Brand New - Deja Entendu

[hockeyguitar99]

Brand New - Deja Entendu
Record Label: Triple Crown Records
Release Date: June 17, 2003

Normally I would start a review with something that would define the rest of the review. I might start with something that is funny or inspiring. Maybe I would start with something that would make you buy or not buy this album. I feel that starting this review with anything like that would be wrong and unfair to Brand New. This album shows me everything that is right about the industry.

Deja Entendu is French for "already heard." I find that entertaining, because whenever I listen to Deja Entendu, I think of how I've never heard anything like it before and probably never will again; it amazes me that an album of such diversity can flow so well together.

If you are thinking about picking this album up the answer is simple: buy it. The song "Sic Transit Glora... Glory Fades" starts out with one of the best bass lines I've heard in the past ten years. The song starts out with vocalist Jesse Lacey singing in a hushed tone, even a whisper. Right before the chorus, he can be heard singing "Up the stairs / The station where / The act becomes the art of growing up." Then, with one powerful chord, Lacey's hushed tones turn into loud and impassioned singing as he then screams "Die young and save yourself!" After the chorus, with a snap of the fingers, Brand New fall back into their whisper that engulfs the verse.

The next song, "I Will Play My Game Beneath the Spin Light," goes in an entirely different direction. With mostly an acoustic guitar, the song is still quick and catchy. Lacey's voice really shines on this track, as does his lyrical versatility. He reflects on the music scene and himself with lines like "I am paid to make girls panic while I sing." The track "Okay I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don't" starts out similar to "I Will Play My Game Beneath the Spin Light," except with an electric guitar in place of the acoustic. When it hits the chorus, the sound is cranked up, and it becomes a big rock song. "The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows" starts out with a single guitar line then is played over heavy chords that lead into the verse. The vocals on the chorus trade off between Lacey and himself; each line ends with a certain bite that seems small but adds so much to the song. "Me vs. Maradona vs. Elvis" starts out with a hopeful and quiet guitar, and Lacey's voice fits so well on this song; it sounds somewhat happy yet has a sad tone he carries throughout.

"Guernica" starts out with an epic drum-and-guitar intro that flows into the line "Ever since I was young / Your word is the word that always won." Lacey's voice sounds anxious through the verse; when it hits, Brand New bring their signature sound into a powerful chorus. The second chorus finishes with a passionate scream that has been virtually unheard since the opening track.

With Deja Entendu, Brand New made something special; they made an album that cannot be put down. An album like this is hard to find, and they only come around every so often (if we're lucky). When an album like this is released, it would be an injustice not to listen to it over and over.

Brand New, music, life in general
myspace.com/brandnew (http://www.myspace.com/brandnew)

[Curtis&BemisRok]

Good review. The song SIc Transit Gloria is about the movie rushmore. The only thing I would say is you put a lot of bias in teh review and rating. Good work tho. I enjoy the album also.

[Circoheeve]

I agree with most of the review, except the rating. I say 100. well, so is d&g. Brand new is so amazing.

[Daniel Thompson]

hahaha, recommended if you like life in general.

[You Won't Know]

Good review. BUT you could've touched on some other aspects of lyrical content that are really important to the album.
I.e. Me Vs. Maradona - a lurid commentary on one night stands. Maybe a completely honest commentary.
Guernica - a family member's battle with cancer. "My lungs are fresh and yours to keep. Kept clean, and they will let you breathe."
Play Crack The Sky - an "on-the-ship in a storm" metaphor about love and relationships.

There's so much more to it, but just off the top of my head, these things should've been mentioned.

Brand New is such a great band. The next album is going to surprise us all. I can't wait.

[MADSTA]

99%?
Really?

[Klatzke]

Good review. The song SIc Transit Gloria is about the movie rushmore. The only thing I would say is you put a lot of bias in teh review and rating. Good work tho. I enjoy the album also.
I always had the understanding this was about the stresses of teen relationships/sex.

[CellarGhosts]

good review but this album does not desrve a 99%.

[dumhed01]

It deserves a 100%...
Just my opinion.

