Angels and Airwaves - Love

[Jeremy Aaron]

Angels and Airwaves - Love
Record Label: Self-released
Release Date: February 14, 2010

Whether you feel love, hate or indifference toward him, Tom Delonge is definitely one of the most fascinating figures in music today. Here's a guy who didn't have a whole lot of folks in his corner after the dissolution of the beloved Blink-182, and his startlingly self-aggrandizing statements about how his new music with Angels and Airwaves would change rock music certainly didn't help endear him to people. In interviews talking about his new band, Delonge frequently sounded like a total space cadet with a tenuous grip on reality, and I think all of this left a sour taste that had an unfortunate effect on how the debut album We Don't Need to Whisper was received.

I still uphold that despite some of the feelings people had toward Delonge over the Blink breakup and the almost asinine level of hype he tried to generate for his new music, Whisper stood on its own as a solid pop-rock album. It was far removed from the sound of Blink-182, and it didn't deliver on the promise of changing the way we think about music, but expectations aside, it was a strong set of likable songs that forged a remarkably unique sound. Although there was chatter about similiarities to U2 and The Cure, which weren't entirely off-base, all it takes is one listen to "Et Ducit Mundum Per Luce", the instrumental opener of Angels and Airwaves' new third album Love, to realize that the band have an immediately recognizable aesthetic that's unmistakably their own.

With the title of the opening track a Latin phrase that translates to "lead the world by light" and the obligatory space references like "Flight of Apollo", it's clear that the latest installment in the Angels and Airwaves discography is replete with the same old feigned grandiosity. Musically, it's along the same lines as its predecessors as well, with extended song lengths, (some might say overlong) intros and outros, echoey guitars, huge pounding drums, and Delonge's obviously enhanced voice. Love is not likely to earn the band any new fans, but for those that enjoy their style, it's a worthy offering, and a bit of a step up from their rushed, lackluster sophomore album I-Empire.

Besides not really doing anything to expand upon their already established sound, the songs on Love are also handicapped by a failure lyrics-wise to meet Delonge's lofty ambitions. On "Flight of Apollo", he sings, "Please don't look at me so sadly, life shouldn't hurt so badly," and while its decidedly hopeful and uplifting, it's hardly profound or groundbreaking. It's also a bit ironic that seemingly in an effort to display a sense of maturity, Delonge often comes off sounding like a wide-eyed kid in naive wonderment at the world around him. A little better is the more earthly "Young London", but even still, when he starts going on about how "we're all connected," it's appears he's unable to deliver a positive message without resorting to pseudophilosophical babble.

"Shove" is one of a few single-worthy tracks, but it also finds Angels and Airwaves walking the fine line between staying true to their trademark sound and flat out ripping themselves off, with a guitar track that sounds pulled right out of their debut's "Distraction". Likewise, "Epic Holiday" (in addition to its title's heavy-handed attempt at being larger-than-life) throws buzzing prog-rock synths over a main riff very similar to the one from "Everything's Magic". Without question, it's all very listenable, and the production is pristine, but it's becoming increasingly apparent that Delonge and friends either aren't able to or aren't willing to venture beyond the very samey mid-tempo hooks and guitar lines of their previous albums.

Despite how formulaic it can feel at times, Love is an exceedingly smooth and palatable listen, though some of the sweeping imagery can grow tiresome. "Do you believe in hallucinations," Delonge sings on "Hallucinations", and from many of his lyrics, it's pretty clear that at least he does. On "The Moon-Atomic (...Fragments and Fictions)"-- yep, that's actually the title-- he offers the line, "The moon you felt, it has no side that's dark like hell or safe from light, just blow apart by wind from stars with white dust tides," and even on the more intimate "Clever Love", he can't resist allusions to the celestial, offering "I know you well, all your life I've watched you breathe, I've watched you lie, across the sea through space and time."

"Soul Survivor (...2012)"-- unfortunate parenthetical title notwithstanding-- builds into a sparkling Rush-like arena rock number that's probably the most effective example of what Angels and Airwaves can accomplish working within this style. "Letters to God, Part II" also showcases the band's musical talents, with skyscraping guitars and proggy accents, but it's all overshadowed by Delonge's credibility straining lyrics, like "Dear God, I found out the same things we learn when we die. I found out the truth is it's all a big lie." And of course, there's more of the same unenlightening mush on closing track "Some Origins of Fire": "We all are love and love is hard." Thanks, Tom, for dropping that little tidbit on us.

Through it all, despite its cheesiness and its recycling of their past catalog, it's hard to really dislike Love. It's definitely earnest, almost to a fault, and it at least pretends to be ambitious. Most of the time, swinging for the fences results in a towering home run or an embarassing whiff, but Delonge seems to be one of the rarities who ends up with a bloop single. Without question, his efforts are buffeted by his supporting cast, particularly drummer Atom Willard (ex-Offspring, Rocket From the Crypt), who is a force to be reckoned with on much of the album.

Now, someone needs to clue Delonge in that the albums that really did change the face of music weren't born out of an intent to do so. These things have to happen on their own, organically. It's unfortunate that his attempts to make these broad, dramatic statements with his music at times seem rather like trying to force a square peg into a round hole. Delonge is obviously a talented pop songwriter, but he'd do well to remember that he made his most enduring impressions when he exercised a little humor and appealed to our basest instincts and emotions. So lighten up, Tom, and stop trying to change the world. You've already done that in the hearts of many, when you weren't even trying.

1. Et Ducit Mundum Per Luce (2:34)
2. The Flight of Apollo (6:15)
3. Young London (5:04)
4. Shove (6:35)
5. Epic Holiday (4:38)
6. Hallucinations (4:39)
7. The Moon-Atomic (...Fragments and Fictions) (6:17)
8. Clever Love (4:27)
9. Soul Survivor (...2012) (4:04)
10. Letters to God, Part II (4:06)
11. Some Origins of Fire (5:20)

Check out Angels and Airwaves on Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/angelsandairwaves) and last.fm (http://www.last.fm/music/Angels+%2526+Airwaves).

[Intotheunkn0wn]

great review

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Excellent closing on a great review. I pretty much agree. Maybe it's the Blink fanboy in me, but I always thought this band got too much hate.

[TragedyofMariam]

nice review...i really like that last paragraph

[DandonTRJ]

Perfectly captures the sentiment I've been holding since their debut. Solid tunes overshadowed by unrealistic expectations generated by the frontman himself.

At any rate, looking forward to their show with Say Anything.

[trappedintime]

So lighten up, Tom, and stop trying to change the world.
All that really needs to be said about Angels and Airwaves. This album was boring.

[friskycurtain]

The album is very recycled and very forgettable.

[HelloxAlone]

Good review, I agree with the rating.
The last paragraph is really great, completely true as well.

[Jeremy Aaron]

My 100th review on AP by the way.

[blazike911]

great review! and epic closing paragraph


seewhatididthere?

[Rickaly]

great review. i agree but i personally think the score should a be a tad bit lower. most of the songs sound the same.

[pth231]

Now if only someone would tell Bono the same thing....

[philbylink]

Here's a guy who didn't have a whole lot of folks in his corner after the dissolution of the beloved Blink-182...
http://www.insidesocal.com/tomhoffarth/17359238-17359242-large.jpg
really shitty album, by the way.

[Mochem]

Nice ending. Still haven't heard the album, although I intend to do so sometime soon.

[_thisisme*]

Need to listen this record a couple of times more to really give my opinion...The songs I heard so far sounded pretty solid

[trappedintime]

My 100th review on AP by the way.
I'm sorry it had to be like this...

[oncedarkness]

It turned me into a fan. Granted, I would have never checked it out if it wasn't free, which is the same reason I haven't listened to any of the past 2 albums.

[Rynaldo]

The band's older meaterial left me cold but I admired the band's generosity to make it available to download for free. I listened to it once and I've got to say i love it. Best album by any of the Blink-182 members since the band broke up!

[Alex!]

Such a shit record. Not one good song. Seriously.

[xapplexpiex]

I still think We Don't Need to Whisper is their only good album.

[falloutpanicboy]

It turned me into a fan. Granted, I would have never checked it out if it wasn't free, which is the same reason I haven't listened to any of the past 2 albums.
This.

[Chrisj182]

Great review, though for me it'd have a higher rating, but that's the fanboy in me.

[Ricketts]

Spot on review, last paragraph hits the nail on the head!

[RonStoppable]

Agreed with pretty much every word. Very well written.

