'm genuinely curious)

I'm not emo. I don't wanna angst. And in my opinion, it's the best album of the year so far. It's a feel good summer album and I luvvvv it. And I can't follow you in what you're saying, dude. You're actually implying that you miss the angst and post-adolescent emotion they had when they did when they wrote Tell All Your Friends or something? Biatch, please... as holy John Nolan would say, "they are ALL through with the past, but the past isn't through with them". They are grown up men now. Deal with it. Write about it. Start a band. Change the world. DIY. As for Taking Back Sunday, I wanna see progression. I wanna see they delivering great quality music that I enjoy listen to. Taking Back Sunday is whatever these guys in the band say it is, and it's about whatever they want to, it's that simple.

[Deadbolt01]

"Just have fun" is the attitude that allows shit to be made in the first place. "Just have fun" is what's killing the music we all love and cherish.

Also, this is far from Album of the Year. Even if this was a better album, there have been some (almost) flawless albums released this year, and this just can't compare.

As for importance, Tell All Your Friends might be one of the most important albums of the decade, but this is not. This is just radio rock as done by a band that used to be near and dear to a lot of people's hearts. Do a lot of people like this album? Yeah. Hell, I don't particularly dislike it. I agree with most of the review, but my score would've been a little higher.

But assuming that everyone dislikes it because they're angsty emo bitches who want a TAYF 2 is ridiculous.



The gymnast reference isn't that stupid...and I don't really see why it'd make you sick....care to elaborate?
(I'm not trying to be an ass, I'm genuinely curious)
Its just the classic movie-style hero underdog thing that gets on my nerves. I guess its hard to explain to an American(please don't think I'm having a go at Americans, just a small aspect of the culture that annoys me)who lives with that sort of cheesiness every day and is numbed to it. Theres probably some very annoying stuff in Britain that an outsider would hate but I don't notice because I live with it.

Please do. I'm going to give it a listen and see how I feel, but it cannot possibly be as god-awfully terrible as everyone is making it out to be. I rather enjoyed Louder Now a lot, so I predict I'll like this. They're not going to sound like they did on Tell All Your Friends. Get over it. Please.

/rant
Sounds weird, but for me this album is almost an exact cross between Louder Now and Where You Want to Be. Which is cool, I never liked TAYF that much anyways. WYWTB is my TBS favourite, but this is cool.

[Noah Fawkes]

Considering this site largely is compromised of the fans that have followed this band over the last 10 years, I would say this site's opinions should be at the very least considered 'good' and 'respected'. This site isn't the only site giving this album harsh reviews at all. It's devoid of any emotoin, all the songs blend together and sound alike as poor b sides from Louder Now, and that album was pretty bad in and of itself. Go listen to the first two, there is creativity in those albums. Unique tones and sounds, loaded with emotion. This album is a perfect example of empty radio rock with no substance, except done even more horribly. By the way, thanks for being so specific with your "good and respected review sources".
This website has a feud with TBS. It's public, it's out there. Everyone knows. The opinion of this website is partial, and everyone knows it, agreeing or not. And just to show this, your claims about the album came out just as something Jason Tate said about being "empty radio rock with no substance". How can I respect and consider a copycat opinion like that any "good" is honestly beyond me.

[DItaliaO]

There's a shitton of screaming on this album, much more than there was on Louder Now.

to clarify i meant the 2nd vocalist screaming is gone, the 2nd vocalist (i'm assuming Matt Fazzi is taking the duties now) parts are more softer and ambient (ex. Lonely, Lonely)

I don't mind Adam screaming, I want my front men to show erratic behavior with their singing. I did enjoy both albums with Fred on it, but i'm sure we can all realize Mr. Nolan did it best.

[CarouselBoy]

well not the best TBS record but def not the worst or terrible. I would have given it a 77-80%.

What I didn't like about the review was that analogy to Strug. Analogies should make what you're trying to say about the subject (New Again) easier to understand at the least and maybe make it more interesting. You could have written the review just fine without the analogy. In fact, because you used a gymnast I think it would have been better. It's just too comparatively off the wall and really doesn't help strengthen what you're saying. just my humble opinion.

[jbaseball44]

Pretty piss poor album, i'd give it 30-40%.

[DItaliaO]

New Again is the best song they've ever written? Really? I could think of at least 10 songs by TBS that are more well written than New Again..
yeah I just think it has everything that makes it a good Taking Back Sunday. And how can you deny the sexy, raunchy sounding bass line that opens the song.

The bass player is showing off his chops a little bit, by no means am I claiming a historic bass line here such as one by the likes of Geddy Lee, or John Entwistle, but much better than bass players who just play along with the guitar player (which does happen on this album)

[noles848]

This is a perfect example of why the reviews on this site are not considered credible/professional. I'm sorry if you were hoping for tbs to make the cover of a "wheaties box" and be "whisked away by a ukranian man with a mustache" and you were disappointed.

[Charles777]

Golly, this album sure is controversial.

[Broclee]

I'm not emo. I don't wanna angst. And in my opinion, it's the best album of the year so far. It's a feel good summer album and I luvvvv it. And I can't follow you in what you're saying, dude. You're actually implying that you miss the angst and post-adolescent emotion they had when they did when they wrote Tell All Your Friends or something? Biatch, please... as holy John Nolan would say, "they are ALL through with the past, but the past isn't through with them". They are grown up men now. Deal with it. Write about it. Start a band. Change the world. DIY. As for Taking Back Sunday, I wanna see progression. I wanna see they delivering great quality music that I enjoy listen to. Taking Back Sunday is whatever these guys in the band say it is, and it's about whatever they want to, it's that simple.

...I didn't say that at all, although, yeah, I miss that emotion, because at least it was there. Tell All Your Friends was something new and different, and is an all-around great album. It stands apart from its contemporaries in many different aspects. I'm sorry, but you'd have to be an idiot to not understand that.

I know they're adults know, but other adults are writing music of a MUCH higher quality (Fall Out Boy comes to mind). I'd like to see progression, too, because this isn't really it. I AM writing about it, right here. I'd love to start a band, but I'm in school right now (for music, no less), and it's a bit difficult to balance. But, you know, if you're of THAT camp ("Well, why don't you write a better album?" or some other variation of such a shitty question), then I don't even know if it's completely worth my time to try and reason with you.

So please, enjoy your "fun, summery" music. I guess you're picking up the new brokencyde, too?

[Broclee]

This is a perfect example of why the reviews on this site are not considered credible/professional. I'm sorry if you were hoping for tbs to make the cover of a "wheaties box" and be "whisked away by a ukranian man with a mustache" and you were disappointed.
How does that take away from credibility? It's an analogy that ANY reviewer could've used. I've seen worse analogies from "professional" reviewers. This is a well-written review, just because you don't agree with it doesn't mean it's not.

[anamericangod]

This is a perfect example of why the reviews on this site are not considered credible/professional. I'm sorry if you were hoping for tbs to make the cover of a "wheaties box" and be "whisked away by a ukranian man with a mustache" and you were disappointed.
You're right. That's why bands don't put excerpts from reviews here on their cds, in their press kits, or all over their web pages. Nobody gives a fuck about AbsolutePunk. Does anyone even read these reviews? Site traffic has to be down by at least double digits. Fuck Jason Tate.

[thirtyfourdays]

...I didn't say that at all, although, yeah, I miss that emotion, because at least it was there. Tell All Your Friends was something new and different, and is an all-around great album. It stands apart from its contemporaries in many different aspects. I'm sorry, but you'd have to be an idiot to not understand that.

I know they're adults know, but other adults are writing music of a MUCH higher quality (Fall Out Boy comes to mind). I'd like to see progression, too, because this isn't really it. I AM writing about it, right here. I'd love to start a band, but I'm in school right now (for music, no less), and it's a bit difficult to balance. But, you know, if you're of THAT camp ("Well, why don't you write a better album?" or some other variation of such a shitty question), then I don't even know if it's completely worth my time to try and reason with you.