[hockeyguitar99]

It deserves a 100%...
Just my opinion.


it seems like people either think i was way too high or should've given it a hundred

i seriously considered giving it a hundred but i think that there is never an album thats perfect
there are always things that can be improved on

[Klatzke]

it seems like people either think i was way too high or should've given it a hundred

i seriously considered giving it a hundred but i think that there is never an album thats perfect
there are always things that can be improved on
I'm not sure either way.. Its an amazing record, but in my personal opinion Devil and God surpassed it.

That's just my opinion, but i believe this record is low-mid 90's, which is a stretch for me.

[NonOperational]

its nice to see you youngn's getting into good music.

[Poochemist]

"The song "Sic Transit Glora... Glory Fades" starts out with one of the best bass lines I've heard in the past ten years."

No offense intended, but this line, combined with the author's age, make me chuckle.

[lightcollapse]

good review, the score is too low. if you like it that much why would you give anything less than straight 10s?

[CellarGhosts]

...it's still overrated. :shrug:

[Gumbyjag]

Gotta be honest, this review was not thorough. If I had never heard the album before, reading this would not inspire me to pick it up. I also agree with CharlieKilo, it does not deserve a 99% and is overrated.

[hockeyguitar99]

"The song "Sic Transit Glora... Glory Fades" starts out with one of the best bass lines I've heard in the past ten years."

No offense intended, but this line, combined with the author's age, make me chuckle.

haha i phrased that incorrectly, i meant from the last 10 years because i don't just listen to music from the 2000's

[Poochemist]

haha i phrased that incorrectly, i meant from the last 10 years because i don't just listen to music from the 2000's

Heh, I figured that's what you meant. Thanks for the review.

[samXcor3]

I always had the understanding this was about the stresses of teen relationships/sex.
samesies. Anyway I basically agree with the review, but I don't really think it's a 99, probably like a 94 for me, but hey whatever you know. And totally agree on the fact that the sound is very diverse, but still flows so well. X amount of years after it came out I still come back to it and spin songs that I didn't dig so much the first time around. Gotta love it.

[AssassinActress]

You did a nice job with it. I think you overexagerated a little at times, but this is a killer album and I think that justifies a few hyperboles.

I'm a little dissapointed that you didn't mention "The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot", though.

Overall, nice job!

[hockeyguitar99]

You did a nice job with it. I think you overexagerated a little at times, but this is a killer album and I think that justifies a few hyperboles.

I'm a little dissapointed that you didn't mention "The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot", though.

Overall, nice job!

when i first wrote the review i did but when i proof read it I got bored reading it. I had to cut a few tracks and I couldn't choose which ones so i put the tracks on a sheet of paper and randomly chose three to take off and unfortunately did the boy who blocked is own shot got picked

lol

[BalancingacT]

This review gives no justice to the lyrics Lacey penned for this. Other than that, it's good.

[tcande]

i agree completely with the underrated review but this album is one of the best albums ever made...untill devil and god
no one can touch brand new they are incredible keep it up boys

[im_john_galt]

ha. this is awesome, not the album- the devil and god are raging inside me is better in my opinion, although i may have said differently at age 14- but instead the fact that this album came out when you were in 3rd grade. give me a break. and what raffi basslines were you listening to ten years ago?

[LastDeclaration]

It's a fantastic album, but doesn't deserve 99%. The ratings were biased.

[cereal4life]

It cheeses me off when I see albums given 99%. And giving everything straight 10s would be plain retarded; no album is perfect. I don't care how much you like it or think it's awesome!

[Sic Transit Zeb]

Yes fucking 99%. Best album out there to date. Without this album, I would not listen to good music.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

...it's still overrated. :shrug:

You're overrated! ;-)

[Sic Transit Zeb]

"The song "Sic Transit Glora... Glory Fades" starts out with one of the best bass lines I've heard in the past ten years."

No offense intended, but this line, combined with the author's age, make me chuckle.

I laughed too

[Kid B]

Song by song reviews are dreadful.

It's not French for already heard. It's Latin.

[dumhed01]

it seems like people either think i was way too high or should've given it a hundred

i seriously considered giving it a hundred but i think that there is never an album thats perfect
there are always things that can be improved on

I agree with you to some degree...
But i loved this album so much for so long..
I think it should get the rating just on pure nostalgia..