[Kill_the_radio]

My 100th review on AP by the way.
Congratulations! Keep 'em coming.

[Rysker6]

"Now, someone needs to clue Delonge in that the albums that really did change the face of music weren't born out of an intent to do so. These things have to happen on their own, organically. It's unfortunate that his attempts to make these broad, dramatic statements with his music at times seem rather like trying to force a square peg into a round hole. Delonge is obviously a talented pop songwriter, but he'd do well to remember that he made his most enduring impressions when he exercised a little humor and appealed to our basest instincts and emotions. So lighten up, Tom, and stop trying to change the world. You've already done that in the hearts of many, when you weren't even trying"

I've been saying this from day one about him and AVA. I like Angels & Airwaves but he completely overcompensates with them. For every one thing he says about blink-182, he has to say three about Angels & Airwaves. Not that what he does in AVA comes across as forced or somehow no genuine, but at times it is a tad well..forced. What makes blink-182 great is that it seems like 100% him no BS, no gimmick, him having fun playing music thats coming across as honest. Perhaps if he toned down the hype machine for AVA? Who knows. But for whatever the reason, he has one great band, most people in bands would kill to be in his position. What Im saying is maybe he should be happy with what he has, not saying he should stop AVA but realize that whatever happens happens and stop hyping it up so much.

[liquideasy]

Spot on review, last paragraph hits the nail on the head!
Agreed. Tom's biggest downfall in AVA wasn't so much his music, but his ideas and words behind it. I was a much bigger fan of +44.

[SetYourPauls]

Good review. The album is decent, but obviously nothing groundbreaking. As much as I love Angels & Airwaves, their music only makes me miss blink and box car tom more and more.

I just wanna hear that guy go balls to the wall and rock out some.

[inthemidst]

My 100th review on AP by the way.
Congrats! You're definitely one of the better ones, Jeremy!

Great review. I have a soft-spot for A&A, and never really took sides after the initial Blink break-up. This sounds like a pretty good album!

[Ryzenfall]

You are a beast review machine.

Seemed like you were very generous with the lyrics score. Are people's standards dropping or are mine just too high?

[Stirrfry90]

LOVE the review. See what I did there?? Anyway.... I agree with this whole-heartedly aside from being able to dislike the record and thinking the score should have been around a high 60 or low 70. very accurate descriptions though. Props.

[PlacesToGo]

i think if you did some research about tom he knows that these albums wont change the world, that wasnt the point. so review do some research.

[luvsickcatalyst]

Nice work, Jeremy. As an AVA fan, I like this album, but I can't help but notice it caught my attention for maybe a day and I'm onto new music now (i.e. Fair's new record) I-Empire had me listening for months. The whole "huge arena sound, spacey synths, and hopeful messages of enlightenment" thing they've tried to capture in their sound is really beginning to lose its luster.

[Thomas Nassiff]

http://www.insidesocal.com/tomhoffarth/17359238-17359242-large.jpg
really shitty album, by the way.
i laughed.

anyways, loving the last paragraph. that's what i was thinking throughout the whole review....doesn't he realize that blink already changed music by essentially inventing pop-punk? he seems so serious about everything now....if he lightened up AVA would probably get less hate.

[seraph1214]

This record is much, MUCH better than I-Empire.

[Lovely?]

I never liked tom in the first place, U2 is a delight cause they started the style really. but Angels and airwaves shows un-talented people getting back into the music. If you look at ti this way if guys like Radiohead were nerds in high school, then Angels and Airwaves would be the jocks who made music just cause they wanted to feel deep.

It's a stupid dichotomy

[Scrandon]

Nice closing to the review, so true...

[SicTransitIbiza]

Maybe it's just me, but I cannot stop listening to this album since I got it on Friday. Being a huge AVA fan (I honestly don't understand all the hate on here... maybe if Tom had built no hype Whisper would have been better received) I was skeptical this would be as good if not better than Whisper, but wow, it is. I love it. Good review, I can see where you're coming from on a lot of things. Despite that, I still don't hear a bad song on here, and I also think Tom's voice sounds the best on this album of all the AVA catalog. and it's free. I will definitely be picking up the physical though.

[tossit]

The album's ok...nice review

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

I still think We Don't Need to Whisper is their only good album.
I think I'm in the minority when I say I disagree. I couldn't listen to any songs on that album more than a couple times without getting bored or distracted. With I-Empire, the songs had quite a bit more variety and were a lot less boring (IMO). LOVE isn't quite as great as IE, but still loads better than WDNTW.
And yeah, I know everyone thinks I'm wrong, so don't bother telling me.

Wonderful review though.

[UnderMyDreams]

You've already done that in the hearts of many, when you weren't even trying.
This, this exactly.

It's not an absolutely terrible album, but there's nothing great about it. Songs sound just like both other CD's they've put out. Maybe 2 good songs, but other than that pretty boring and forgettable.

[sleepyseanzzz]

WDNTW>LOVE>I-Empire

great review, excellent ending paragraph

this album isnt half bad, its definitely a step up from his last effort and in a world where blink 182 (or the other members) dont come out with anything new very often (aside from remixes and producing albums for other bands) i am happy to get this album for free. blink 182 is and always has been and always will be my favorite band, i love hearing anything from tom, mark, and travis. they got me into music so im already biased when it comes to listening to anything they release and give it more credit than it deserves. but hey it was free. i cant imagine when he had the time to make this with such a hectic schedule last year either so it was a valliant effort

[Formatfun]

Really like the review. The closing's good.

[Mibabalou]

haven't heard this yet

but you make it seem like they just made the first 2 albums again, which i bet they did

[Echo Park]

nice review, and nice closing paragraph.
actually, i havent read a full review in a long time. thanks

[SpacePunk]

Sweet review man.

I think it's their best effort musically, and lyrically... The words are still corny, but less so. :-)

I LOVE this album.

[XLT917]

I never had the complaint that all these soungs sound the same (admittedly, sometimes they do), especially between WDNTW and I-Empire because Tom himself said I-Empire was intended to be the second half of WDNTW. So coming into LOVE, I was expecting WDNTW part 3 and looking forward to that, but to my pleasant surprise, I don't feel like I got that. Now there are noticable comparisons, the verses in Some Origins of Fire, or the guitar part in Epic Holiday, but to me, they were still different songs. So he reused a few melodies, I sometimes would listen to lots of songs out there and be like, I wonder how this would sound to different lyrics or if it was rearranged in a different way, and Angels answered my question. Obviously his lyrics are cheesy at points, it's an album entitled LOVE, but man if you're having a bad day and everything seems to be going wrong, this album does it for me.

[twokidtech]

Excellent closing on a great review. I pretty much agree. Maybe it's the Blink fanboy in me, but I always thought this band got too much hate.
This is exactly how I feel... I can't say I hate Angels and Airwaves, but I don't love them as much as blink-182. Still whenever people insult this band I feel kind of bad about it

[Lirr168]

Excellent review across the board.

I'd say the album was successful in the sense that it got me to check out their music. It isn't great and it definitely isn't the epic Tom thinks it is, but it's a good listen for someone who hasn't heard all of their stuff before. From the two songs I have beyond LOVE, though, I can see what people mean about recycling sounds.

[Hagysaurus Rex]

Fantastic review. The review was actually better than the album itself was.

I'm obviously not a Blink or AVA fanboy, but I do have to give Tom some respect for having a vision, and making AVA albums on his own terms. That said, his vocals just kills the whole thing for me. The music, at times, is fantastic and well polished but Tom just doesn't have the pipes or the lyrical capacity to carry the songs.

Oh, and Love is much better than iEmpire.

[Hagysaurus Rex]

Also, in before the 30 Seconds to Mars comparisons.

[owiseone35]

I actually listened to this CD all the way through, its not bad. Lyrics are pretty bad too, but I see how can like this and won' flip out if they do. Overall an ok album.

[BigG1392]

Great review. Couldn't agree more.. and sometimes I like it when the lyrics don't make sense right off the bat. It's fun to sit and think on a long drive what Tom actually means through some of the metaphors that he uses. At least to me...

[Daigle lol]

Awesome review, completely annihilates the one I was planning on writing haha
Pretty sure it's been said multiple times, but that last line just about sums up everything that needs to be said about Tom DeLonge and his stint in Angels and Airwaves xD

[fran.182]

I agree with the score and that last paragraph was amazing.

[Broclee]

I guess I'll actually check this out now.

[SophGod]

Good thing it was free, or else I wouldn't have gotten it. No, it's not horrible by any means, but it's pretty boring.