So please, enjoy your "fun, summery" music. I guess you're picking up the new brokencyde, too?
seriously? FOB? the music on this album and any tbs album blows anything FOB has ever done out of the water. tell pete wentz to write a bass line like the song new again

[WFUJerseyJon]

This website has a feud with TBS. It's public, it's out there. Everyone knows. The opinion of this website is partial, and everyone knows it, agreeing or not. And just to show this, your claims about the album came out just as something Jason Tate said about being "empty radio rock with no substance". How can I respect and consider a copycat opinion like that any "good" is honestly beyond me.
I'm pretty sure I've fought with Jason Tate over many things. "This site" is not all of the same opinion. I tend to frequent this site (and have such a high post count) because it covers the majority of the music I listen to, and I enjoy discussing that music with people on here, as many of my friends are not into music covered on this site at all. I have no feud with TBS other than the fact that they've continued to go downhill with each album, and they used to be MY FAVORITE BAND. I WANTED to like this album. TBS putting out a bounce back, awesome album would be the highlight of my year. But it's not that, and at this point I'm not sure they have it in them. My claim that this is empty radio rock may echo Tate's claim based on the simple truth that it is the actual case. Sometimes people can independently reach the same conclusion, you know. It's not that advanced a concept. Anyway, I'm done with this. Your review and subsequent posts have shown me you're not worth my time. To think this is one of the most important albums of this decade is beyond laughable.

[thirtyfourdays]

You're right. That's why bands don't put excerpts from reviews here on their cds, in their press kits, or all over their web pages. Nobody gives a fuck about AbsolutePunk. Does anyone even read these reviews? Site traffic has to be down by at least double digits. Fuck Jason Tate.
lmfao WIN.

while i dont agree with the review, the site is very credible. and that was a hysterical post

[NateFoundGlory]

I'm listening to this now, and it's not that bad. Definitely not perfect, but I think it deserves somewhere in the 70%s instead of as low as it was given.

[Charles777]

New Again, Louder Now, Where You Want To Be > Tell All Your Friends

[Broclee]

seriously? FOB? the music on this album and any tbs album blows anything FOB has ever done out of the water. tell pete wentz to write a bass line like the song new again

Wow, because I definitely was talking exclusively about basslines. Listen to Folie a Deux. That album is amazing, the musicianship is pristine, the arrangements are breath-taking. It's what pop music SHOULD be. Fall Out Boy are one of the best pop bands in existence today. Take This To Your Grave came out about a year after Tell All Your Friends, so I think that it's a pretty legitimite comparison.

[gusta0117]

fair review. i would throw this album between 75-80%
after a couple listens, it starts to sound really good.

[imtellingseb]

yeah I just think it has everything that makes it a good Taking Back Sunday. And how can you deny the sexy, raunchy sounding bass line that opens the song.

The bass player is showing off his chops a little bit, by no means am I claiming a historic bass line here such as one by the likes of Geddy Lee, or John Entwistle, but much better than bass players who just play along with the guitar player (which does happen on this album)

Yeah, its definitely a good track, i just didnt think its THE best by TBS (but hey, its all a matter of personal taste), and yeah, its good that they let Matt shine a little, he gets too little space on the albums considering how good of a bass player he is.

[RiskyXBandit]

good review.

i really enjoy this album though because i had no expectations. good summer driving.

100% agree with your thoughts on "Summer, Man"

[RyanSadis]

realistically the only songs that should've made it to the album were in my opinion, New Again, Swing, Carpathia, Catholic Knees, Everything Must Go, And Lonely Lonely.. the rest should've been left on the cutting room floor.. nothing wrong with writing easy going music, but don't patronize your audience.. theres a serious difference between simplicity and mediocrity.

[Charles777]

Wow, because I definitely was talking exclusively about basslines. Listen to Folie a Deux. That album is amazing, the musicianship is pristine, the arrangements are breath-taking. It's what pop music SHOULD be. Fall Out Boy are one of the best pop bands in existence today. Take This To Your Grave came out about a year after Tell All Your Friends, so I think that it's a pretty legitimite comparison.

That is a great album.

[overdrive91]

I know they're adults know, but other adults are writing music of a MUCH higher quality (Fall Out Boy comes to mind)
Fall out boy? are you being serious? I hope this is some form of sarcasm. Folie a deux had 3 good songs on it. Taking back sunday are superior.
I think the album should be about 75%. I like most of the tracks though they aren't mindblowing tracks.

[Noah Fawkes]

...I didn't say that at all, although, yeah, I miss that emotion, because at least it was there. Tell All Your Friends was something new and different, and is an all-around great album. It stands apart from its contemporaries in many different aspects. I'm sorry, but you'd have to be an idiot to not understand that.

I know they're adults know, but other adults are writing music of a MUCH higher quality (Fall Out Boy comes to mind). I'd like to see progression, too, because this isn't really it. I AM writing about it, right here. I'd love to start a band, but I'm in school right now (for music, no less), and it's a bit difficult to balance. But, you know, if you're of THAT camp ("Well, why don't you write a better album?" or some other variation of such a shitty question), then I don't even know if it's completely worth my time to try and reason with you.

So please, enjoy your "fun, summery" music. I guess you're picking up the new brokencyde, too?
What you want is adults playing for kids. As someone said previously, any TBS album is leaps and bounds better than anything FOB has ever released. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy them, just that there's too much... "emotion", you know? Too much teenage angst. Just not my cup of tea. And about Brokencyde, let me say again, Biaaatch, puhleaaaaaaaaaase. Of couse I don't enjoy them. What I like is good, sometimes gritty, sometimes snarky, Taking Back Sunday songs.

[Noah Fawkes]

New Again, Louder Now, Where You Want To Be > Tell All Your Friends
Agreed.

[combatchuckaa]

You're right. That's why bands don't put excerpts from reviews here on their cds, in their press kits, or all over their web pages. Nobody gives a fuck about AbsolutePunk. Does anyone even read these reviews? Site traffic has to be down by at least double digits. Fuck Jason Tate.

Haha, I like this.

[xconcretenwater]

could've done without the kerri strug parallels through and through but otherwise it was an informative review! nice work

[Broclee]

That is a great album.

Glab we can agree on something.

Fall out boy? are you being serious? I hope this is some form of sarcasm.
I think the album should be about 70%. I like most of the tracks though they aren't mindblowing tracks. Expected a little more but I'm a bit biased as i love taking back sunday.

Folie a Deux > Louder Now > New Again.

Taking Back Sunday is one of my favorite bands, but I'll still say that.

What you want is adults playing for kids. As someone said previously, any TBS album is leaps and bounds better than anything FOB has ever released. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy them, just that there's too much... "emotion", you know? Too much teenage angst. Just not my cup of tea. And about Brokencyde, let me say again, Biaaatch, puhleaaaaaaaaaase. Of couse I don't enjoy them. What I like is good, sometimes gritty, sometimes snarky, Taking Back Sunday songs.

Just for the record, not all emotion is teenage angst. I'd like to know where you learned that adults can't show emotion. For that matter, show me where Fall Out Boy has had "teenage angst" in a song since FUCT. I despise a lot of the angsty music coming out these days. I liked the stuff that came out when I was in high school. So I don't understand where you're getting that I want teenage angst in all my music, and I want "adults playing for kids."

And, again:

Folie A Deux > Louder Now > New Again.

[Noah Fawkes]

Wow, because I definitely was talking exclusively about basslines. Listen to Folie a Deux. That album is amazing, the musicianship is pristine, the arrangements are breath-taking. It's what pop music SHOULD be. Fall Out Boy are one of the best pop bands in existence today. Take This To Your Grave came out about a year after Tell All Your Friends, so I think that it's a pretty legitimite comparison.
TBS's New Again doesn't quite qualify as pop-rock, in my opinion. I hate labels. I HATE HATE HATE labels, but TBS is much more of a alt-rock band than a pop rock band right now.