Once again.. my opinion. ha.

[hockeyguitar99]

Song by song reviews are dreadful.

It's not French for already heard. It's Latin.

really i checked in like three places and they all said french...

thanks for the info

[jetblack1231]

It cheeses me off when I see albums given 99%. And giving everything straight 10s would be plain retarded; no album is perfect. I don't care how much you like it or think it's awesome!
This is true. How can you call an album a 99% when there have been Beatles and Zepplin albums that have received worse ratings? Brand new is great, dont get me wrong, but 99 is just ridiculous considering how much music is out there. I really think you should write less and listen to more music (especially from the past) before you start giving out 99%s. Musical tastes mature with age, dude (as do mine).

[CellarGhosts]

You're overrated! ;-)
Haha. I might put this in my signature.

[Kid B]

really i checked in like three places and they all said french...

thanks for the info
Okay.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

Okay.

Yeah, dude I'm pretty sure it's French. Sic Transit Gloria is Latin.

[butterslovers]

now this is just clear abuse of the ratings system

[Kid B]

Yeah, dude I'm pretty sure it's French. Sic Transit Gloria is Latin.
Ahh. I got 'em confused.

[Broken Parachute]

Uhhh...this album is horrible.

[speakhandsforme]

This is just one of those albums that I could never really get into. I think it is boring, some of which is due to slight overproduction, though it is sound in musicianship and lyrical merit. I think it pales heavily to TDAGARIM

[princesschad]

This is true. How can you call an album a 99% when there have been Beatles and Zepplin albums that have received worse ratings? Brand new is great, dont get me wrong, but 99 is just ridiculous considering how much music is out there. I really think you should write less and listen to more music (especially from the past) before you start giving out 99%s. Musical tastes mature with age, dude (as do mine).

And obviously the reviewer's music taste merits giving Brand New a 99%. The reviewer could have heard Zeppelin and Beatles and not liked them, it's possible not to like bands even if they may be some of the greatest in history.

[Tyler Revolution]

Lol @ 99%. Complete fanboy review.

[jetblack1231]

And obviously the reviewer's music taste merits giving Brand New a 99%. The reviewer could have heard Zeppelin and Beatles and not liked them, it's possible not to like bands even if they may be some of the greatest in history.

I'm not saying he should change his opinion, i'm saying he should change the scale of his scoring. 99% should only be reserved for perfect albums (this is NOT a perfect album). I tend to follow the theory that there is no and never will be a absolutely "perfect" album, therefore meaning a 99% is wayyyy over marked.

[princesschad]

I'm not saying he should change his opinion, i'm saying he should change the scale of his scoring. 99% should only be reserved for perfect albums (this is NOT a perfect album). I tend to follow the theory that there is no and never will be a absolutely "perfect" album, therefore meaning a 99% is wayyyy over marked.

Alright I get 'ya, I agree.

[iseethesun123]

I totally agree with this review. Lacey is a genius. But the thing I found funny in this review is when Sic starts out with the best bass line you've heard in ten years. Now being fourteen as your profile state you were paying attention to bass lines at the age of four? Hahaha just thought I'd mention that.

[hockeyguitar99]

I totally agree with this review. Lacey is a genius. But the thing I found funny in this review is when Sic starts out with the best bass line you've heard in ten years. Now being fourteen as your profile state you were paying attention to bass lines at the age of four? Hahaha just thought I'd mention that.

people said that, what i meant was from the last ten years.

[Kid B]

Not to sound mean, but: Since Deja is one of the last albums on your favorite albums list (which lists somewhere close to 15 I think), does that mean that you think the rest of the albums above it are 99% - 100%? Because I have only heard one or two albums in my whole life that I can consider even close to perfect. 98%, maybe. And those two albums have changed my life and the person that I am/aspire to be. I do not understand how Pretty. Odd. or IDOTG could do that to a person, other than the person writing it.