[fightinirish217]

So lighten up, Tom, and stop trying to change the world. You've already done that in the hearts of many, when you weren't even trying.

Ain't it the truth...

[drudo182]

Last paragraph is great. Nice job!

I love this album. It's become my favorite of theirs.

[csofran2]

Why did I-Empire get so much hate? I love that album. Not a bad song on it in my opinion.

Love is great too. Definitely hearing some Box Car Racer in some of the songs.

[derek21023]

radiohead and u2 both suck

[ericsounds41]

Personally this is my favorite album of theirs yet.. Every song sounds great.. Just out of curiosity though, I was wondering what some of your interpretations are for Letters to God, Part II? More specifically in the chorus I suppose.. where the reviewer quotes this line "Dear God, I found out the same things we learn when we die. I found out the truth is it's all a big lie."
Haha like I said I was just curious..

[yoyostring]

i like the first half of the album. it just gets boring and harder to listen to on the 2nd half.

[Loyaltabk]

downloaded for free, but haven't listened yet

[Shaneava]

This album is EPIC. Probably a little to well thought out for all you litttle "punks".

Music has changed, Tom has changed with it. Mark Hoppus has not. He can have Pete Wentz and keep writing meaningless music.

Tom is changing the worlds of many, bring love, instead of emo boring repetitive songs.

Shove is far from the only single, Young London would be HUGE, Clever Love.

Some people on this site need to expand there horizons and join the movement. AVA forever.

well done tom.

Until then check out this girl mentioned in a previous thread. Awesome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdryTvaSghg

[t00latef0rr0ses]

have had this on my computer for days not but haven't listened to it until now. Overall not a bad listen. I didn't find myself needing to skip tracks or anything like that opposed to their prior effort.

[Blake Solomon]

this record is so much better than i expected, but tom's lyrics are laughable. Maybe we only think this way because he has lyrics about jacking off and that sort of shit, but whatever. It's not great.

[UnderMyDreams]

This album is EPIC. Probably a little to well thought out for all you litttle "punks".

Music has changed, Tom has changed with it. Mark Hoppus has not. He can have Pete Wentz and keep writing meaningless music.

Tom is changing the worlds of many, bring love, instead of emo boring repetitive songs.

Shove is far from the only single, Young London would be HUGE, Clever Love.

Some people on this site need to expand there horizons and join the movement. AVA forever.

well done tom.

Until then check out this girl mentioned in a previous thread. Awesome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdryTvaSghg
You're an idiot.

[kozy21]

You are a beast review machine.

Seemed like you were very generous with the lyrics score. Are people's standards dropping or are mine just too high?
Judging by the Andrew Bird picture in your avatar I'd say you're standards are spot on.

I feel like people should listen to an Avett Brothers album and then listen to this and really tell me these are good lyrics. Every song on this sounds like an over-pretentious album opener. A new song comes one and I'm like, "do we really need another 2 minute long instrumental intro". It's overkill really.

[sk8mule89]

"Now, someone needs to clue Delonge in that the albums that really did change the face of music weren't born out of an intent to do so. These things have to happen on their own, organically. It's unfortunate that his attempts to make these broad, dramatic statements with his music at times seem rather like trying to force a square peg into a round hole. Delonge is obviously a talented pop songwriter, but he'd do well to remember that he made his most enduring impressions when he exercised a little humor and appealed to our basest instincts and emotions. So lighten up, Tom, and stop trying to change the world. You've already done that in the hearts of many, when you weren't even trying."

this.

[kozy21]

Maybe it's just me, but I cannot stop listening to this album since I got it on Friday. Being a huge AVA fan (I honestly don't understand all the hate on here... maybe if Tom had built no hype Whisper would have been better received) I was skeptical this would be as good if not better than Whisper, but wow, it is. I love it. Good review, I can see where you're coming from on a lot of things. Despite that, I still don't hear a bad song on here, and I also think Tom's voice sounds the best on this album of all the AVA catalog. and it's free. I will definitely be picking up the physical though.
I think you need to discover some new music.

[anamericangod]

I enjoy this a lot more than I thought I would.

Good review, although I don't think the last paragraph was necessary at all.

[eversoinviting]

Great review. You really wrapped things up nicely at the end.

[kozy21]

This album is EPIC. Probably a little to well thought out for all you litttle "punks".

Music has changed, Tom has changed with it. Mark Hoppus has not. He can have Pete Wentz and keep writing meaningless music.

Tom is changing the worlds of many, bring love, instead of emo boring repetitive songs.

Shove is far from the only single, Young London would be HUGE, Clever Love.

Some people on this site need to expand there horizons and join the movement. AVA forever.

well done tom.

Until then check out this girl mentioned in a previous thread. Awesome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdryTvaSghg
You're joking right?

[timb89]

http://www.insidesocal.com/tomhoffarth/17359238-17359242-large.jpg
really shitty album, by the way.
angels and airwaves > (x1000) plus 44

that being said nice use of picture.

[xjulianx89]

So lighten up, Tom, and stop trying to change the world. You've already done that in the hearts of many, when you weren't even trying.
:appl:

[xjulianx89]

Music has changed, Tom has changed with it. Mark Hoppus has not. He can have Pete Wentz and keep writing meaningless music.



:lol:

[Ron57]

If only +44 stayed together too, then with Blink still intact I could actually enjoy 2 out of the 3 of them.

Angels & Airwaves aren't bad, they're just. Different. I can take them in small doses. If they changed their sound every album it'd be one thing, but all three of the albums sound like they could have all the songs mixed up and no one would know they're actually different albums. There's no change. It just gets a little dull after a while ya know?

Maybe it's just the futuristic sound too, because I'll admit alot of +44 and Blink sounds the same too, but for some reason that stuff stood out to me more. Maybe it was Mark's voice, or the either really meaningful or completely silly lyrics. (Though the +44 album was just plain depressing, as much as i love the hell out of it).

Anyway, I won't say I hate the album, but after a listen, it's exactly what i expected it to be. Just another disappointment.

[HometownHero]

Great album. Great review

[Kurt Retenauer]

It's their best album to date. I kind of enjoyed it, 4 or 5 songs on it, at least.

[Ron57]

Btw, i'm probably in the minority, but

I-Empire>WDNTW>Love

[CarouselBoy]

Delonge is obviously a talented pop songwriter, but he'd do well to remember that he made his most enduring impressions when he exercised a little humor and appealed to our basest instincts and emotions. So lighten up, Tom, and stop trying to change the world. You've already done that in the hearts of many, when you weren't even trying.


well put. That was really good, balanced review. And that coming from someone who loves all three records. I do feel that about half of this record has a different vibe than previous AVA work. Those songs, Young London for example, have a quicker tempo as a whole rather than the typically mid-tempo spacey sound. I'd have to say I like the first half better but overall I wasn't disappointed with this.

[youngmountain]

I hate that cheesy synth strings sound that is everywhere on this album and mixed far too loud.

[SicTransitIbiza]

I think you need to discover some new music.
haha, I listen to a lot of different stuff... not just AVA. I think one can appreciate this band and still have varied taste in music? I don't see how being a fan of AVA means one has a provincial outlook on all of music... care to elaborate?

[Broclee]

This album is EPIC. Probably a little to well thought out for all you litttle "punks".

Music has changed, Tom has changed with it. Mark Hoppus has not. He can have Pete Wentz and keep writing meaningless music.

Tom is changing the worlds of many, bring love, instead of emo boring repetitive songs.

Shove is far from the only single, Young London would be HUGE, Clever Love.

Some people on this site need to expand there horizons and join the movement. AVA forever.

well done tom.

Until then check out this girl mentioned in a previous thread. Awesome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdryTvaSghg

:yawn:

Stop trying to be so cool.

[COLEMAN902]

good review.

[Sarcasm]

Great review

[trash zoo]

Why is Tom always asking me questions?

Q: Do you believe in hallucinations, silly dreams, or imaginations?
A: No, no, and no.

Q: Do you feel light shine in the darkest of nights, or does the pain stack up from the skin to the core?
A: Neither. This is clearly a loaded question.

Q: Do you find every time that you cover your eyes, to keep the tears held up, dripping down even more?
A: Incomplete!

Q: Do you let the words cut down every line that’s inside to put the young flames out that make you cower and cower?
A: No I do not.

Q: Do you ever feel like you're alone?
A: Yes, when no one is around.

Q: Do you ever wish you’d be unknown?
A: Don’t really care to be honest.