[Noah Fawkes]

Glab we can agree on something.



Folie a Deux > Louder Now > New Again.

Taking Back Sunday is one of my favorite bands, but I'll still say that.



Just for the record, not all emotion is teenage angst. I'd like to know where you learned that adults can't show emotion. For that matter, show me where Fall Out Boy has had "teenage angst" in a song since FUCT.

And, again:

Folie A Deux > Louder Now > New Again.
You're so emo. Sorry, just saying.

[Noah Fawkes]

About informative and real reviews, just throughing out there:

Alternative Press Review [4.5/5]: http://altpress.com/reviews/tbsnewagain.htm

Kerrang [4/5] http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kerrang1263.jpg

Sputnik Music Review 1 [4/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713

Sputnik Music Review 2 [5/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30714

[Nick Le]

Nice review, I think I'll still give this a listen. The opening paragraph as well as the rest of the references to Kerri Strug was pure gold. Pun not intended.

[Broclee]

TBS's New Again doesn't quite qualify as pop-rock, in my opinion. I hate labels. I HATE HATE HATE labels, but TBS is much more of a alt-rock band than a pop rock band right now.

I didn't put a label on New Again...
:shrug:

You're so emo. Sorry, just saying.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238/bradly2795/lol_wut.jpg

[Broclee]

About informative and real reviews, just throughing out there:

Alternative Press Review [4.5/5]: http://altpress.com/reviews/tbsnewagain.htm

Kerrang [4/5] http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kerrang1263.jpg

Sputnik Music Review 1 [4/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713

Sputnik Music Review 2 [5/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30714
Seriously, stop with that bullshit. For someone who tries to discredit one review so much, you sure are ready to back four or five others.

[josh8282]

Great review. I honestly can't believe some people think this is their best album.

[deezee]

I agree with you. Chris's review is well-written and entertaining as always, but the tracks he disses are some of my favorite (Swing, Where My Mouth Is, Capital M-E).

I will say that this is my least favorite TBS album though.
Yeah it's not their best work, but it's far from horrible.

[thirtyfourdays]

Agreed.
100% agreed

[jamesbluntbitch]

i dont think its a great album, but i think this review was pretty disrespectful. its one thing to bash an album, but ripping apart personal ideas about the songs is taking it to far in my opinion.

[Noah Fawkes]

I can't see the weird gymnast analogy as a serious review, sorry.

[Broclee]

I can't see the weird gymnast analogy as a serious review, sorry.
And why not?

[Deadbolt01]

well not the best TBS record but def not the worst or terrible. I would have given it a 77-80%.

What I didn't like about the review was that analogy to Strug. Analogies should make what you're trying to say about the subject (New Again) easier to understand at the least and maybe make it more interesting. You could have written the review just fine without the analogy. In fact, because you used a gymnast I think it would have been better. It's just too comparatively off the wall and really doesn't help strengthen what you're saying. just my humble opinion.
True. I mean I'm all for incorporating some kind of story or narrative into a review to make it interesting, I hate really dry reviews, but this one fell flat for me.

[TreyForest]

people gotta let go of tell all your friends, that record is sweet but this isnt the same band, most of the members left and the ones that stayed grew up and there music tstes changed

i think this record is actually one of the best ive heard this year and everysong has grown on me

[Noah Fawkes]

Great review. I honestly can't believe some people think this is their best album.
It's my opinion that this is their best album so far. You can respect it as much as I respect you disliking it.

[Nick Le]

You're right. That's why bands don't put excerpts from reviews here on their cds, in their press kits, or all over their web pages. Nobody gives a fuck about AbsolutePunk. Does anyone even read these reviews? Site traffic has to be down by at least double digits. Fuck Jason Tate.
Haha amen.

[jbaseball44]

Chris, it appears that you were clearly too harsh when reviewing this album, reviews of awful albums should always be polite and respectful.

[BulleTheory]

shit album, all throughout.

[Nick Le]

I can't see the weird gymnast analogy as a serious review, sorry.
It made it a better read...

[overdrive91]

Folie A Deux > Louder Now > New Again.

Disagree. Fall out boy are a decent band but Taking back sunday are far superior in every way. I thought Folie A Deux was okay but i preferred new again. Far more grit than Folie A Deux and doesn't sound overproduced.

[Broclee]

people gotta let go of tell all your friends, that record is sweet but this isnt the same band, most of the members left and the ones that stayed grew up and there music tstes changed

i think this record is actually one of the best ive heard this year and everysong has grown on me
Why should people forget about a great album? You can keep saying "They're not the same band," but the reality is that the album still exists, and that it still has the name "Taking Back Sunday" on it. Like it or not, it's always going to be part of their discography, and so everything else is still going to, for better or worse, be compared to it, even if just in the slightest.

[FuckYourScene]

sorry but that was a corny review with the whole olympic thing.

[Broclee]

Disagree. Fall out boy are a decent band but Taking back sunday are far superior in every way. I thought Folie A Deux was okay but i preferred new again. Far more grit than Folie A Deux and doesn't sound overproduced.
Folie a Deux is a pop album, though. New Again is alt-rock. But, hey, we'll agree to disagree. That's just my opinion. I fiercely love the first two Taking Back Sunday albums, and Louder Now has grown on my tremendously, but I just am not a fan of this.

[Noah Fawkes]

And why not?
'Cause I've read enough real and serious unbiased reviews to know a good one. It isn't a respectful and serious review, it's just a guy going ape shit against a band his employer has a feud with. It's the same thing when Jason Tate and people around here complain about Pitchfork reviewing Manchester Orchestra and taking a shit on it for the kicks.

That's why I'd rather go with real reviews:

Alternative Press Review [4.5/5]: http://altpress.com/reviews/tbsnewagain.htm

Kerrang [4/5] http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kerrang1263.jpg

Sputnik Music Review 1 [4/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713

Sputnik Music Review 2 [5/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30714

[mynameisgeneric]

What ever happened to Taking Back Sunday being synonymous with dual vocals?

[jbaseball44]

'Cause I've read enough real and serious unbiased reviews to know a good one. It isn't a respectful and serious review, it's just a guy going ape shit against a band his employer has a feud with. It's the same thing when Jason Tate and people around here complain about Pitchfork reviewing Manchester Orchestra and taking a shit on it for the kicks.

That's why I'd rather go with real reviews:

Alternative Press Review [4.5/5]: http://altpress.com/reviews/tbsnewagain.htm

Kerrang [4/5] http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kerrang1263.jpg

Sputnik Music Review 1 [4/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713

Sputnik Music Review 2 [5/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30714
So as long as it's a positive review, it's a real review? And Chris scored the album over 50% which means he still liked more than he disliked. People are ridiculous sometimes.

[Mens]

stupid music

[anamericangod]

"Taking Back Sunday will not be making that perfect landing for their team. They will not be appearing on a Wheaties box anytime soon. They will not be whisked away by a mustached Ukranian man. New Again is part of a highlight reel that zeroes in on disappointment and raises questions from fans who want answers. Answers, though, are unlikely to come, and by the time the reel is about to wrap it up, there will be few people sticking around to hear them out."

Talk about harsh. I'm really enjoying New Again. I think it's their best album so far, and honestly, I'm not alone in this.

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30714

Other reviewers seem to disagree with the one posted here too. I'm not a guy for actually caring for reviews, I can make my mind on my own, but if I had to choose ONE review that I think it fits this album and all the mood and angst around this website I've been seeing, it would be this one:

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713


I see this album as an upbeat, almost summery album, yes. It's my opinion, and if you read this review here ( http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713 ) I think you'll see that I'm not alone in this. There were other people around the Taking Back Sunday boards here saying something in these lines too. I'm not following you dude, I don't see where I went aggressive with anamericangod. I've stated a fact: he's mostly all the time here, I don't post much, but he is always in the boards and most of the time pissing in bands that he dislikes with snarky deliveries, are you his big brother or something?

