Higher, The - It's Only Natural

[Blake Solomon]

The Higher – It’s Only Natural
Record Label: Epitaph Records
Release Date: June 23, 2009

I’ve got no surprises for you here. Creative attempts at explaining my disgust for It’s Only Natural ended in overwhelming failure.

I almost feel obligated to applaud The Higher’s aspirations of becoming the biggest Boy Band in the world since my tastes tend to match the band’s pop attitude: Jesse McCartney is a personal hero. Underdog Alma Mater and Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop receive regular spins. I even enjoy assaulting underage girls just as much as the next Jack Barakat. So forgive the lazy idiocy in a statement like, “The Higher suck because they make bad music.” But basically that’s all I have. Stop reading if you’re busy, there are no decent jokes in the ensuing paragraphs.

Sure, pasty-white-guy Seth Trotter’s scratchy voice lacks any and all Robin Thicke sexiness. And yes, Duug Fresh’s percussion is nowhere near as dynamic as the hip-hop gods he worships. Sadly those are but two of the many problems keeping It’s Only Natural on a peg much lower than the Star Is Dead EP or even Histronics. I’m glad I brought those albums up (I rule!), though, because it’s important to note that this isn’t that band anymore. I hesitate to call The Higher’s new electronic route a cash grab, and I also think the band’s transparency is endearing. (The press release even states, “If Justin Timberlake were a band, he’d be The Higher.”)

Bands evolve and change all the time. It’s just unfortunate that The Higher settled upon a genre in which they have no hope of success. In fact, I am still struggling to find the “R&B” influences on It’s Only Natural. Mostly I just hear simplistic pop-rock (“Burn And Turn”), strange nods to old Panic! At The Disco (the second half of “Scandalous”) and a by-the-numbers cover (Ne-Yo’s “Closer” inexplicably ends the album). Or maybe it’s not so “inexplicable” that It’s Only Natural ends with a cover, because the album’s horrifying lack of creativity might point to The Higher’s next reincarnation: Karaoke All Stars. I can picture it now: For the measly sum of 10 dollars you can hear Seth Trotter and Jason Centeno whiteguyatize “Bonnie & Clyde 2004.” Want to hear “Coconut” By Harry Nilsson? Hope you like it with synthesizers!

It appears ex-guitarist Tom Oakes left just in time. His new project, More Amor, is what The Higher wish to become: a pleasant mixture of pop music and electronica. The Higher should ditch the traditional rock instruments altogether if they’re going to take this path any further; “Try Again” is a boring AAR ripoff and “It’s Only Natural” was clearly written by a half-asleep Maroon 5. The Higher have lost the emotion that initially drew people to them. Instead there are 12 futile attempts at Top-40 fodder littered throughout It’s Only Natural. Perhaps taking the last soul-crushing step is necessary: hire Estelle and let her write the band a song about supa fly shoes (or something, whatever). The Higher’s synthesizer IQ just isn’t good enough to hit it big in our current musical market. “Story Of A Man Obsessed” uses annoyingly ringtone-esque blips and “Play With Fire” is trance for toddlers. Maybe the band will figure itself out, but self-reflection time is quickly running out. Pop radio is not a medium willing to overlook age. Talent? Maybe. But age? No way.


Recommended If You Like: More Amor, Cartel + a DJ, false optimism, Panic! At The Timberlake, days without sun


www.myspace.com/thehigher

[hcky0819]

was a somewhat of a fan back when Histrionics came out, but... i have lost any words to describe the garbage they now put out. what a shame.

[WhoSaidThat?]

Good review. I've yet to catch the album (did it stream?), so it looks like I'll be in for a disappointment. But who knows. Again, great review, Blake. I may alone, but I found humor in the "ensuing paragraphs". Again, good stuff, dude.

[jeremyc]

one time i had sex with this girl who loved the higher. worst experience ever.

[doppelganger]

one time i had sex with this girl who loved the higher. worst experience ever.
haha.

but dang. this album got a lower rating than i would have expected

[Keagan Ilvonen]

It's lower than a loss for words! Watch out Blake!!!!

[Kobrakai09]

RIYL: Panic! At The Timberlake

Haha

[JamesLado]

this album is soo terrible.
i was expecting so much more but they went with an nsync vibe which is really lame.