[hockeyguitar99]

Not to sound mean, but: Since Deja is one of the last albums on your favorite albums list (which lists somewhere close to 15 I think), does that mean that you think the rest of the albums above it are 99% - 100%? Because I have only heard one or two albums in my whole life that I can consider even close to perfect. 98%, maybe. And those two albums have changed my life and the person that I am/aspire to be. I do not understand how Pretty. Odd. or IDOTG could do that to a person, other than the person writing it.

I see what your saying but no, I would probably not give any of those albums above a 94 at best. it's last because thats how i listed it, they aren't in any order at all.

[chaosB4storm]

Vocals: 9.5
Musicianship: 8
Lyrics: 10
Production: 9
Creativity: 8.5
Lasting Value: 10
Reviewer Tilt: 10

Final Verdict: 93%

[jetblack1231]

Vocals: 9.5
Musicianship: 8
Lyrics: 10
Production: 9
Creativity: 8.5
Lasting Value: 10
Reviewer Tilt: 10

Final Verdict: 93%

Now that's a good review scale. I'd say 89 or 90 because The Devil and God are Raging inside me is a better album and more powerful lyrically.

[Praetor]

lol, a ten for creativity.

And the Sic Transit intro is one of the best basslines you've ever heard? There's like three notes. I love this album to death, but c'mon.

[lightcollapse]

10
10
10
10
10
10
10

10/10. best album ever made.

[tpnations]

My friend in college said she toured with the band before this album came out. Long story short, one night she told me the story of how "Sic Transit..." is about her. I didn't believe her until she had me pull up their video for "Jude Law..." and sure enough she was in it. Interesting story, I guess.

Anyways...great album.

[RetardedInLove]

Honestly I would give this album like a 95% and give the Devil and God 99%. These guys are so amazing. Who knows what they will come up with for their new album, but I am excited as hell.

[teenagetwilight]

Since this album and Clarity are seen as the crown of music around here, I suppose the later would also get a 99% if reviewed.

SOMEBODY PLEASE WRITE A REVIEW ABOUT FUCKING CLARITY.





And this is overrated.

[albatrossflyer]

I loved the song "Jude Law..." for a long time but never really got into Brand New until a friend told me I had to pick up Deja. Don't get me wrong, I love this album to death, but it doesn't nearly deserve a 99%. I would probably give it upper 80's, which, considering Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" got a 92%, is pretty high.

I'm glad you mentioned "Play Crack the Sky" and "Guernica". Those are my two favorite off the record, easy.

[larsthedrummer]

This isn't so much a review as it is a summary of the tracks and what they sound like.

The amateur writing wouldn't be so glaring if you'd given it a legitimate score instead of 99%ing it like a fanboy.

If you are saying that it's a near perfect album I want to hear some language backing that up, not just short descriptions of the songs.

[hockeyguitar99]

This isn't so much a review as it is a summary of the tracks and what they sound like.

The amateur writing wouldn't be so glaring if you'd given it a legitimate score instead of 99%ing it like a fanboy.

If you are saying that it's a near perfect album I want to hear some language backing that up, not just short descriptions of the songs.

A description of the songs is a review.

[Kid B]

A description of the songs is a review.
Technically you're right, but song by song reviews such as this one tend to be very bland and obvious. Some creativity would help. You might want to put more thought into reviewing an album that thousands of people consider the best ever released, on one of the biggest forums on the internet.

[hockeyguitar99]

Technically you're right, but song by song reviews such as this one tend to be very bland and obvious. Some creativity would help. You might want to put more thought into reviewing an album that thousands of people consider the best ever released, on one of the biggest forums on the internet.

Thats a very fair opinion and I have heard that before, if you look at my newer reviews, I have definitely changed my style to a much different style, and I'm still working on it.

[speakhandsforme]

Ridiculous rating. The vocals and musicianship are, by no stretch, anywhere in that vicinity. If you're going to assume the role of reviewing a cornerstone album of the hosting website, you might as well offer forth some kind of philosophical dissection or imploration into at least a single reason why this music reaches beyond its musical function. Just regurgitating a shallow play-by-play does not, in any way, validate a 99%.

With that said, Deja bores the hell out of me. It's successor was much better in every way.