Q: Do you ever feel things here aren’t right?
A: Only if they’re wrong.

Q: Do you ever feel the time slip by?
A: Yes.

Q: Do you ever lay awake at night?
A: Well, no, not if I’m asleep.

Q: Do you ever tell yourself don’t try?
A: Yes, when trying is futile.

Q: Do you ever see yourself in love?
A: If you mean do I make a psychological projection of myself in love, sure. Otherwise, no, my experiences are by definition first-person.

Q: Do you ever take a chance, my love?
A: Whoa there.

Q: Do you feel alive?
A: Couldn’t feel it if I wasn’t!

Q: Do you feel like you’ve lost everything you can lose?
A: No.

Q: Do you ever lay awake with a look in the eye?
A: This variation on a previous question is odd.

Q: Do you know I'm feeling the pain of my first love?
A: You are married.

Q: Do you hear me out there?
A: Yes. On record.

Q: Do you see the hills beneath the clouds?
A: No!

[GeeBee]

This album is EPIC. Probably a little to well thought out for all you litttle "punks".

Music has changed, Tom has changed with it. Mark Hoppus has not. He can have Pete Wentz and keep writing meaningless music.

Tom is changing the worlds of many, bring love, instead of emo boring repetitive songs.

Shove is far from the only single, Young London would be HUGE, Clever Love.

Some people on this site need to expand there horizons and join the movement. AVA forever.

well done tom.

Until then check out this girl mentioned in a previous thread. Awesome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdryTvaSghg
Any other thoughts, turbo fanboy?

[brent_ster]

Im really enjoying this album

[thousandssteps]

The album is very recycled and very forgettable.
i agree

[MrBojangles6244]

Nice review.

[Wordslipaway]

Sounds like a B-side album, nothing new.

[himynameis182]

really great review...very solid closing paragraph..i agree 100%

[kozy21]

haha, I listen to a lot of different stuff... not just AVA. I think one can appreciate this band and still have varied taste in music? I don't see how being a fan of AVA means one has a provincial outlook on all of music... care to elaborate?
Obviously there are guilty pleasure's for everyone. Me... I listened to Two Tongues quite a bit last year but it didn't even crack my top 40. I just think if you really get out there and really see what there is out there then you will find this to be quite mediocre and unoriginal musically. Everything is relative so I can't speak for anyone but myself. I'm just saying that when there are bands that exist in this world like Sigur Ros or Arcade Fire or Spoon or Sufjan Stevens or any number of other bands out there that make consistently good music, bands like AVA kind of get trite and redundant. I want more out of my music than the same sounding song 11 times over with fairly generic lyrics that don't feel very personal at all.

[Dean677]

I am a very big Angels and Airwaves fan and personally I really enjoy this album. I understand where people come from when saying that they think its boring or all the songs sound the same.. I dont feel that way but everyone has a different ear for music. I think this is Angels and Airwaves best album by far. I think that there sound has changed a lot, they seem like more of a mix between box car racer and angels and airwaves and I feel like thats the perfect combination. I dont see anything wrong with toms lyrics.. yes they are cheezy at times but there are also many bright spots to his writing. "sometimes it comes with a shove, when you fall in love''. Thats jus one example but I feel like thats a very clever line in a song... coming from someone who writes. With AVA you either like them a lot or you dont really like them at all. The musicanmanship (if thats a word) in the album is very good if you give it a chance, for me I have to be in a certain mood to listen to AVA all im saying is dont just give it one listen.. give it another chance.. when you feel down or need to escape from a situation.

[DCFCutie]

Most of the haters of this album really have no real criticism.

[whereisblanco]

Haha. By "Rush-like" I hope to god you're not referring to the Canadian power trio- Rush?

[Merkin]

Intros and outros are longer because the album is a soundtrack to a movie.
Space references are due to the fact of some dude being left in space in the movie.

Decent review, bashed the lyrics a little too much though.

[BigAl]

I really liked that review, and I agree with most of the points made.

[Merkin]

I am a very big Angels and Airwaves fan and personally I really enjoy this album. I understand where people come from when saying that they think its boring or all the songs sound the same.. I dont feel that way but everyone has a different ear for music. I think this is Angels and Airwaves best album by far. I think that there sound has changed a lot, they seem like more of a mix between box car racer and angels and airwaves and I feel like thats the perfect combination. I dont see anything wrong with toms lyrics.. yes they are cheezy at times but there are also many bright spots to his writing. "sometimes it comes with a shove, when you fall in love''. Thats jus one example but I feel like thats a very clever line in a song... coming from someone who writes. With AVA you either like them a lot or you dont really like them at all. The musicanmanship (if thats a word) in the album is very good if you give it a chance, for me I have to be in a certain mood to listen to AVA all im saying is dont just give it one listen.. give it another chance.. when you feel down or need to escape from a situation.

yes

[iAMhollyood315]

i thought they were supposed to release some free movie and shit on christmas, someone explain what the deal is with that?

[LowFlyingJets]

nice review, liked this album, not as much as the first two (personally, i liked i-empire the most, which probably discredits me to most of you, no worries though)

I think anything he's done with angels and airwaves has been stronger than mark's weak, very non-profound project +44

[iAMhollyood315]

i thought they were supposed to release a movie and shit anyone want to shed light on what the deal is?

[Merkin]

Judging by the Andrew Bird picture in your avatar I'd say you're standards are spot on.

I feel like people should listen to an Avett Brothers album and then listen to this and really tell me these are good lyrics. Every song on this sounds like an over-pretentious album opener. A new song comes one and I'm like, "do we really need another 2 minute long instrumental intro". It's overkill really.

Dude, it's a soundtrack to a movie. The movie revolves around some guy in space. You can't have vocals constantly. Just saying.

[LowFlyingJets]

I am a very big Angels and Airwaves fan and personally I really enjoy this album. I understand where people come from when saying that they think its boring or all the songs sound the same.. I dont feel that way but everyone has a different ear for music. I think this is Angels and Airwaves best album by far. I think that there sound has changed a lot, they seem like more of a mix between box car racer and angels and airwaves and I feel like thats the perfect combination. I dont see anything wrong with toms lyrics.. yes they are cheezy at times but there are also many bright spots to his writing. "sometimes it comes with a shove, when you fall in love''. Thats jus one example but I feel like thats a very clever line in a song... coming from someone who writes. With AVA you either like them a lot or you dont really like them at all. The musicanmanship (if thats a word) in the album is very good if you give it a chance, for me I have to be in a certain mood to listen to AVA all im saying is dont just give it one listen.. give it another chance.. when you feel down or need to escape from a situation.
do you use that kind of grammar when you write? if so, 'im curious why any of your readers (however many of them there are) haven't pointed out the blizzard of errors =p

that said, i liked this album, but the lyrics, at times, are hard to listen to

[jallred11]

great review...this is a very bland record in comparison to its previous releases...but it's better than many others released so far this year

[mattattack]

stopped reading when you said I-Empire was rushed and "lackluster. you should not be doing musical reviews of any kind.

[Broclee]

stopped reading when you said I-Empire was rushed and "lackluster. you should not be doing musical reviews of any kind.
RAWRR RAWRR MY OPINION IS OBJECTIVE FACT!!!!1!11111oneoneone

[whiteknightdtr]

The last paragraph is absurd.

[rawspinner]

My 100th review on AP by the way.

Congrats dude! I enjoyed reading the review and thought it was well written.

Why is Tom always asking me questions?

Q: Do you believe in hallucinations, silly dreams, or imaginations?
A: No, no, and no.

Q: Do you feel light shine in the darkest of nights, or does the pain stack up from the skin to the core?
A: Neither. This is clearly a loaded question.

Q: Do you find every time that you cover your eyes, to keep the tears held up, dripping down even more?
A: Incomplete!

Q: Do you let the words cut down every line that’s inside to put the young flames out that make you cower and cower?
A: No I do not.

Q: Do you ever feel like you're alone?
A: Yes, when no one is around.

Q: Do you ever wish you’d be unknown?
A: Don’t really care to be honest.

Q: Do you ever feel things here aren’t right?
A: Only if they’re wrong.

Q: Do you ever feel the time slip by?
A: Yes.

Q: Do you ever lay awake at night?
A: Well, no, not if I’m asleep.

Q: Do you ever tell yourself don’t try?
A: Yes, when trying is futile.

Q: Do you ever see yourself in love?
A: If you mean do I make a psychological projection of myself in love, sure. Otherwise, no, my experiences are by definition first-person.