[JamesLado]

Good review. I've yet to catch the album (did it stream?), so it looks like I'll be in for a disappointment. But who knows. Again, great review, Blake. I may alone, but I found humor in the "ensuing paragraphs". Again, good stuff, dude.
no but it did leak. you'll be able to find it a bunch of places on the internet,

[Gregory Robson]

The balloon of excitement has popped.
I now want to stay as far away from this disc as possible.
Thanks for the warning!

[zubinmoosa]

Sweet Lasting Value score haha

[jusscali]

Agree with everything you say. I would even give it a lower score than 32. With this release and the few songs release from ATL new record, I think I'm actually beginning to loathe pop music

[derian2219]

At least the production was slightly above average.

[deezee]

Whoa haha lowest score I've seen on here.

[zachff]

That's really too bad. I enjoyed some songs off their first two CD's but haven't listened to them in a while. After this review I'll be sure to stick to the old (kinda) faves

[deezee]

I'm still going to check this out, maybe I can find one song I like.

[dpatrickguy]

this album sucked donkey dick

i just dont understand how this hasn't realized that they are not capable of making the music they want to make. The singer sounds like a 12 year old boy, the drummer is no good enough, the bassist is non existent, the guitars are decent but nothing special. They simply lack talent.

[Broclee]

Dig the old releases...this is garbage. That's all I've got.

[theBrightLights]

that was harsh and unwarranted. the album has some really good tracks. if you have a predisposition to out right HATING a band, maybe when its time for a review you can let an unbiased ear and mind have a go.

[BlackpoolLights]

This is a fine album, just as good as My Favorite Highway, which some members of this site were hyping a little while back.

Nothing wrong with pop music, and these guys do it well - not great - but decently enough.

Still prefer Danger Radio and The Cab though.

[theBrightLights]

I'm still going to check this out, maybe I can find one song I like.
Try Again is a great song.

[Joe DeAndrea]

Meh. The Cab does the whole boy band thing much better.

[bke37699]

Blake,

I think the review is pretty accurate. After reading, I directly went to myspace to have a listen. As a result, I don't think my computer speakers will ever forgive me. My only question to you Blake, is how come you didn't mention On Fire? I bought Star is Dead when it first came out and thought it was pretty decent. I didn't bother with Histrionics but really enjoyed a few tracks off On Fire. It was a lot better than this piece of monkey dung.

I must admit though, this album is awful. The cover song at the end is the worst. It sounds like a pre-pubsecent Zach Effron singing a Neo song in a school play, preempting a vocally layered shit storm of a chorus that makes you feel like you would rather listen to T-Pain sing gospel music in the shower for 8 hours straight.

[WhoSaidThat?]

Whoa haha lowest score I've seen on here.
You must not have seen the latest reviews for Plain White T's, Good Charlotte, Brokencyde, and Thieves and Villains, to name a few.

[Broclee]

that was harsh and unwarranted. the album has some really good tracks. if you have a predisposition to out right HATING a band, maybe when its time for a review you can let an unbiased ear and mind have a go.
I don't think you can really say he had a predisposition to hate the band. He praises their first two releases, and backs up his opinion that they've reduced themselves to mindless, uninspired, poorly-done pop.

[WhoSaidThat?]

that was harsh and unwarranted. the album has some really good tracks. if you have a predisposition to out right HATING a band, maybe when its time for a review you can let an unbiased ear and mind have a go.
:rolleyes:

[popdisaster00]

Man Histrionics was so good. I miss that time of this band.

[denissuxx]

Slightly harsh I'd say.

[deezee]

You must not have seen the latest reviews for Plain White T's, Good Charlotte, Brokencyde, and Thieves and Villains, to name a few.
Yup didn't see those lol

I'll go check em out.

[Shin Akuma]

panic at the timberlake loooooool

[FUCKDIRTYWIPES]

awful band

[Kill_the_radio]

Cartel + a DJ... do not want!

[goldy]

used to be good. WHAT HAPPENED?

[HometownHero]

Heard it. It really sucks

[its all good 03]

i absolutely loved histrionics. therefore i am choosing to believe that the higher broke up after releasing it, and a completely new band formed with the same name, to release two shitty cds. it helps me sleep at nite

[Kobrakai09]

It's Only Natural we never listen to this album.