[hockeyguitar99]

Ridiculous rating. The vocals and musicianship are, by no stretch, anywhere in that vicinity. If you're going to assume the role of reviewing a cornerstone album of the hosting website, you might as well offer forth some kind of philosophical dissection or imploration into at least a single reason why this music reaches beyond its musical function. Just regurgitating a shallow play-by-play does not, in any way, validate a 99%.

With that said, Deja bores the hell out of me. It's successor was much better in every way.

So you're saying that if i do a track review, then I can't rate an album past a certain point?

[genericmadness]

Ridiculous rating. The vocals and musicianship are, by no stretch, anywhere in that vicinity. If you're going to assume the role of reviewing a cornerstone album of the hosting website, you might as well offer forth some kind of philosophical dissection or imploration into at least a single reason why this music reaches beyond its musical function. Just regurgitating a shallow play-by-play does not, in any way, validate a 99%.

With that said, Deja bores the hell out of me. It's successor was much better in every way.

*exploration
*Its

[Theher3tic]

I dont think the musicianship itself is remarkable in any aspect but I enjoy the lyrics and how they mesh with the music.

[element11790]

i cannot understand how people like this band, i just can't

[provethatIexist]

Ridiculous rating. The vocals and musicianship are, by no stretch, anywhere in that vicinity. If you're going to assume the role of reviewing a cornerstone album of the hosting website, you might as well offer forth some kind of philosophical dissection or imploration into at least a single reason why this music reaches beyond its musical function. Just regurgitating a shallow play-by-play does not, in any way, validate a 99%.

With that said, Deja bores the hell out of me. It's successor was much better in every way.
pretty much all of this kid's "reviews" are like this...

bahaha, some of the comments in here just make me feel accomplished.

what a joke.

[hockeyguitar99]

pretty much all of this kid's "reviews" are like this...

bahaha, some of the comments in here just make me feel accomplished.

what a joke.
hahahahahahhahhahahahahhahahahahaha hahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahaah ahahahahahahahahahahahhahahaahahaha hahahahaahahahaahahahahahahahaahaha ha

Continue to insult my writing, please, it's really entertaining.

EDIT: Glad to see you stuck to "the high road".

[Kid B]

It's not really funny, let alone "hahahahahahhahhahahahahhahahahahaha hahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahaah ahahahahahahahahahahahhahahaahahaha hahahahaahahahaahahahahahahahaahaha ha" worth. It is obvious that what Speakhandsforme said was true. He provided a bunch of good points. He was saying that if the album was 99%, there should be more to say about it than a simple track by track review. Albums that high in quality obviously should have something special about them. Sure, it's music, but they shouldn't be able to coast on that alone. The album should have a unique spark, which you failed to mention. Not trying to trash talk, reviewing is hard. (especially reviewing such a highly regarded album)

[provethatIexist]

hahahahahahhahhahahahahhahahahahaha hahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahaah ahahahahahahahahahahahhahahaahahaha hahahahaahahahaahahahahahahahaahaha ha

Continue to insult my writing, please, it's really entertaining.

EDIT: Glad to see you stuck to "the high road".

bahaha, i bet your face is red. i'm obviously not the only one who thinks you're no good at it, so i think this is your cue to shut up. if i was as ridiculous as you, i'd claim "my victory" right now... hahaha.

the fact of the matter is that if you didn't reveal to me your unnecessarily large ego (and blatant ignorance), i'd probably just ignore your pathetic attempts at writing. but since you're a huge douchebag, me finding these comments just makes the whole situation even more entertaining.


:crackup:

[Kid B]

Why does everybody here think that everything here is hilarious? This isn't really funny at all. It's not entertaining at all.

[hockeyguitar99]

It's not really funny, let alone "hahahahahahhahhahahahahhahahahahaha hahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahaah ahahahahahahahahahahahhahahaahahaha hahahahaahahahaahahahahahahahaahaha ha" worth. It is obvious that what Speakhandsforme said was true. He provided a bunch of good points. He was saying that if the album was 99%, there should be more to say about it than a simple track by track review. Albums that high in quality obviously should have something special about them. Sure, it's music, but they shouldn't be able to coast on that alone. The album should have a unique spark, which you failed to mention. Not trying to trash talk, reviewing is hard. (especially reviewing such a highly regarded album)
I understand what you're saying, when I wrote this review, I had just started writing, at this point, it's much progressed and matured from a simple track by track review. I've been thinking about rewriting this, but I haven't had time. I laughed because this guy has been attacking my writing for a while, talking about how easy it is to do, but has never provided me with a review that he has written. Plus, all of his insults work to describe him also, which is entertaining to me.