Alternative Press Review [4.5/5]: http://altpress.com/reviews/tbsnewagain.htm

Kerrang [4/5] http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kerrang1263.jpg

Sputnik Music Review 1 [4/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713

Sputnik Music Review 2 [5/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30714


The problem of this website with Taking Back Sunday isn't exactly this album, if you get what I'm saying... I hope you're served in opinions. But I really hope you listen the album and make your own opinion about it. It's the best album of the year for me so far, and this year had Manchester Orchestra and As Cities Burn already, so that says something.

About informative and real reviews, just throughing out there:

Alternative Press Review [4.5/5]: http://altpress.com/reviews/tbsnewagain.htm

Kerrang [4/5] http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kerrang1263.jpg

Sputnik Music Review 1 [4/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713

Sputnik Music Review 2 [5/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30714

'Cause I've read enough real and serious unbiased reviews to know a good one. It isn't a respectful and serious review, it's just a guy going ape shit against a band his employer has a feud with. It's the same thing when Jason Tate and people around here complain about Pitchfork reviewing Manchester Orchestra and taking a shit on it for the kicks.

That's why I'd rather go with real reviews:

Alternative Press Review [4.5/5]: http://altpress.com/reviews/tbsnewagain.htm

Kerrang [4/5] http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kerrang1263.jpg

Sputnik Music Review 1 [4/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713

Sputnik Music Review 2 [5/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30714

We get it.

[timba88]

Totally agree with the album. What a let down. The lyrics are bad and there sound is kind of all over the place throughout the cd.

And to everyone that it is growing on. It's catchy, not good music. There is a difference between being good music and being catchy. Please realize that.

[Alex!]

Completely agree. I loved Louder Now, but this is awful.

[Chris92]

Okay. I am a huge Taking Back Sunday fan, and given that you will probably take my comments with more than a grain of salt but...I honestly think that this TBS' best effort since Tell All Your Friends. Adam has never been better as a vocalist or a songwriter. While I recognize that they can never recreate anything as good as TAYF, this is a pretty damn good record. I though Where You Want to Be was pretty good, and Louder Now was mediocre, with some really high points and a lot of bleh. That's my two cents worth.

[Nick Le]

'Cause I've read enough real and serious unbiased reviews to know a good one. It isn't a respectful and serious review, it's just a guy going ape shit against a band his employer has a feud with. It's the same thing when Jason Tate and people around here complain about Pitchfork reviewing Manchester Orchestra and taking a shit on it for the kicks.

That's why I'd rather go with real reviews:

Alternative Press Review [4.5/5]: http://altpress.com/reviews/tbsnewagain.htm

Kerrang [4/5] http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kerrang1263.jpg

Sputnik Music Review 1 [4/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713

Sputnik Music Review 2 [5/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30714
How is this not a real review, and why are you posting this again? I noticed they're all positive...is that what makes it real? And it's okay, you can just post this once...

[Broclee]

'Cause I've read enough real and serious unbiased reviews to know a good one. It isn't a respectful and serious review, it's just a guy going ape shit against a band his employer has a feud with. It's the same thing when Jason Tate and people around here complain about Pitchfork reviewing Manchester Orchestra and taking a shit on it for the kicks.

That's why I'd rather go with real reviews:

Alternative Press Review [4.5/5]: http://altpress.com/reviews/tbsnewagain.htm

Kerrang [4/5] http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kerrang1263.jpg

Sputnik Music Review 1 [4/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713

Sputnik Music Review 2 [5/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30714

Chris Fallon =/= Jason Tate. Chris also doesn't go "ape shit," but if you'd like to provide reasons that you think that, please do. It's an opinion. You say it's biased and unreal because you disagree. That's about all I'm getting from you.

What ever happened to Taking Back Sunday being synonymous with dual vocals?

That's most of what's wrong with this album.

[Kennis]

Haven't heard this yet but being that this is their 4th album it should be something to praise. If not musically you would think this band would have grown their subject matter.

[Charles777]

The reason I like this album as much as I do might be because it reminds me of WYWTB. Where You Want To Be is my favorite album of all time, and I loved it after the first listen. New Again gave me a similar feeling, not to mention they shared some sonic qualities.

[overdrive91]

Folie a Deux is a pop album, though. New Again is alt-rock. But, hey, we'll agree to disagree. That's just my opinion. I fiercely love the first two Taking Back Sunday albums, and Louder Now has grown on my tremendously, but I just am not a fan of this.

Fair enough haha. I'm not a great lover of fall out boy so maybe thats why I'm taking a more negative stance.

What ever happened to Taking Back Sunday being synonymous with dual vocals?
I agree man, its kinda missing the other vocalist. This is where people start saying "we want Nolan back"

[timba88]

And everyone stop blowing Alternative Press's review. They don't know what they are talking about for the most part with their reviews.

[Noah Fawkes]

What ever happened to Taking Back Sunday being synonymous with dual vocals?
It happened that the lyrics on this album were very very personal to Adam's. It wouldn't make sense in my opinion if Fazzi was more present in these songs. I can't speak for the band, but maybe in the future we'll see more of dual vocals. But I honestly don't know if this would be the way to go.

[Nick Le]

Disagree. Fall out boy are a decent band but Taking back sunday are far superior in every way. I thought Folie A Deux was okay but i preferred new again. Far more grit than Folie A Deux and doesn't sound overproduced.
No. And Fall Out Boy and TBS don't play the same kind of music, Folie a Deux and Fall Out Boy are more pop where as New Again and TBS are alternative. FOB won't have that grit...

[Nick Le]

And everyone stop blowing Alternative Press's review. They don't know what they are talking about for the most part with their reviews.
This is true for the most part.

[Chris92]

I would agree, however, that they shouldn't have ditched the dual-vocals style. Where is Matt Fazzi?

[chrisCcoan]

I couldnt even make it through that last 2 paragraphs of the review because I am trying to like the album but this review is 1000% percent the raw truth. X-)

[thirtyfourdays]

on a 3rd and 4th read, this review is on the border of disrespectful.

everyone has an opinion they are entitled to, but i guess its how you chose to portray it, nothing against you chris, i've liked your other reviews and have had decent discussions with you about other stuff, including tbs.

[jbaseball44]

And everyone stop blowing Alternative Press's review. They don't know what they are talking about for the most part with their reviews.
Agreed, the said something about how great Adam's lyrics are which is ridiculous and then they compared it to the bible.

[Nick Le]

We get it.
Lol.

[MumblingMiles]

Pretty dot on review.

[Chris92]

I beg to differ...AP generally has pretty good reviews...I think their review of this was good...perhaps a bit overenthusiastic though.

[Noah Fawkes]

So as long as it's a positive review, it's a real review? And Chris scored the album over 50% which means he still liked more than he disliked. People are ridiculous sometimes.
Find ONE review in a serious website that has being so harsh on the band than the one here. Search it. Those are ALL the reviews I could find from professionals in the music biz til now. And among this "all good" reviews, there are Alternative Press AND Kerrang!, what I'd consider quite a feat. But honestly, I'm more of a listen by myself person. The problem is that there're people who don't, and were saying earlier that they weren't hearing nothing good about the album before. So here you go.

[overdrive91]

The other reviews were to high. Its a good album but to receive a 4.5 is ridiculous. reviews out of 5 are just stupid. Should be out of 10 or 100%.

[Noah Fawkes]

And everyone stop blowing Alternative Press's review. They don't know what they are talking about for the most part with their reviews.
I actually think that most of Scott Heisel's reviews are just SPOT. ON. But that's, again, my opinion.