[bke37699]

It's Only Natural we never listen to this album.
works for me. I listened to one of the songs to see if this review was accurate, and for some reason now, I can't hear out of my left ear.

[kevinjordan]

I've only heard the two songs off the Myspace, but "It's Only Natural" sounds like a legitimate hit to me. The chorus is infectious and I think the arrangement is perfect! Quit hating on their take on Maroon 5 and just listen to it with no strings attached (whether they be to JT or their old records) Stop being a terd!

[Kobrakai09]

I've only heard the two songs off the Myspace, but "It's Only Natural" sounds like a legitimate hit to me. The chorus is infectious and I think the arrangement is perfect! Quit hating on their take on Maroon 5 and just listen to it with no strings attached (whether they be to JT or their old records) Stop being a terd!
*turd

On Fire was distinctly average, so I doubt this album will be much better, particularly given this review.
I do like the lead singers' voice though - it may be slightly generic, but it's pretty good.

[gabegr]

lol panic at the timberlake

[NorthstarPark]

It's Only Natural we never listen to this album.

I have one too...It's Only Natural that they suck.

[JesusOnXtc]

Not gonna agree just to be cool, you can't listen to this album and expect to play it after you and your girlfriend break up. It's not life changing nor does it even remotely try to be, its a decent album and pretty fun to listen to drunk. I say just listen to it for yourself, you might find yourself tapping along with a couple songs.

[Blake Solomon]

Not gonna agree just to be cool, you can't listen to this album and expect to play it after you and your girlfriend break up. It's not life changing nor does it even remotely try to be, its a decent album and pretty fun to listen to drunk. I say just listen to it for yourself, you might find yourself tapping along with a couple songs.
sheesh what compliments you've bestowed upon this. the band must be so happy with your "praise."

[Duug "D" Fresh]

for as much as you all "love" it....anybody who hasnt hated on it yet...go to www.purevolume.com/thehigher for a full stream of it...get all the 32% enjoyment you want :)

[brenByah]

I used to somewhat enjoy them, but they got old fast. Think the scores a little lower than it needs to be though. Although I guess you make up for it by giving the generous lasting value a score of .75. Zero would be more accurate.

[InYourName]

i'm actually listening to my more amor cd right now

[Benny K]

these kids wish they had chops like timberlake. the chorus from its only natural follows a very similar melody line to this is your night, dancing free into the morning light together forever cuz this is your night blah blah, think its by amber, the night at the roxbury tune. cept that song is better.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Nice review. I enjoy their older stuff -- it's fun, catchy pop/rock and nothing more -- so it's a bummer that they've turned into something less desirable.

[irthesteve]

nice group of RIYLs, haha

[mikeoftheyear]

terrible review.i really enjoyed the more amor tracks but i also really did enjoy this record a lot. there is so much garbage music out there that i feel like everyone has lost their minds.. at least the higher are doing something different, i would love to hear all of your new records.

[Chris Fallon]

I don't get bands like this.

[Sherrice]

Aw man. If it's really that bad then I will NOT get it.

What happened to them?

[YouSmellExcited]

this shit suuuuucks compared to On Fire. there's a few decent songs, but it lacks a fuck load

[YouSmellExcited]

one time i had sex with this girl who loved the higher. worst experience ever.
story time :-)

[bouttogetfancy]

was a somewhat of a fan back when Histrionics came out, but... i have lost any words to describe the garbage they now put out. what a shame.
I know, Histrionics had some fun tracks but now it's all pretty much junk.

[Formatfun]

Didn't expect to like the album, but now I know I won't. Only liked a few songs from them previously, anyway.

[brenByah]

Isn't this a whole new lineup except for the lead singer and bassist?

[Shatter_Glass]

"More Amor, Cartel + a DJ, false optimism, Panic! At The Timberlake, days without sun"

i L0L'd.

[sargentlgfuad]

i actually didn't hate this album as much as i thought i would. it's not terrible, but it's just not good.
but it did keep my interest for the entire cd, which i'll probably listen to again to see what songs i actually liked, because "Play With Fire" and "Closer" are some of the most annoying songs i've heard in a while.