Q: Do you ever take a chance, my love?
A: Whoa there.

Q: Do you feel alive?
A: Couldn’t feel it if I wasn’t!

Q: Do you feel like you’ve lost everything you can lose?
A: No.

Q: Do you ever lay awake with a look in the eye?
A: This variation on a previous question is odd.

Q: Do you know I'm feeling the pain of my first love?
A: You are married.

Q: Do you hear me out there?
A: Yes. On record.

Q: Do you see the hills beneath the clouds?
A: No!

Lol

[bobcatbob18]

I absolutely love the album. As a whole, the album flows nicely and a cohesive unit. I cannot wait to see the movie and how this all comes together.

[Bobmoko]

i really enjoy this album its up to par with wdntw. I think people are saying the lyrics sound "cheesy" at times because i think he took a more literal and blunt approach at writing lyrics for this record. he wrote exactly what he was feeling and not trying to hide it with crazy metaphors and huge words.

[Danny PlayWork]

such an overrated U2 wannabe band. cant stand that people actually fawn over this abomination

[nathaniel]

I actually like the new album. It may not be as instantly addictive as We Don't Need To Whisper, but the more I listen to it the more it grows on me. Can't wait to see these guys with Say Anything.

[bobcatbob18]

I hate that cheesy synth strings sound that is everywhere on this album and mixed far too loud.
Really? That is one thing I think is an improvement from previous albums. The keys are more prominent and actually add to the songs instead of merely filling out the background. I really like the keys in "Letters..." and "Flight...".

[Bobmoko]

such an overrated U2 wannabe band. cant stand that people actually fawn over this abomination
coming from someone that has the goo goo dolls as one their favorite bands? :-|

[chcougar1]

Such a shit record. Not one good song. Seriously.
Epic Holiday isn't even catchy enough?

[jpd19125]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5EXj-OigQW0/Ss7LB0xkFBI/AAAAAAAAAr4/51wxU5hh03w/s320/jay_sherman_it_stinks.jpg


theres my review

[slimfenix182]

Good review. The album is decent, but obviously nothing groundbreaking. As much as I love Angels & Airwaves, their music only makes me miss blink and box car tom more and more.

I just wanna hear that guy go balls to the wall and rock out some.

I'm glad he still has Angels & Airwaves so he can get this stuff out of his system and actually write blink-style music for blink.

[slimfenix182]

Why is Tom always asking me questions?

Q: Do you believe in hallucinations, silly dreams, or imaginations?
A: No, no, and no.

Q: Do you feel light shine in the darkest of nights, or does the pain stack up from the skin to the core?
A: Neither. This is clearly a loaded question.

Q: Do you find every time that you cover your eyes, to keep the tears held up, dripping down even more?
A: Incomplete!

Q: Do you let the words cut down every line that’s inside to put the young flames out that make you cower and cower?
A: No I do not.

Q: Do you ever feel like you're alone?
A: Yes, when no one is around.

Q: Do you ever wish you’d be unknown?
A: Don’t really care to be honest.

Q: Do you ever feel things here aren’t right?
A: Only if they’re wrong.

Q: Do you ever feel the time slip by?
A: Yes.

Q: Do you ever lay awake at night?
A: Well, no, not if I’m asleep.

Q: Do you ever tell yourself don’t try?
A: Yes, when trying is futile.

Q: Do you ever see yourself in love?
A: If you mean do I make a psychological projection of myself in love, sure. Otherwise, no, my experiences are by definition first-person.

Q: Do you ever take a chance, my love?
A: Whoa there.

Q: Do you feel alive?
A: Couldn’t feel it if I wasn’t!

Q: Do you feel like you’ve lost everything you can lose?
A: No.

Q: Do you ever lay awake with a look in the eye?
A: This variation on a previous question is odd.

Q: Do you know I'm feeling the pain of my first love?
A: You are married.

Q: Do you hear me out there?
A: Yes. On record.

Q: Do you see the hills beneath the clouds?
A: No!

lmao

[Alex!]

Epic Holiday isn't even catchy enough?
I can't even take that song seriously lol

[introduction]

can't stand this band (mainly because tom sounds so goddamn arrogant), so i don't plan to listen to this.

[Gautz]

Great review! I have a real love/hate relationship with ava, it must be the huge weakness I have for blink...

[Memphis]

definitely not bad, it may be their best record, still 77% are appropriate

[joberooni]

very great review!

[ched zeppelin]

sweet review!

[ILiveInMyCar]

The Juliana Theory's LOVE >>> AVA's LOVE

[Badgers08]

I was pretty nervous after I listened to "Hallucinations" as that song is pretty underwhelming. However, as soon as I listened to the first two songs, my fear subsided. Basically agree almost word for word with the review. Definitely could not have said it better myself, so many props Jeremy.

Stating the obvious here, but I think AVA is one of the most polarizing bands talked about on this site; there really doesn't seem to be any middle ground (though the review of this particular album was pretty middle ground). I personally enjoy the album and the band. What can I say? I'm a sucker for cheesy pop rock. I would much rather listen to this then The Mars Volta. Probably get shit for that, but it's just my taste. Doesn't mean I think AVA is a better band, but I just enjoy them a lot more.

[G182]

really really good music!

[Broclee]

coming from someone that has the goo goo dolls as one their favorite bands? :-|

What the fuck is wrong with Goo Goo Dolls?

[not.sad.anymore]

As reviews go in general, I thought this was very well written. Kudos. It's nice to finally read a review that doesn't completely rip apart Angels and Airwaves and focuses more on the music than the reviewer's feeling about Tom. Love is a good album, definitely better than I- Empire and I will keep listening to it. That said, I was also a bit disappointed with this album. After two Angels and Airwaves albums, I was hoping to hear then expand and evolve their sound- all the songs on Love could have been on We Don't Need to Whisper or I-Empire.

And Atom Willard is definitely a force to be reckoned with- on Love and I would argue on the other two albums. His drumming is always one of the few things that stand out to me when I listen to the albums. Tom is very, very lucky to have him.

[Bobmoko]

What the fuck is wrong with Goo Goo Dolls?
its kind of hard to pinpoint one exact thing wrong about them besides their just a big bag of suck!

[ZeoVGM]

Excellent closing on a great review. I pretty much agree. Maybe it's the Blink fanboy in me, but I always thought this band got too much hate.
The main reason they get the hate they do is simply because of Tom's attitude towards the music he decided to create after being looked at as the reason for blink-182 breaking up.

But really, even though I don't think AVA has put out an amazing album, they've all been solid with some fucking great songs sprinkled around.

[J.Dick]

If I were Atom Willard I would concentrate on Social Distortion (one of the greatest bands ever) and forget about Angels and Airwaves.

[mattattack]

RAWRR RAWRR MY OPINION IS OBJECTIVE FACT!!!!1!11111oneoneone
all im sayin your just some kid that thinks he knows enough about music to do well thought out, intellgent reviews. obviously, that is an absurd thought.

[COLEMAN902]

I'm glad he still has Angels & Airwaves so he can get this stuff out of his system and actually write blink-style music for blink.
this.

[Scrandon]

"Let's start a riot, nobody's right, nobody's wrong..."

Oh jeez...

[Danny PlayWork]

coming from someone that has the goo goo dolls as one their favorite bands? :-|
The Goo Goo Dolls wrote great songs and were not trying to be anyone. They blew up as a pop band and never tried to be anything else after that. This AVA shit is horrendous. Everythings Magic? Are you serious?

[alliens182]

good review! I personally loved whisper, I-empire and LOVE have a few jams but the rest of the songs are just half ass shitty clones of whisper. and as far as lyrics go, whisper was pretty good but they have been getting progressively worse. no bueno.

[NateFoundGlory]

Lotta haters. I think it's good, but then again I've liked past AVA stuff. Those lyrics can be horrendous, though...

[FACRock]

Here's our review for Love - http://www.sasquatchfestival.com/#/lineup

<3FACRock

[ratmachine182]

not a big fan of the album. but hallu-sin-ay-shuns is a decent track

[Broclee]

its kind of hard to pinpoint one exact thing wrong about them besides their just a big bag of suck!

Oh geez. :(

all im sayin your just some kid that thinks he knows enough about music to do well thought out, intellgent reviews. obviously, that is an absurd thought.

So because someone has a different opinion than you, all of their opinions are invalid and they are no longer intelligent? You're a ass.

[Yellowcard2006]

Great last line

Also "We all are love and love is hard."