[jbaseball44]

Find ONE review in a serious website that has being so harsh on the band than the one here. Search it. Those are ALL the reviews I could find from professionals in the music biz til now. And among this "all good" reviews, there are Alternative Press AND Kerrang!, what I'd consider quite a feat. But honestly, I'm more of a listen by myself person. The problem is that there're people who don't, and were saying earlier that they weren't hearing nothing good about the album before. So here you go.
I agree that people should listen for themselves, i also find the Alternative Press review to be ridiculous but i will again say that Chris scored this over 50% which means he liked more than he disliked, so his review isn't really negative.

[Broclee]

Fair enough haha. I'm not a great lover of fall out boy so maybe thats why I'm taking a more negative stance.


I agree man, its kinda missing the other vocalist. This is where people start saying "we want Nolan back"
True. I used to hate Fall Out Boy, but now they're one of my favorites. I'm a sucker for well-written pop music.

[hcky0819]

Alternative Press Review [4.5/5]: http://altpress.com/reviews/tbsnewagain.htm

Kerrang [4/5] http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kerrang1263.jpg

Sputnik Music Review 1 [4/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30713

Sputnik Music Review 2 [5/5] http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30714


The problem of this website with Taking Back Sunday isn't exactly this album, if you get what I'm saying... I hope you're served in opinions. But I really hope you listen the album and make your own opinion about it. It's the best album of the year for me so far, and this year had Manchester Orchestra and As Cities Burn already, so that says something.
thanks man. yeah, i always make my own opinions. but it would be a lie if i said i didnt think about all the negativity once in a while. still will head to Best Buy and purchase it.

[Noah Fawkes]

The other reviews were to high. Its a good album but to receive a 4.5 is ridiculous. reviews out of 5 are just stupid. Should be out of 10 or 100%.
Well, that's very subjective. I honestly think this is their best album so far and totally deserved being raved by the reviews.

[Noah Fawkes]

thanks man. yeah, i always make my own opinions. but it would be a lie if i said i didnt think about all the negativity once in a while. still will head to Best Buy and purchase it.
I know the feeling, dude. I'm glad I could help.

[thirtyfourdays]

The other reviews were to high. Its a good album but to receive a 4.5 is ridiculous. reviews out of 5 are just stupid. Should be out of 10 or 100%.
you realize anything reviewed out of 10 can just be reduced down to 5.....the same with a 100

fractions, fractions, its all the same

[hcky0819]

there are plenty of people out there defending this album.. just because anamericangod decides to troll around every tbs post and jason tate says he doesn't like it doesn't mean the rest of us feel the same way.
good point. just i have heard negative things about this album on other sites as well. i guess i will wait till its released and form my own opinion as it should be

[Charles777]

When you really think about it, sitting here and arguing about if this album is good or not is flat out stupid because everybody likes something different. No one person can say what's good or not. I say we all just let it go and enjoy it if you enjoy it. If you don't like it, just go listen to something you do like. At least you gave it a fair shot.

[Nick Le]

Find ONE review in a serious website that has being so harsh on the band than the one here. Search it. Those are ALL the reviews I could find from professionals in the music biz til now. And among this "all good" reviews, there are Alternative Press AND Kerrang!, what I'd consider quite a feat. But honestly, I'm more of a listen by myself person. The problem is that there're people who don't, and were saying earlier that they weren't hearing nothing good about the album before. So here you go.
So if a review is harsh on the band, than it's not a serious, or a professional review....ok.

[Noah Fawkes]

on a 3rd and 4th read, this review is on the border of disrespectful.

everyone has an opinion they are entitled to, but i guess its how you chose to portray it, nothing against you chris, i've liked your other reviews and have had decent discussions with you about other stuff, including tbs.
Not a surprise for me. But I actually hoped that it'd be more classy. It just came out desperate and well, low.

[overdrive91]

Well, that's very subjective. I honestly think this is their best album so far and totally deserved being raved by the reviews.
I'm not dissing the album because I really like it but to recieve a 4.5, which is a 90% is undeserved. I love TBS to bits, specially as it got me into music initially but this is not 90%.

you realize anything reviewed out of 10 can just be reduced down to 5.....the same with a 100

fractions, fractions, its all the same

I do, but i dont like the system as typically with the 5's it only gives space for 10 options a.nd therefore doesn't really give a accurate score in my opinion

[Noah Fawkes]

When you really think about it, sitting here and arguing about if this album is good or not is flat out stupid because everybody likes something different. No one person can say what's good or not. I say we all just let it go and enjoy it if you enjoy it. If you don't like it, just go listen to something you do like. At least you gave it a fair shot.
Totally agreed.

[Nick Le]

When you really think about it, sitting here and arguing about if this album is good or not is flat out stupid because everybody likes something different. No one person can say what's good or not. I say we all just let it go and enjoy it if you enjoy it. If you don't like it, just go listen to something you do like. At least you gave it a fair shot.
This.

[Noah Fawkes]

Charles777 as editor in chief of this website.

Make it happen, Jason Tate.

[mynameisgeneric]

I keep skimming this thread and I'll come across a post that makes me think "what the fuck? is the label paying him to type this shit?" and every single time its Noah Fawkes.

[Charles777]

Charles777 as editor in chief of this website.

Make it happen, Jason Tate.
Hahaha, no.

[Broclee]

I keep skimming this thread and I'll come across a post that makes me think "what the fuck? is the label paying him to type this shit?" and every single time its Noah Fawkes.
Yeah, basically.

[overdrive91]

I keep skimming this thread and I'll come across a post that makes me think "what the fuck? is the label paying him to type this shit?" and every single time its Noah Fawkes.

winner comment

[Noah Fawkes]

I keep skimming this thread and I'll come across a post that makes me think "what the fuck? is the label paying him to type this shit?" and every single time its Noah Fawkes.
I'm just defending an album I really like in a website I come by frequently. The thing is, I don't like of an unfair fight. I recognize the importance this website has, and til I've got to listen the album, I didn't know what to think, 'cause all I've listened here was how much Jason Tate disliked and everyone saying it sucked, even tho I really had enjoy it the first songs that came out. So the reviews started to appear, I've got to listen the full thing and I'm here to prevent people of thinking the same I did. I'm a boy scout, I know.

[Broclee]

I'm just defending an album I really like in a website I come by frequently. The thing is, I don't like of an unfair fight. I recognize the importance this website has, and til I've got to listen the album, I didn't know what to think, 'cause all I've listened here was how much Jason Tate disliked and everyone saying it sucked, even tho I really had enjoy it the first songs that came out. So the reviews starting to appear, I've got to listen the full thing and I'm here to prevent people of thinking the same I did. I'm a boy scout, I know.
If someone really bases their entire opinion solely off what Jason Tate says, and doesn't even listen to the album themselves, then I don't think there's much help for them as a music listener.

[Noah Fawkes]

If someone really bases their entire opinion solely off what Jason Tate says, and doesn't even listen to the album themselves, then I don't think there's much help for them as a music listener.
Sadly, if you take a look around, you'll find people around these parts that dumb.

(And that's why I never cared about post here before. Too much of fist fight for nothing, but I thought that it'd be good taking back the poison that was being spilled here and beat this in his own game)

[anamericangod]

I'm just defending an album I really like in a website I come by frequently. The thing is, I don't like of an unfair fight. I recognize the importance this website has, and til I've got to listen the album, I didn't know what to think, 'cause all I've listened here was how much Jason Tate disliked and everyone saying it sucked, even tho I really had enjoy it the first songs that came out. So the reviews started to appear, I've got to listen the full thing and I'm here to prevent people of thinking the same I did. I'm a boy scout, I know.

http://tbl2.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/riddler.jpg

[NateFoundGlory]

I'm just defending an album I really like in a website I come by frequently. The thing is, I don't like of an unfair fight. I recognize the importance this website has, and til I've got to listen the album, I didn't know what to think, 'cause all I've listened here was how much Jason Tate disliked and everyone saying it sucked, even tho I really had enjoy it the first songs that came out. So the reviews started to appear, I've got to listen the full thing and I'm here to prevent people of thinking the same I did. I'm a boy scout, I know.

You, a bit biased.