[cory-182]

At least it was scored higher than brokeNCYDE.....

[poppunknerd182]

Star Is Dead is still one of my favorite EP's haha

[grimis16]

still like histrionics. These last two cds are garbage...but honeslty, this ones better than the previous

[birtcho]

LOL at panic at the timberlake. this probably deserved a lower rating. i got quite excited after listening to the first song. it almost sounded ocean avenueish. but what a terrible album really

[Festivus]

I forgot this band even existed until I saw this review. Apparently I should go back to forgetting them.

[evan324]

i find this cd to be pretty catchy.. id give it around a 70 or so though.. definitely not as low as blake rated it. it's nothing special but it's still a catchy summer cd.

[thetripwirescor]

maybe if these guys got euro mullets, rolled their jeans up, put on tank tops, and got covered in full-sleeved ink (minus the drummer, duh), they'd get less hate.

obviously prefer Histrionics but it's a great pop album in my opinion.

[Broclee]

maybe if these guys got euro mullets, rolled their jeans up, put on tank tops, and got covered in full-sleeved ink (minus the drummer, duh), they'd get less hate.

obviously prefer Histrionics but it's a great pop album in my opinion.
:eyebrow:

[muttley]

Whoa haha lowest score I've seen on here.

It's even lower than the I Set My Friends On Fire album.

[muttley]

At least it was scored higher than brokeNCYDE.....

Brokencyde got a 16%...
edit: My bad, I was looking at the user rating.

[deezee]

It's even lower than the I Set My Friends On Fire album.
Haha I've never heard of them.

But I think BrokenCYDE got a lower score today, I think.

[muttley]

Haha I've never heard of them.

But I think BrokenCYDE got a lower score today, I think.

Basically, they're better than Brokencyde, but they're still terrible.
And if you were referring to my last post, I edited it haha.

[deezee]

Basically, they're better than Brokencyde, but they're still terrible.
And if you were referring to my last post, I edited it haha.
Oh yeah they're way better than them, I liked them at one point. I can listen to their new album it's just bland. BrokeNCYDE album is just wrong on so many levels haha.

Oh no I wasn't referring to your post, I just wasn't sure.

[JesusOnXtc]

sheesh what compliments you've bestowed upon this. the band must be so happy with your "praise."
I highly doubt this bands takes itself that serious, atleast I hope not. I'm sure they know they arent trying to revolutionize the genre either, I just cant believe people are taking this album so seriously. Eh, doesnt matter to me though, its not like one or ten peoples views on a band ever influenced me.
haha I feel sorry for those who are influenced like that though...

[tD77]

Discouraging to hear they've gone pseudo-trend hopping. I've enjoyed some songs off their two previous releases.

[Broclee]

terrible review.i really enjoyed the more amor tracks but i also really did enjoy this record a lot. there is so much garbage music out there that i feel like everyone has lost their minds.. at least the higher are doing something different, i would love to hear all of your new records.
Dude, really? Do you really think that only musicians can critique music?

[saw it go]

Dude, really? Do you really think that only musicians can critique music?
They usually do it better.

[Broclee]

They usually do it better.
I forgot, non-musicians don't know anything about music.

[CstrzRock]

I agree with this review. I am horribly disappointed with this band.

I think the album should have scored slightly higher though.
It is still catchy. I just can't get into it.

[brenByah]

They usually do it better.
Maybe so, but this is still a pretty lackluster release.

[songydarko]

I'm sure their goal was to just make a fun care-free record so people should probably stop taking it so seriously.

[Broclee]

I'm sure their goal was to just make a fun care-free record so people should probably stop taking it so seriously.
That's not really an accuse for boring music.

[songydarko]

That's not really an accuse for boring music.
If it's so boring why waste your time talking about it so much?

[Broclee]

If it's so boring why waste your time talking about it so much?
Because I enjoy discussing music, and I'm subscribed to the thread.

But lol silly me we shouldn't talk about things we don't like.

[songydarko]

Because I enjoy discussing music, and I'm subscribed to the thread.

But lol silly me we shouldn't talk about things we don't like.
lolz you're so funny.

[Broclee]

lolz you're so funny.
No I'm not. Don't tell lies.