Ugh. Worst lyric on the album

Overall I really like it, as I liked the last two albums.

[Biscuit23]

I agree with a lot of what you said and agree that Tom takes AVA a bit too serious with how it's going to change the world. Honestly though, they are a great band considering musically they aren't the best and Tom has never been the best song writer or singer, yet they still make good albums. One thing he is good at is making catchy songs and thats why he never disappoints. Atom Willard does a good job with this type of music but I wasn't too impressed. My biggest complaint is the intros and outros which just aren't entertaining enough to listen to more than a few times. The CD is about 53 minutes and I wouldn't be suprised if someone said he only sings about 30 minutes. The outros generally build up over 2 minutes to nothing in particular. Like many other albums, songs often sound the same and you have to play them many times before you start to differentiate them. My other complaint is that the album starts and closes well but in between there is mostly either filler or a song with a bunch of ideas put together, which usually doesn't make for a great song. I think this is a good album but would put it behind both I-Empire and WDNTW. Overall I really like Tom and don't think AVA deserves much of the hate they get but you gave a great fair review, right around where I would put it, although the other albums are in the high 8's for me.

[slimfenix182]

My 100th review on AP by the way.

one of the riffs is the same riff from Secret Crowds, I'm fairly certain. and the space sounds and lyrics have reaaallly been worn out. since blink made up, I WANT to like this...but AVA is music's equivalent of a run-on sentence. like one hour long song.

but very good review. and your last 2 sentences make me think you're the only person on earth who could have a chance of getting through Tom's thick skull lol. good job man.

[yoyostring]

I agree with a lot of what you said and agree that Tom takes AVA a bit too serious with how it's going to change the world. Honestly though, they are a great band considering musically they aren't the best and Tom has never been the best song writer or singer, yet they still make good albums. One thing he is good at is making catchy songs and thats why he never disappoints. Atom Willard does a good job with this type of music but I wasn't too impressed. My biggest complaint is the intros and outros which just aren't entertaining enough to listen to more than a few times. The CD is about 53 minutes and I wouldn't be suprised if someone said he only sings about 30 minutes. The outros generally build up over 2 minutes to nothing in particular. Like many other albums, songs often sound the same and you have to play them many times before you start to differentiate them. My other complaint is that the album starts and closes well but in between there is mostly either filler or a song with a bunch of ideas put together, which usually doesn't make for a great song. I think this is a good album but would put it behind both I-Empire and WDNTW. Overall I really like Tom and don't think AVA deserves much of the hate they get but you gave a great fair review, right around where I would put it, although the other albums are in the high 8's for me.
lower your voice.

[alysssaface]

Can't decide if I want to bother listening to this. I really have little patience for the trying-really-hard-to-be-grandiose thing. But I did download it since it was free, and I do like Tom's voice. Can't he just go back to Box Car Racer?

[dstix]

This album really falls short. Lyrically it is pretty terrible. I feel like WDNTW and I-Empire had way more depth to them. This album is just a recycled use of their past catalogue. Some Origins of Fire could have easily been The Adventure Part 2. Let me just say that I am an AVA fan.. This album just doesn't cut it. I appreciate that AVA have their signtaure sound which is this spacey ambient huge arena sounding rock with delayed guitars over a synth riff with a decent beat. But maybe on the next album AVA should go out of their comfort zone and try to expand their sound and diversify themselves. The one positive about this album is that Atom Willard is great on this album.

[kozy21]

Dude, it's a soundtrack to a movie. The movie revolves around some guy in space. You can't have vocals constantly. Just saying.
I agree that you can't have vocals constantly. My favorite bands in the world are Explosions In The Sky and Sigur Ros. I think vocals are over-rated. What movie do you speak anyways? Isn't it a movie based on the album? Or this an album based on the movie? I'm pretty sure it's the former.

[Dean677]

do you use that kind of grammar when you write? if so, 'im curious why any of your readers (however many of them there are) haven't pointed out the blizzard of errors =p

that said, i liked this album, but the lyrics, at times, are hard to listen to
yeah I know my grammer is pretty bad on the computer and I dont write books i'm in a band.

[ghsNICK!]

I LOVEd this review.
Hit the nail on the head!
I'm enjoying the album a lot but you did make me realize how Shove (my favorite track) sounds like Distraction...a little bit.

But all-in-all great review!

[LowFlyingJets]

yeah I know my grammer is pretty bad on the computer and I dont write books i'm in a band.
most good bands i know are good at grammar.

and the computer is the only place most people write, unless youre writing a business plan on a napkin at dinner with someone in a diner

[Mattylikesfilms]

This album is just as shitty as the rest of their albums (3 semi good songs and the rest filler). 77%? Thats being way too nice.

[runningohfive]

Great review. I thought the album was okay, although I do enjoy "Flight of Apollo" a lot.

Loved the last paragraph by the way.

[Dean677]

most good bands i know are good at grammar.

and the computer is the only place most people write, unless youre writing a business plan on a napkin at dinner with someone in a diner
dude your being a doushebag I just gave my opinion on the album.. and bands sing songs not write books and have them edited you ass.

[LowFlyingJets]

dude your being a doushebag I just gave my opinion on the album.. and bands sing songs not write books and have them edited you ass.
so bands don't write down their lyrics ever?

and spelling error on *douchebag

that's a word you're gonna wanna get right

[xohalezz]

the flight of apollo = awesome tune. probably one of my favorites from the new album.

[TangledUp]

"Do you believe in hallucinations," Delonge sings on "Hallucinations", and from many of his lyrics, it's pretty clear that at least he does.
This made me lol.

This is a great review, though I don't agree with some of it.

[Vaporchoke]

I agree with a lot of what you said and agree that Tom takes AVA a bit too serious with how it's going to change the world. Honestly though, they are a great band considering musically they aren't the best and Tom has never been the best song writer or singer, yet they still make good albums. One thing he is good at is making catchy songs and thats why he never disappoints. Atom Willard does a good job with this type of music but I wasn't too impressed. My biggest complaint is the intros and outros which just aren't entertaining enough to listen to more than a few times. The CD is about 53 minutes and I wouldn't be suprised if someone said he only sings about 30 minutes. The outros generally build up over 2 minutes to nothing in particular. Like many other albums, songs often sound the same and you have to play them many times before you start to differentiate them. My other complaint is that the album starts and closes well but in between there is mostly either filler or a song with a bunch of ideas put together, which usually doesn't make for a great song. I think this is a good album but would put it behind both I-Empire and WDNTW. Overall I really like Tom and don't think AVA deserves much of the hate they get but you gave a great fair review, right around where I would put it, although the other albums are in the high 8's for me.
Ow.

[Dean677]

so bands don't write down their lyrics ever?

and spelling error on *douchebag

that's a word you're gonna wanna get right
w.e bro a band can write down any word wrong in the lyric book and pronounce it right on the album. Idk why im even arguing with you about this

[ghsNICK!]

I'm sick of people complaining "everything sounds the same."
If you don't like it don't listen to it. Bitch about everything why don't you. I mean it was a FREE album and definitely was worth the 10 bucks compared to other shitty albums out there in existence.

Blink sounded the same up until their self titled so basically what I'm getting here is if DeLonge doesn't do Punkish music people here hate him..."But The Flight Of Apollo was SOOO great! ZOMG!"

Yeah the song was great but so are about 6 others so I'm really sick of people bitching about how every song sounds "the same."

Go listen to Brand New or something and stop bitching about the album.

Btw, Good Review.

[LowFlyingJets]

w.e bro a band can write down any word wrong in the lyric book and pronounce it right on the album. Idk why im even arguing with you about this
i dunno i just feel like... if you can't spell... your lyrics probably arent worth listening to. yup

[joeyjoey]

I thought he did a much better job musically (especially with vocal arrangements (ie Flight Of Apollo) and I was also pleased by the fact that there wasn't immense publicity/hype/big talk about this record. I think one of the staff people pointed out that they could of at least requested an e-mail/Modlife subscription for the download, which is completely agree with.

[knowthisx]

I came here to troll. Looks I was beat to it.
:yawn:

[Dean677]

i dunno i just feel like... if you can't spell... your lyrics probably arent worth listening to. yup
Alright you have a right to your opinion. Your grammer isnt that great either big guy.

[DCFCutie]

I loved I-Empire.
Lackluster? It's their best album..

[xshelbix]

great review. closing paragraph is so true.