If someone really bases their entire opinion solely off what Jason Tate says, and doesn't even listen to the album themselves, then I don't think there's much help for them as a music listener.

You, pretty dead on.

Idea: let's stop arguing. Some like, some don't.

[Miss Heartcore]

The opinion of this website is partial, and everyone knows it, agreeing or not. And just to show this, your claims about the album came out just as something Jason Tate said about being "empty radio rock with no substance". How can I respect and consider a copycat opinion like that any "good" is honestly beyond me.
I don't think that's a fair assessment at all. I'm pretty sure members and non-members may come to that same conclusion about the album without having read anything Jason Tate has said about it. It's very possible that New Again gives most of the listeners the same feeling.

Just saying....

[anamericangod]

Sadly, if you take a look around, you'll find people around these parts that dumb.
Show me where.

[NateFoundGlory]

http://tbl2.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/riddler.jpg

Hahahaha bravo sir.

[Noah Fawkes]

Show me where.
you are the whole day here, i dont need to show you, bender. (i actually think bender is a pretty cool robot, look how nice i am)

[March_Faster!!]

I'm not a fanboy of TBS, but I really have to disagree with the review. I didn't find it as bland/generic as you did. I've long accepted that they'll never be the same TBS we all grew to know and love, but for the band they are now, it's a decent album.

[Noah Fawkes]

I don't think that's a fair assessment at all. I'm pretty sure members and non-members may come to that same conclusion about the album without having read anything Jason Tate has said about it. It's very possible that New Again gives most of the listeners the same feeling.

Just saying....
It wasn't my case. And as I'm seeing here, isn't a majority saying that the album sucks here either.

[Deadbolt01]

I'm just defending an album I really like in a website I come by frequently. The thing is, I don't like of an unfair fight. I recognize the importance this website has, and til I've got to listen the album, I didn't know what to think, 'cause all I've listened here was how much Jason Tate disliked and everyone saying it sucked, even tho I really had enjoy it the first songs that came out. So the reviews started to appear, I've got to listen the full thing and I'm here to prevent people of thinking the same I did. I'm a boy scout, I know.
I think you raise a good point. Tate dislikes the band, he's had fall outs with them. His opinions are listened to by people on here, and someone like myself who really likes this album are very much entitled to let people know that just because Tate and his group of followers on here doesn't like it doesn't make it any more likely to be bad. I think it would be easy to assume that the the staff on this site are in a position in which their opinion is more valid than the posters on this site - this definitely isn't true, as this TBS episode has proved they are on a par with the feckle, opinionated, dismissive, self important internet surfers(what they are like as people might well be very different, so I wouldnt call them assholes)that inhabit the site.

[Noah Fawkes]

I'm not a fanboy of TBS, but I really have to disagree with the review. I didn't find it as bland/generic as you did. I've long accepted that they'll never be the same TBS we all grew to know and love, but for the band they are now, it's a decent album.
you cant disagree with the review. the review is sacred and THE TRUTH. if you disagree with the review you're an ignorant as ap.net's club. or is cashing in something to defend it.
[/irony]

it's just sad that people think that someone can't defend something they believe just because they think otherwise about something.

[anamericangod]

you are the whole day here, i dont need to show you, bender. (i actually think bender is a pretty cool robot, look how nice i am)
You have 32 posts in this thread. I have 9.

If you think I base my opinion for this album, this band, or anything else on this website solely upon what Jason Tate says, then you are a fucking moron, and obviously have no clue about me or the other members of the community here who contribute.

[Noah Fawkes]

I think you raise a good point. Tate dislikes the band, he's had fall outs with them. His opinions are listened to by people on here, and someone like myself who really likes this album are very much entitled to let people know that just because Tate and his group of followers on here doesn't like it doesn't make it any more likely to be bad. I think it would be easy to assume that the the staff on this site are in a position in which their opinion is more valid than the posters on this site - this definitely isn't true, as this TBS episode has proved they are on a par with the feckle, opinionated, dismissive, self important internet surfers(what they are like as people might well be very different, so I wouldnt call them assholes)that inhabit the site.
Exactly.

But as I'm bringing good points and so are you, now I'm being paid for it. Talk about an one-way mind.

[Noah Fawkes]

You have 32 posts in this thread. I have 9.

If you think I base my opinion for this album, this band, or anything else on this website solely upon what Jason Tate says, then you are a fucking moron, and obviously have no clue about me or the other members of the community here who contribute.
I've told you earlier. I don't even know if you're a emo-bot or something. Or maybe you're Jason Tate's Tyler. And I just don't care either. You can come here and do your snarky small talk, I can come here and defend an album that I think it's being trashed with no reason. Call me anunamericangod for all I care.

[Deadbolt01]

Exactly.

But as I'm bringing good points and so are you, now I'm being paid for it. Talk about an one-way mind.
I guess all it is is people DECIDING they don't like Taking Back Sunday anymore and not giving this record a chance. That's what it comes down to for me, I mean I'm sure there are plenty who ligitamately don't like it but I really get the feeling that if this was any other band it would be straight up on the ap.net front page.

[ACA]

Chris, I normally like your reviews, but this was awful.. I could barely finish it. The Kerri Strug thing didn't work.. please man, abandon this "style". It doesn't go anywhere.

I do look forward to your next review, though, good luck :)

[NateFoundGlory]

Seriously this is pathetic.

[Broclee]

Anyone who doesn't realize that Jason Tate is his own person and doesn't reflect the views or opinions of every staffer needs to sit down and learn a little something before they open their mouths.

Jason Tate =/= Chris Fallon.
Jason Tate =/= the opinion everyone has to have.

I have a huge amount of respect for Jason, and it's ridiculous that people assume that nothing on this site can be fair simply because of him. These staffers have their own minds and opinions, just like we do, and they're allowed to express them, just like we, and have them up for contention. It's one thing to disagree and discuss it, it's another to blame Jason Tate for everything and actually try to back that point up.

[Noah Fawkes]

I guess all it is is people DECIDING they don't like Taking Back Sunday anymore and not giving this record a chance. That's what it comes down to for me, I mean I'm sure there are plenty who ligitamately don't like it but I really get the feeling that if this was any other band it would be straight up on the ap.net front page.
TBS rapes little children for some peeps around here.

[Noah Fawkes]

Anyone who doesn't realize that Jason Tate is his own person and doesn't reflect the views or opinions of every staffer needs to sit down and learn a little something before they open their mouths.

Jason Tate =/= Chris Fallon.
Jason Tate =/= the opinion everyone has to have.

I have a huge amount of respect for Jason, and it's ridiculous that people assume that nothing on this site can be fair simply because of him. These staffers have their own minds and opinions, just like we do, and they're allowed to express them, just like we, and have them up for contention. It's one thing to disagree and discuss it, it's another to blame Jason Tate for everything and actually try to back that point up.
This thread isn't about Jason Tate. Is about Taking Back Sunday, isn't it?

[Broclee]

This thread isn't about Jason Tate. Is about Taking Back Sunday, isn't it?
Funny, because I see Jason's name being brought up a lot, in fact, you just did a few posts ago.

I'm just defending an album I really like in a website I come by frequently. The thing is, I don't like of an unfair fight. I recognize the importance this website has, and til I've got to listen the album, I didn't know what to think, 'cause all I've listened here was how much Jason Tate disliked and everyone saying it sucked, even tho I really had enjoy it the first songs that came out. So the reviews started to appear, I've got to listen the full thing and I'm here to prevent people of thinking the same I did. I'm a boy scout, I know.

The opinion of this website is partial, and everyone knows it, agreeing or not. And just to show this, your claims about the album came out just as something Jason Tate said about being "empty radio rock with no substance". How can I respect and consider a copycat opinion like that any "good" is honestly beyond me.

[NateFoundGlory]

Anyone who doesn't realize that Jason Tate is his own person and doesn't reflect the views or opinions of every staffer needs to sit down and learn a little something before they open their mouths.