[michaelk08]

the opening track is the only listenable track on this release. it's a shame too, i really enjoyed 'histrionics' and 'on fire'.

[FaceLixeMurder]

wow really low score, never really got into them, this definitely doesn't persuade me to...

[refgirl23]

I'm giving it a try just because it's up on purevolume...

Random question... Who is the girl on The Runaway Artist?

[nickthehick2]

Which one of you guys rated it so low? M-(

[fadedmemories]

Cartel + DJ brought the lolz

[Phil507]

terrible review.i really enjoyed the more amor tracks but i also really did enjoy this record a lot. there is so much garbage music out there that i feel like everyone has lost their minds.. at least the higher are doing something different, i would love to hear all of your new records.
Shitty argument from someone in a shitty band. The whole "oh yeah? Well what kinda music do YOU make?" argument shows that you're either 1) young and immature or 2) don't have too many brain cells.

Ever criticize a restaurant for having shitty food when you can't cook anything? I have, and I felt I had the right to.
Ever say a movie sucked when you haven't made one? Guilty of this as well.

Same goes for music. People need to get over the "YOU REVIEWED THIS BAND WHEN YOU DIDN'T LIKE THEM AND GAVE IT AN UNFAIR REVIEW!" line of thinking. I've heard this and it's terrible, uninspired, boring music. Nothing more.

[crystal_lynn]

Tom Oates? Last time I checked that wasn't his last name. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but yours became completely irrelevant to me when you couldn't even get a band member's name right. I know, I know, he isn't in the band anymore but come on, he was for quite a few years, a founding member actually.

Other than that, I personally enjoy the album, there are some songs that I find to be amazing, and other that are just okay but I think everyone should listen for themselves before making judgements.

[OneLoveGurlie]

I Can't Lie, They Were My Favorite Band For Over Three Years, But After Hearing This Album, I Can't Even Listen To Them Anymore.

[Blake Solomon]

Tom Oates? Last time I checked that wasn't his last name. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but yours became completely irrelevant to me when you couldn't even get a band member's name right. I know, I know, he isn't in the band anymore but come on, he was for quite a few years, a founding member actually.

Other than that, I personally enjoy the album, there are some songs that I find to be amazing, and other that are just okay but I think everyone should listen for themselves before making judgements.
haha, could it possibly be a typo? It's not like I named him Richard Jenkins or something.

But either way, thanks for catching it, I'll change it now!

[Broclee]

Tom Oates? Last time I checked that wasn't his last name. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but yours became completely irrelevant to me when you couldn't even get a band member's name right. I know, I know, he isn't in the band anymore but come on, he was for quite a few years, a founding member actually.

Other than that, I personally enjoy the album, there are some songs that I find to be amazing, and other that are just okay but I think everyone should listen for themselves before making judgements.
Well that's just plain silly.

[no mames]

the lyrics are more lame than they are clever, but his voice is good. the whole dj/electronic thing really blows though, but thats what these kids dig, shitty music

[Shoorty0690]

Whoa haha lowest score I've seen on here.
You must have missed the Brokencyde review...

[deezee]

You must have missed the Brokencyde review...
No i said that before I looked at it lol

I should edit that.

[RidingWithDeath]

terrible review.i really enjoyed the more amor tracks but i also really did enjoy this record a lot. there is so much garbage music out there that i feel like everyone has lost their minds.. at least the higher are doing something different, i would love to hear all of your new records.

Everyone HAS lost their minds with the large amount of shit that keeps getting released. The Higher are doing something different? Would love to hear an explanation of that...seriously. Not all of us have the privilege (or have the money or label back up) to be able to release highly original records like "The Higher" or "Rookie Of The Year", otherwise you would hear all of our "new records".

[Co and Ca]

terrible review.i really enjoyed the more amor tracks but i also really did enjoy this record a lot. there is so much garbage music out there that i feel like everyone has lost their minds.. at least the higher are doing something different, i would love to hear all of your new records.

How come when everyone hates on a band, someone has to say "let me hear YOUR band, jerk" or something along those lines? Just because someone disagrees with your opinion, they have to be in a band in order to think a band sucks? Get over yourself.