[ljdegeorge1]

Tom needs to do SOMETHING DIFFERENT. its like i got the same cd for the third time. i keep waiting for him to be imaginative and create a new sound for AvA. but it all sounds the same. utterly disapointed. i Hope the Blink Album rocks.

[albatrossflyer]

Now if only someone would tell Bono the same thing....

except u2 actually created a unique sound and really did change a lot of things about popular rock music. bono is still way too arrogant, even after all u2 has accomplished. tom hasn't accomplished hardly anything (with angels and airwaves, anyway), and he still acts like bono. therein lies the problem...

[ZzyzxScarecrow]

If I were Atom Willard I would concentrate on Social Distortion (one of the greatest bands ever) and forget about Angels and Airwaves.
you win for this post, bro

[Forgotten Fall]

I downloaded the album, and honestly... i didn't like it xD

[lostprophetj]

none of the songs were really catchy or caught my attention except the beginning of "Epic Holiday"

that sounds really sad...

[everybirdsnest2]

Epic holiday is well.....pretty epic. Second best A&A song ever next to The Adventure

[FuzzyPeach99]

AVA leaves a lot to be wanted, i feel like every sonf can be better, which would make the albums so much better.

[Young Machetes]

I didn't want to give this album a spin until I read this review.

[atdisco]

i think the music relates with their film.

[atdisco]

i think the music relates with their film.

[Juan Jose]

i actually like the album.. idk but blink never really grew on me except for 2 or 3 songs. Angels & Airwaves is a way more interesting band its a shame that people have a bias against it b/c of Tom's earlier work

[fobmcrafi6]

downloaded it, hoping to listen to it soon.
i was nt particularly fond of their last album 'i-empire' which is why i did nt have much hype a bout this one.
hallucinations is a pretty rad song tho.
tho a v a got a lotta dis cred, i never saw the leap with any one but me - for Plus 44,,, i still listen to those songs to this day... love it!

[TangledUp]

Tom needs to do SOMETHING DIFFERENT. its like i got the same cd for the third time. i keep waiting for him to be imaginative and create a new sound for AvA. but it all sounds the same. utterly disapointed. i Hope the Blink Album rocks.
As much as I love AVA, yes, it is more of the same. He recycles phrases and sounds from one album to the next- it was made apparent when I listened to Love. It seems his talent can only go so far.

[jagio]

haven't listened to the whole thing yet.. but the flight of apollo is lovely.

[robat19]

Runs together too much for me.

[TangledUp]

You know, actually.. you were generous with your rating. A couple categories should've been ranked a lot lower.

[ljdegeorge1]

As much as I love AVA, yes, it is more of the same. He recycles phrases and sounds from one album to the next- it was made apparent when I listened to Love. It seems his talent can only go so far.
word. he used to be creative tho! look at chesire cat or buddah. its like once he got big, he got lazy =/

[TangledUp]

word. he used to be creative tho! look at chesire cat or buddah. its like once he got big, he got lazy =/
I think Whisper was creative.

[kco24lp]

Well written!

[amyandairwaves]

first off i would like to say that i love blink just as much as the next rebellious kid but i love angels and airwaves! granted this album was not as upbeat. they did lose their catchy guitar beats. But, the lyrics are about the same, complex and not in my opinion unique. its hard to find bands like this these days.

personally i adore the cd.i can always feel a sense of unity and like theres something bigger out there when i listen to them. its a little slow and i must admit that their second cd- i-empire was probably their best work, so far but hey! still good music. it is not boring and just because tom isnt ONLY in blink doesnt mean he's not talented outside of the band.(:

[Samc1803]

I think Tom's self-indulgence is what makes me enjoy this record. I was not in any way an AVA fan before this, or even a Blink fan. But I gave it a listen, and while parts are cheesy and underwhelming, you can't fault the album for its honesty. Tom really does live in his own little universe. Plus, I'm a sucker for smooth production.

[Kyleisraddd]

Compare this with the other AVA staff reviews and tell me how this album is this good... I don't get it... it sounds pretty close to the other two albums, and yet somehow earns much better ratings?

[Hamlet]

Hmm, the arrangements seem sparser than the first two albums, which was one of my favourite things about AvA - the impeccable super thick layered electronic production.

Without all the guitar delay and arpeggio doohickies in the background it's not nearly as fun, and the flaws in Tom's songwriting are more obvious (mainly the repetitiveness of melodic lines)...

I still enjoy his music, and at free, you can't get it much better than that.

[zhieson]

Better than IEmpire but not as good as Whisper. AvA fans will enjoy this but those not already inclined might not be as impressed.

[Spikedeheld]

I thought the album was better than most ppl give credit for.. after all, I do think Tom actually believes what he sings, and tries to convince others.. isn't it?.. so maybe they're ppl who were actually helped by this album in one way or another.. anyway good rvw

[blinkAVApluss44]

pretty much agree with all this

[Alex1410]

I don't enjoy this as much as the other albums but it's alright. I think Angels & Airwaves get an undeserved amount of hate.

[ocRebel]

I love this review because it explains what the hell Tom's doing wrong, all the while respecting him as an artist. I've read many reviews that come across "I don't like Tom, so this albums crap" ignoring the fact that he WAS the pop/punk revolution just over a decade ago. Simply put, it doesn't happen too often where reviewers step back and make an unbiased article about this band. I think you did, and I really don't think you couldn't have said it better.

I like Tom, don't get me wrong, but there are 3 things that I can't stand about all 3 of the A&A albums:
1) Toms lyrics and almost whiney vocals kill any sort of vibe that is created musically. I don't understand how a guy that is trying to be "mature and groundbreaking" can come up with such child like lyrics, and vocals that rip him from his manlihood. You can still be an emotional MALE and not sellout to femininity!
2) The long, drawn out instrumental introductions and song extensions. Yeah, I heard that riff the first 20 times, you don't need to repeat it another dozen times, Tom. If the riff is that good, I'll push repeat and listen again. Instead, I push skip and move ahead.
3) The "look at me! listen to me! tom tom tom me!" vibe I repeatedly get from these songs. It kills any sort of "losing myself" because I'm constantly distracted by tom smoking his own god damn pole.

You're absolutely right, music that changes the world comes in most unexpected ways, and he should have treated this band accordingly. Instead, I think he damaged any sort of popularity this band would ever have by opening his mouth before we even heard a note.

I don't understand this album, and IMO, its my least favorite of the 3.

[atcs2287]

good review... On my first listen, i thought the album was some of they're most impressive work yet. I think i may have been overwhelmed by the fact that the first half is pretty solid. Having listened for almost a month i've found that it lacks the staying power that Whisper had for me. Some of those songs are so atmoshpheric and rad. I think they lost some of their spaceyness.. Adventure, Valkyrie Missile, Good Day, Do it For Me Now, seem to be truley inovative, atmospheric(almost trippy) and different from anything i thought Tom would ever do. This album doesnt have those moments. There are moments at the end of those songs where on nice days, you can truley become empowered and get lost in the melody and instrumentation. I don't think Whisper is flawless by any means, but do think it will always be their best work. It is a step up from Empire however- in my opinion Whisper>LOVE>Empire.

[punkrocksta]

"Now, someone needs to clue Delonge in that the albums that really did change the face of music weren't born out of an intent to do so. These things have to happen on their own, organically. It's unfortunate that his attempts to make these broad, dramatic statements with his music at times seem rather like trying to force a square peg into a round hole. Delonge is obviously a talented pop songwriter, but he'd do well to remember that he made his most enduring impressions when he exercised a little humor and appealed to our basest instincts and emotions. So lighten up, Tom, and stop trying to change the world. You've already done that in the hearts of many, when you weren't even trying."


Win. Exactly my thoughts...

[Jarred_LW]

I disagree with with the review and especially the last paragraph. To me it seems like everybody takes Tom's words more seriously than he actually does, and are stuck in the days of Blink 182. I mean honestly, why would you take Tom seriously unless they were upset with him? its Tom Delonge for Christ sakes, why would you abruptly start to take a person like that serious?
It's the fact that everybody held so much remorse over him for leaving Blink, and it's that reason why there was so much room to rag on his new goals and music. I'v been a blink fan since before Angels & Airwaves, and been a fan of Angels & Airwaves since before Whisper was even released, and right now the only difference I've noticed in Tom is that he creates music with a unique sound and with an ambition.

Angels & Airwaves has created a new sound so each song is going to sound reminiscent of each other. Although Blink's music sounded pretty much same as well and each song was reminiscent. It wasn't until their 2003 release when they changed it up.