Jason Tate =/= Chris Fallon.
Jason Tate =/= the opinion everyone has to have.

I have a huge amount of respect for Jason, and it's ridiculous that people assume that nothing on this site can be fair simply because of him. These staffers have their own minds and opinions, just like we do, and they're allowed to express them, just like we, and have them up for contention. It's one thing to disagree and discuss it, it's another to blame Jason Tate for everything and actually try to back that point up.
THANK. YOU.

This man deserves a crown for fuck's sake.

[Mattylikesfilms]

Rubano pushed back? He hella has the floor on this album imo. I been in almost every new again thread defending this band and being in the minority who like the new tunes, so this won't be anything different.


To me I'd rate this album 70%. I wanted a HELL OF a lot more fazzi being present (same with rubano), and more dueling vocals. I think they could have made a coupple better songs given the standard dueling vocals, but I'm content.

"Swing" is catchy as fuck with great chord work done by fazzi and reyes, "lonely, lonely" I feel the same way about. I also like "cut me up jenny" but I can't get into "summer, man". "New again" is a song I can identify to since I'm moving to a completely different area in two months, and while "sink into me" lost its appeal to me quick (reallllll way too repeatitive) "everything must go" and "capital M-E" are tracks that are great and sound like the tbs we all know imo.


Of course there is flaws but everyone here gives them the worst rap like they're 3OH!3 or brokencyde. Its redic.

[ACA]

Noah:

I'm sorry if you've already explained this, but can you post your thoughts on Taking Back Sunday's previous efforts? Also, please give a brief description of your favorite bands/albums. Very, very brief.

I'd like to see where you stand with other music.

It may not seem that unreasonable in context.

[Noah Fawkes]

Rubano pushed back? He hella has the floor on this album imo. I been in almost every new again thread defending this band and being in the minority who like the new tunes, so this won't be anything different.


To me I'd rate this album 70%. I wanted a HELL OF a lot more fazzi being present (same with rubano), and more dueling vocals. I think they could have made a coupple better songs given the standard dueling vocals, but I'm content.

"Swing" is catchy as fuck with great chord work done by fazzi and reyes, "lonely, lonely" I feel the same way about. I also like "cut me up jenny" but I can't get into "summer, man". "New again" is a song I can identify to since I'm moving to a completely different area in two months, and while "sink into me" lost its appeal to me quick (reallllll way too repeatitive) "everything must go" and "capital M-E" are tracks that are great and sound like the tbs we all know imo.


Of course there is flaws but everyone here gives them the worst rap like they're 3OH!3 or brokencyde. Its redic.
If you actually take a look around these thread, I don't have the numbers, but if it isn't a majority around here who actually enjoyed the album, it's pretty close. Things are a little bit different this time around.

[Broclee]

Rubano pushed back? He hella has the floor on this album imo. I been in almost every new again thread defending this band and being in the minority who like the new tunes, so this won't be anything different.


To me I'd rate this album 70%. I wanted a HELL OF a lot more fazzi being present (same with rubano), and more dueling vocals. I think they could have made a coupple better songs given the standard dueling vocals, but I'm content.

"Swing" is catchy as fuck with great chord work done by fazzi and reyes, "lonely, lonely" I feel the same way about. I also like "cut me up jenny" but I can't get into "summer, man". "New again" is a song I can identify to since I'm moving to a completely different area in two months, and while "sink into me" lost its appeal to me quick (reallllll way too repeatitive) "everything must go" and "capital M-E" are tracks that are great and sound like the tbs we all know imo.


Of course there is flaws but everyone here gives them the worst rap like they're 3OH!3 or brokencyde. Its redic.
I won't go into your song-by-song breakdown, but I'd probably give this close to a seventy, too. Maybe more like high 60's, but definitely like 65-70.

[Miss Heartcore]

I've told you earlier. I don't even know if you're a emo-bot or something. Or maybe you're Jason Tate's Tyler. And I just don't care either. You can come here and do your snarky small talk, I can come here and defend an album that I think it's being trashed with no reason. Call me anunamericangod for all I care.
Oh man, now you're just killing it.

[Noah Fawkes]

Oh man, now you're just killing it.
It's what I do, Red, and what I do isn't pretty. Sowwy.

[Broclee]

THANK. YOU.

This man deserves a crown for fuck's sake.
Thanks for your support, by the way. Haha, I keep meaning to respond and get caught up.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

I liked the review and pretty much agree with it.l This record is rather, blah and average. While it does have some good songs, it has some yawners.

I still think this record will sell though. Mainstream wise, they're pretty big.

[live.]

Fair review. Glad to see that the musicianship received a positive nod. The creative aspects, at least musically, could have been acknowledged more, maybe enough to bump the record up into the 60-65% range.

[Mattylikesfilms]

I won't go into your song-by-song breakdown, but I'd probably give this close to a seventy, too. Maybe more like high 60's, but definitely like 65-70.

If you actually take a look around these thread, I don't have the numbers, but if it isn't a majority around here who actually enjoyed the album, it's pretty close. Things are a little bit different this time around.


haha i was expecting these replies to be bashing my opinion. @ broclee , id give it like a 74% most likely. whats your (or everybodys) favorite song??


sidenote: i find this alot better than louder now

[NateFoundGlory]

Thanks for your support, by the way. Haha, I keep meaning to respond and get caught up.

Anytime haha. I'll work on that crown too.

[brenByah]

I agree with this review 100%. No contribution from Fazzi on the songwriting end, no vocals. I think this is the kind of record we get when Adam's the only songwriter, a bad one. I read in an interview recently where Adam didn't understand all the Tell All Your Friends hype that still existed. He said something along the lines of "if you tell me Bike Scene is a better song than Miami, you're crazy." I'm afraid Adam's the one that's crazy. I've never heard his vocals sound so whiney. I've enjoyed every TBS record up until this one. I only like about 3 songs.

[BottleRocket]

lol the keri strug analogy was out there but awesome! completely worked

[live.]

Haha, I love how a lot of the people defending the new direction of this album don't even like "Sink Into Me" or "Carpathia" which are easily their best two attempts at a new sound. That transition between the verse and chorus on "Sink Into Me" is perfect, and Fazzi finally gets a chance to shine on "Carpathia".

[ACA]

Of course there is flaws but everyone here gives them the worst rap like they're 3OH!3 or brokencyde. Its redic.

High standards with poor results = much harsher than low standards with low results.

At one point, an entity named Taking Back Sunday put out a great six-song EP. The same name also put out a great full-length (and b-sides).

The TBS name was once releasing high quality material. To see them release a trainwreck like New Again and a poor effort like Louder Now is disheartening.

Many bands receive this treatment.. another AP.net "favorite" Saosin will likely be unable to top their EP, and will live in its critical shadow. Their full-length was a joke compared to the EP.

It's why bands break-up and change names. No one compares This Day Forward to Circa Survive, or I Am the Avalanche to The Movielife or Gorilla Biscuits to Quicksand in the same vein that they compare Tell All Your Friends to New Again.

-ACA

[Broclee]

haha i was expecting these replies to be bashing my opinion. @ broclee , id give it like a 74% most likely. whats your (or everybodys) favorite song??


sidenote: i find this alot better than louder now

My favorite track is "Everything Must Go," followed by "Sink Into Me," "Carpathia," and "New Again."

Louder Now has had a lot longer to grow on me. Maybe over time this will, too. I don't dislike it, and I can put it on while I'm driving and it's (somewhat) enjoyable, but I have a hard time just putting it on while I'm home working on something. It just doesn't really do it for me.

Anytime haha. I'll work on that crown too.

SWEET.

[Noah Fawkes]

Chris, I normally like your reviews, but this was awful.. I could barely finish it. The Kerri Strug thing didn't work.. please man, abandon this "style". It doesn't go anywhere.