[Glassjawguy]

I loved the Star Is Dead EP. Haven't been too interested since.

[Mr.DelMonte]

harsh review, if you liked histornics, definitely give this a listen. i think its good.

[AdmireMyAttire]

Gosh, that's heartless! I'm still gonna give it a listen for sure! Ill find the joy in it!

[Claire567]

First of all the name of this website is absolute punk. This album is not punk and it's obvious that the author doesn't care for this style of music. I mean, look at the way he reviewed successful non-punk artists such as The Killers and Taylor Swift.
I was also appalled that the author insulted the singer's looks. I think he's gorgeous, but even so, he should not talk about his looks in an album review. It's irrelevant! The music is what matters.
Anyways this is a great album. I can't stop listening to it! The songs are upbeat and really stick in my head. Why does everything have to be dark and soul-searching. This album is fun! Seth has an amazing voice that sounds just as good live and the guitarists and rest of the instrumentalists did an excellent job!
I believe that many of the people that posted before me were influenced by Solomon's review. Don't let this review discourage you guys! This album definitely has potential to be successful!

[brenByah]

First of all the name of this website is absolute punk. This album is not punk and it's obvious that the author doesn't care for this style of music. I mean, look at the way he reviewed successful non-punk artists such as The Killers and Taylor Swift.
I was also appalled that the author insulted the singer's looks. I think he's gorgeous, but even so, he should not talk about his looks in an album review. It's irrelevant! The music is what matters.
Anyways this is a great album. I can't stop listening to it! The songs are upbeat and really stick in my head. Why does everything have to be dark and soul-searching. This album is fun! Seth has an amazing voice that sounds just as good live and the guitarists and rest of the instrumentalists did an excellent job!
I believe that many of the people that posted before me were influenced by Solomon's review. Don't let this review discourage you guys! This album definitely has potential to be successful!

The site's name is irrelevant. Ap.net reviews albums from all genres. This review is just one man's opinion, people should check it out for themselves and make up their own minds, although for the most part I agree with Blake.

[two_days_slow]

Listened to the album and its alright. I could see myself listening to it for a day or two, then forgetting where I put it, and lastly just using it as a beer coaster when I am listening to something else. I absolutely loved this band when I heard "Star Is Dead," and then when "Histrionics" came out, I thought this band could do no wrong. Sadly I was way off in left field with that thought after "On Fire" was released and now the new album. Best of luck to The Higher though, I will just find something else to listen to. :)

[piglet]

Album is cancer. Band is cancer.

[jkodis152]

make fun of the higher all you want, but leave estelle out of this.

[Badgers08]

Meh. Has a couple catchy pop tunes, but that's about it.

It's Only Natural = The White Tie Affair's Walk This Way

[splitsecond]

With every watered down pop release like this it becomes more and more obvious which bands have been in it for the music, and which bands simply have been trying to use the popularity of the "scene" as a jumping point to the mainstream. Fuck this band.

[ryanhorizons]

this band has gone down hill

[Blake Solomon]

make fun of the higher all you want, but leave estelle out of this.
hahaha, my b

[Jawknee]

This album is SOLID from start to finish. Not one track is worth skipping through.

[Broclee]

This album is SOLID from start to finish. Not one track is worth skipping through.
The whole thing is worth skipping.
:shrug:

[Jawknee]

The whole thing is worth skipping.
:shrug:
Nope.

[Broclee]

Nope.
It's just pretty boring, it my opinion.

[heavensabove]

I'm not at all familiar with this band, the only song I've heard is "It's Only Natural" from the Epitaph sampler which I thought was okay. Dunno whether to go ahead and check out the rest of the album or not now, haha.

[brenByah]

I'm not at all familiar with this band, the only song I've heard is "It's Only Natural" from the Epitaph sampler which I thought was okay. Dunno whether to go ahead and check out the rest of the album or not now, haha.
I think this review's pretty on target, but you should always give something a shot and make up your own mind instead of letting a review influence your decision.

[heavensabove]

I think this review's pretty on target, but you should always give something a shot and make up your own mind instead of letting a review influence your decision.
I think I will, I was intrigued enough to listen, definitely heard worse. I sometimes do read reviews and find they influence me a lot, I'm easily swayed I guess haha.