It's hard to argue anything else because everybody is entitled to their own opinion. With that said, I personally enjoy all of the lyrics. But right now it feels like everybody's opinion is the result of the growing fad that is Angles & Airwaves bashing. A lot of these opinions are not genuine, they are biased. To me that's all this review symbolizes: another cheap excuse for old blink fans to poke holes in the boat of Angels & Airwaves.
(who tries to bash the title of a track? Seriously.)

[Broclee]

I disagree with with the review and especially the last paragraph. To me it seems like everybody takes Tom's words more seriously than he actually does, and are stuck in the days of Blink 182. I mean honestly, why would you take Tom seriously unless they were upset with him? its Tom Delonge for Christ sakes, why would you abruptly start to take a person like that serious?
It's the fact that everybody held so much remorse over him for leaving Blink, and it's that reason why there was so much room to rag on his new goals and music. I'v been a blink fan since before Angels & Airwaves, and been a fan of Angels & Airwaves since before Whisper was even released, and right now the only difference I've noticed in Tom is that he creates music with a unique sound and with an ambition.

Angels & Airwaves has created a new sound so each song is going to sound reminiscent of each other. Although Blink's music sounded pretty much same as well and each song was reminiscent. It wasn't until their 2003 release when they changed it up.

It's hard to argue anything else because everybody is entitled to their own opinion. With that said, I personally enjoy all of the lyrics. But right now it feels like everybody's opinion is the result of the growing fad that is Angles & Airwaves bashing. A lot of these opinions are not genuine, they are biased. To me that's all this review symbolizes: another cheap excuse for old blink fans to poke holes in the boat of Angels & Airwaves.
(who tries to bash the title of a track? Seriously.)
Um...this got a good score and good review.

[lookintotheair]

biased. shut the fuck up. tom delonge is amazing

[danman]

The first six songs are really not that bad, but it completely falls apart after that imo. I think the rating i a bit too high

[Alec14]

Its a great review. But u still compared the old tom to the new tom which not really needed. I see tom now as a new artist, with ava. and when i listen to blink, i see another tom. I dont compare them on their song writing, singing, and music constructing. I let the music do the talking which really worked for me.

[Alec14]

Um...this got a good score and good review.
damn right.

[ToxicBadger]

Love the last paragraph. It's quite hard to dislike the album when it's free, although personally I think it's alright anyway.

[roberthuston]

Great review, better written than others I've read.

"Besides not really doing anything to expand upon their already established sound, the songs on Love are also handicapped by a failure lyrics-wise to meet Delonge's lofty ambitions. On "Flight of Apollo", he sings, "Please don't look at me so sadly, life shouldn't hurt so badly," and while its decidedly hopeful and uplifting, it's hardly profound or groundbreaking. It's also a bit ironic that seemingly in an effort to display a sense of maturity, Delonge often comes off sounding like a wide-eyed kid in naive wonderment at the world around him."

100% agree. I am surprised you rated it so high though.

[roberthuston]

" A lot of these opinions are not genuine, they are biased. "

I'm sorry, this is so funny? Opinions are opinions and nothing more. Therefore genuine. Hahaha, we are all biased on some level. How could an opinion not be genuine? Man, the immaturity of this site cracks me up. One could attack the intelligence behind one's opinion, or reasoning, but not whether its genuine or not. Haa. Man, awesome guys.

[raketen2113]

I have yet to listen to the album, but have to compliment on this review. I thought I-Empire was solid but can still recognize most of what you're saying here. Score does seem slightly high in contrast to the review though.

[FallOutWeeze]

I disagree with with the review and especially the last paragraph. To me it seems like everybody takes Tom's words more seriously than he actually does, and are stuck in the days of Blink 182. I mean honestly, why would you take Tom seriously unless they were upset with him? its Tom Delonge for Christ sakes, why would you abruptly start to take a person like that serious?
It's the fact that everybody held so much remorse over him for leaving Blink, and it's that reason why there was so much room to rag on his new goals and music. I'v been a blink fan since before Angels & Airwaves, and been a fan of Angels & Airwaves since before Whisper was even released, and right now the only difference I've noticed in Tom is that he creates music with a unique sound and with an ambition.

Angels & Airwaves has created a new sound so each song is going to sound reminiscent of each other. Although Blink's music sounded pretty much same as well and each song was reminiscent. It wasn't until their 2003 release when they changed it up.

It's hard to argue anything else because everybody is entitled to their own opinion. With that said, I personally enjoy all of the lyrics. But right now it feels like everybody's opinion is the result of the growing fad that is Angles & Airwaves bashing. A lot of these opinions are not genuine, they are biased. To me that's all this review symbolizes: another cheap excuse for old blink fans to poke holes in the boat of Angels & Airwaves.
(who tries to bash the title of a track? Seriously.)
This This This

[newdesign]

"The moon you felt, it has no side that's dark like hell or safe from light, just blow apart by wind from stars with white dust tides," and even on the more intimate "Clever Love", he can't resist allusions to the celestial, offering "I know you well, all your life I've watched you breathe, I've watched you lie, across the sea through space and time."


Honestly, I know nobody will respond to this, but I just wanted to say this is the best review of any album I've ever read on this website, and I mean that, whole-heartedly. However, I think these quoted lyrics are actually very impressive. Tom is really hit or miss on this album. But honestly, he changed rock when he sang "I'm kicking out fiercely at the world around me, what went wrong?"

The over-ego is just too much, but the music is so fabulous, I fucking love it. Pretentious in a good way in terms of sound. Most of the lyrics are very forgettable. But hell, even Weezy thinks the best thing in the world and has changed hip hop with his provoking lyrics "hey there mofucka hey hi how ya durn." Profundity at its finest.

Tom's over-ambition is what is actually preventing this band from being the next thing.

[punkroc7894]

this album is great

[dru]

decent album, its really listenable. enjoyed the review too, spot-on.

[HardcoreCracker]

Great Review, Good Album, Good Rating

[Dr.Bob]

Dang, everyone's hating on this album. I don't mean to break the hate train, but I've gotta say I really like this album. I think people are looking at it too... in depth I guess, trying to find every wrong thing possible. Tom Delonge's vocals are very powerful, and not really "enhanced", but processed differently to match the song. When he's not drunk, he actually sings very well, lol. But seriously, listening to this album, or even AVA in general takes me to a different place. It makes me feel like I'm in space or something, like I should be listening while I'm outside at night, looking up at the stars. The message is also very nice. Although Tom cannot change the world by himself with his message for love, it can still inspire others. Also, I've seen recent interviews where Delonge admitted to his cockiness in 2004, so there's no real reason to highlight that burden on a review for such a recent album, but a 77 is ok I guess. Angels & Airwaves is a very original and musically talented band, which is why I think they deserve at least an 85.

[Alligator Blood]

This is actually one of my favourite albums. The Flight of Apollo, Epic Holiday, Hallucinations, Soul Survivor and Letters To God Pt. 2 are all brilliant. Personally, i would have given it a much more favourable review, but I can see why people wouldn't enjoy it as much as I do. I can't wait for LOVE II in November, or the new single next month. New Blink and new Angels & Airwaves in the same year? Life is good.

[TangledUp]

This is actually one of my favourite albums. The Flight of Apollo, Epic Holiday, Hallucinations, Soul Survivor and Letters To God Pt. 2 are all brilliant. Personally, i would have given it a much more favourable review, but I can see why people wouldn't enjoy it as much as I do. I can't wait for LOVE II in November, or the new single next month. New Blink and new Angels & Airwaves in the same year? Life is good.
Couldn't agree with you more.

[Alligator Blood]

Couldn't agree with you more.
And I couldn't be more jealous of your avatar!

[TangledUp]

And I couldn't be more jealous of your avatar!
I am sorry I don't mean to gloat. :blush: It was just the best moment of my life.

[robmcolonna]

great cd

[nathaniel]

To me, this album was absolutely amazing. When you take all the drama out of the picture, Love is a mesmerizing and cerebral experience. I personally hope Delonge continues with AvA along with blink.

[micheluuh]

So of course, there's always going to be the people who dislike a bands music. Not even just Angels, just in general. So this review is, I guess, necessary for that point of view. But where I have to correct you is when you tell Tom to stop trying changing the world. You're an absolute fool for saying that, just because this album hasn't changed YOUR world doesn't mean it isn't changing others. I've seen what this album has done for people, much beyond your knowledge. So before you go criticizing you should really watch where you go with it.