I do look forward to your next review, though, good luck :)
I'm too lazy to run down a list of bands I like right now, but I can give you a list of bands I like I've written down earlier:
Taking Back Sunday, Thrice, Thursday, Glassjaw, Incubus, Finch, Brand New, Millencolin, The Ataris, Green Day, Foo Fighters, Weezer, Coheed and Cambria, Say Anything, Jimmy Eat World, Lydia, Jack's Mannequin, The Movielife, Lifetime, Yellowcard, Underoath, Vanguart, Ataque Colorado, Metallica, My Soundtracked Life, Stars, Vanguart and more. So damn fuckin' more.

About the previous TBS releases. I've came to know about them with Tell All Your Friends. I really like the album, but I don't think it's their best album, 'cause the way I see it, they've improved since then. I don't like that much of WYWTB but I dig it a hell lot of Louder Now, and I think that Now Again is their best album 'cause they finally have an identity that set them apart of the other bands, I guess that finally again, 'cause they did make history with TAYF, but I enjoy how much they are a better band right now when we're talking about lyrics and musicianship. I'm very proud of them making a stand and actually letting their music matures as they grow older too. Some say it lacks emotion, I say that it's less emo and more rock. The problems they face, the experiences they went through shine in their lyrics, it's a very very personal album and I'm really into it, 'cuz even being a personal and in some parts heavy in content album, it has an upbeat feel that i really enjoy for a change.

[Portugal4142]

the only thing this band should be proud of currently is the cover art for "sink into me".. they're garbage

[k1guitar]

nice review,i wouldnt score adam so low, but the rest,100%

and im still pissed these chumps knocked off thrice in the poll's

[olemanblues]

I agree with this review 100%. No contribution from Fazzi on the songwriting end, no vocals. I think this is the kind of record we get when Adam's the only songwriter, a bad one. I read in an interview recently where Adam didn't understand all the Tell All Your Friends hype that still existed. He said something along the lines of "if you tell me Bike Scene is a better song than Miami, you're crazy." I'm afraid Adam's the one that's crazy. I've never heard his vocals sound so whiney. I've enjoyed every TBS record up until this one. I only like about 3 songs.

Actually there are some dualing vocals and its more apparent in their live set.

[coryatlarge]

haha the RIYL was great. reading the comments brought the lulz too.

[ACA]

I agree with this review 100%. No contribution from Fazzi on the songwriting end, no vocals. I think this is the kind of record we get when Adam's the only songwriter, a bad one. I read in an interview recently where Adam didn't understand all the Tell All Your Friends hype that still existed. He said something along the lines of "if you tell me Bike Scene is a better song than Miami, you're crazy." I'm afraid Adam's the one that's crazy. I've never heard his vocals sound so whiney. I've enjoyed every TBS record up until this one. I only like about 3 songs.

Adam is missing a fundamental songwriting concept in that statement.

Just because a song is more technical or put together more properly, it does not make it a better song.

"Knockin' On Heaven's Door" is one of the greatest songs ever written. Because I could write a more complex song with very little musical knowledge, it does not necessarily make it better. There are intangibles like timing and honesty that come into play.

In the case of "Bike Scene", that song is overwhelmed with emotion. It's honest. It's pure unabashed teenage angst. And there's certain beauties in these elements. It's sure as fuck better than "Miami".

-ACA

[Noah Fawkes]

Adam is missing a fundamental songwriting concept in that statement.

Just because a song is more technical or put together more properly, it does not make it a better song.

"Knockin' On Heaven's Door" is one of the greatest songs ever written. Because I could write a more complex song with very little musical knowledge, it does not necessarily make it better. There are intangibles like timing and honesty that come into play.

In the case of "Bike Scene", that song is overwhelmed with emotion. It's honest. It's pure unabashed teenage angst. And there's certain beauties in these elements. It's sure as fuck better than "Miami".

-ACA
And I think you're lackin perspective here. When you're young you can make a pretty good heartfelt poem about young love. As you grow older, there are other things you'd like to say, other things you'd like to express. And in my opinion, Miami is in fact superior than Bike Scene, for exemple.

Abou your Knockin on heaven's door remark, I can bet with you that Bob Dylan thinks that there're new songs he wrote that are far superior than Knockin', even through it's an everyone's favorite. This is totally subjective.

[MyNameIsRoss]

Definitely not checking this out.

[brenByah]

Actually there are some dualing vocals and its more apparent in their live set.
Maybe so (I haven't seen them live with new material) but I'm speaking solely about the record, in which the dual vocals really aren't present.

[brenByah]

Adam is missing a fundamental songwriting concept in that statement.

Just because a song is more technical or put together more properly, it does not make it a better song.

"Knockin' On Heaven's Door" is one of the greatest songs ever written. Because I could write a more complex song with very little musical knowledge, it does not necessarily make it better. There are intangibles like timing and honesty that come into play.

In the case of "Bike Scene", that song is overwhelmed with emotion. It's honest. It's pure unabashed teenage angst. And there's certain beauties in these elements. It's sure as fuck better than "Miami".

-ACA
I agree with you, there seems to be a lot less emotion in TBS's more recent work than in the past.

[Mattylikesfilms]

High standards with poor results = much harsher than low standards with low results.

At one point, an entity named Taking Back Sunday put out a great six-song EP. The same name also put out a great full-length (and b-sides).

The TBS name was once releasing high quality material. To see them release a trainwreck like New Again and a poor effort like Louder Now is disheartening.

Many bands receive this treatment.. another AP.net "favorite" Saosin will likely be unable to top their EP, and will live in its critical shadow. Their full-length was a joke compared to the EP.

It's why bands break-up and change names. No one compares This Day Forward to Circa Survive, or I Am the Avalanche to The Movielife or Gorilla Biscuits to Quicksand in the same vein that they compare Tell All Your Friends to New Again.

-ACA


i get what youre saying but i guess its cause i dont see new again as a bad follow up. To me, i found louder now to be a little more solid than Where you want to be too. i, like everyone else, LOVES tell all your friends but i gave up on them toping that a while ago. i think every release after TAYF has had missteps but are still enjoyable. songs i hate from WYWB is "bonus moshpit pt.2" and "number one with a bullet", with louder now it was "Makedamnsure" and "blackout (up against)". With this release i dont like "where my mouth is", "summer, man". My point? that i dont see this as a huge misstep from TBS cause it seems like every record from these guys have major cons and pros.

sorry if this is confusing haha

My favorite track is "Everything Must Go," followed by "Sink Into Me," "Carpathia," and "New Again."

Louder Now has had a lot longer to grow on me. Maybe over time this will, too. I don't dislike it, and I can put it on while I'm driving and it's (somewhat) enjoyable, but I have a hard time just putting it on while I'm home working on something. It just doesn't really do it for me.



SWEET.

i feel the same about louder now. i still love "what it feels like to be a ghost" as one of my fav. TBS songs

[coryatlarge]

And I think you're lackin perspective here. When you're young you can make a pretty good heartfelt poem about young love. As you grow older, there are other things you'd like to say, other things you'd like to express. And in my opinion, Miami is in fact superior than Bike Scene, for exemple.

Abou your Knockin on heaven's door remark, I can bet with you that Bob Dylan thinks that there're new songs he wrote that are far superior than Knockin', even through it's an everyone's favorite. This is totally subjective.
repeating miami over and over makes a better song? if growing older means you just repeat you words over than that doesnt make better songs haha.

[jsm158]

I've never seen one band cause so much controversy on one site. This isn't SERIOUS BUSINESS guys, it's just an album. This is just Chris Fallon's opinion and you're welcome to agree or disagree, but don't state any opinion as fact. Personally, I was a bit underwhelmed with New Again on first listen, but after listening to it a bit more it's really growing on me. I think it's absolutely better than Louder Now by far though. No, the album isn't what they're fully capable of making, but it's just a solid, catchy listen in my opinion with a few real gems.

THERE, I'm not bashing anyone else for whatever ridiculous reason over an ALBUM.