[provethatIexist]

haha, go cry about it. stick to writing in your blog about how girls don't like you, please.

and yes, this situation is entirely funny. you have no idea, hahaha.

[nicweaver]

I absolutly LOVE Brand New. My favorite band ever. They are so diverse, not one song from any of thier albums sound the same. i love them.

[syntax omitted]

this album changed my life. it is truly beautiful in every single way.

however, does not deserve this high of a rating. nothing is perfect, i would say this is a 96%

[fedddiee]

Probably the most justifiable 99% rating given

[chelseaxsmilexD]

you gave this album too low a score.

[chelseaxsmilexD]

I loved the song "Jude Law..." for a long time but never really got into Brand New until a friend told me I had to pick up Deja. Don't get me wrong, I love this album to death, but it doesn't nearly deserve a 99%. I would probably give it upper 80's, which, considering Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" got a 92%, is pretty high.

I'm glad you mentioned "Play Crack the Sky" and "Guernica". Those are my two favorite off the record, easy.
no, that's a moot point, if colplay got 92% then they need 198%

[chelseaxsmilexD]

The Quiet Things No One Ever Knows was just on.... blew out a tv speaker.

[Rather Red]

Deserves the 99%. Review wasn't the most descriptive or creative, but you gave the album the praise it deserves.

[TigerWoodsIV]

it's all opinion, don't say it's overrated because that's your opinion. for example, my opinion is that this is my favorite album. brand new's my favorite band and i thought this was their best work, and d&g was an extremely close second. daisy's got some good songs, but i could listen to this whole album on repeat for days

[TigerWoodsIV]

no, that's a moot point, if colplay got 92% then they need 198%
yeah basically, blows coldplays album away

[Hidden In NJ]

Definitely a great album. But a 99. I don't think there will ever a perfect record. But it's your opinion and I respect it.
But, c'mon this Absolute Punk Reviews not Itunes reviews!!!!

[treejay9]

Good review. BUT you could've touched on some other aspects of lyrical content that are really important to the album.
I.e. Me Vs. Maradona - a lurid commentary on one night stands. Maybe a completely honest commentary.

I think it's actually about how easy it is to get addicted to drugs living in a lifesytle of fame. With this album they were reaching levels of popularity they hadn't had and it seems they use how easy is to get with a drunk girl as a metaphor for how easy it is a rock star to get hooked on hard core shit. Otherwise, what sense at all does the title make (since Diego Maradona - Argentina soccer star then coach - and Elvis were famous druggies)?

[o3dw4rdo]

this album is not over rated at all. like the review said this is an album that is nothing like we've ever heard, and probably never will again. one of my favorite albums ever

[DPDurden]

you are the blood in my veins

[You Won't Know]

I think it's actually about how easy it is to get addicted to drugs living in a lifesytle of fame. With this album they were reaching levels of popularity they hadn't had and it seems they use how easy is to get with a drunk girl as a metaphor for how easy it is a rock star to get hooked on hard core shit. Otherwise, what sense at all does the title make (since Diego Maradona - Argentina soccer star then coach - and Elvis were famous druggies)?

Two things: they really were NOT very popular when they wrote this album... I sincerely doubt that was the frame of mind Jesse was writing from.

Maybe the song title is the reference to being treated like a king or a superstar, I get that.

I still believe it was a pretty simple and great commentary about the emptiness of relationships and one night stands. It's written about in more than just this song too...

Not saying take it at face value of "Jesse wants to bang drunk girls" but rather this is clearly a social commentary.

[Chris Bayliss]

Best album, even now!

[Lucus]

My all time favorite album.

[Earlstein]

So Good So Good So Good

[finchty]

3rd favorite album by BN

[and1234z]

This is a fucking brilliant album.