Hey Monday - Hold on Tight

[Joe DeAndrea]

Hey Monday – Hold on Tight
Record Label: Decaydance / Columbia Records
Release Date: October 7th, 2008

As far as "front females" go, I'd have to say that Hayley Williams of Paramore would be up there with my favorites. She has a great voice regardless of what people may think about her in general. What I don't like about Williams however, is nothing that has to do with her personally, but the endless amount of comparisons to her whenever someone listens to a female fronted band. "OMG Paramore 2.0" and "Paramore rip-off1!!1" are amongst the comments I've witnessed regarding a pop band with a female vocalist. Part of me even thinks there could be a death metal band but as long as there was a girl singer, Paramore comparisons would be made.

When Hey Monday signed to Decaydance Records and the public saw that a girl was on vocals, hate came from every corner of the Internet. The fact that they were signed to Paramore's label's vanity probably didn't help much either. However, the comparisons have gotten older than the jar of peanut butter sitting in my cabinet. In actuality, Hey Monday sound nothing like Paramore. If anything, Hey Monday is much more pop and way more mainstream. To put it bluntly, Decaydance and Columbia have found the new Avril Lavigne in vocalist Cassadee Pope and the band's debut album, Hold on Tight, proves it.

Opener "Set Off" sets off the tone for the album, which is summed up as "infectious as monkeypox." Destined to be all over the airwaves, "How You Love Me Now" follows the opener with its explosive chorus, while first single "Homecoming" shines during its bridge. It's not an exaggeration in the least when I say every song could be a Billboard Hot 100 topper. Each riff hits harder than the one before and the vocals seem to keep getting stronger as each note goes by. However, musically and lyrically, it's far from anything special and certainly nothing to be impressed over. My favorite track off the record, "Hurricane Streets," is as energetic as anything currently taking over radio with hooks that will knock you off your feet. The obligatory ballads ("Candles," "6 Months") sound like something straight off of Lavigne's Under My Skin (you know, the album that went triple platinum?).

While there will be a good amount of people who will absolutely despise Hold on Tight, it's definitely one of the best this year as far as straight up pop goes. It's pretty easy for me to accept an album that may lack the quality of what people think is "good" music and appreciate the fact of how much it brightens my mood. For those who can't accept it, I recommend they stay indoors, because it's only a matter of time until Hey Monday is everywhere.

New Years Day, We the Kings, Automatic Loveletter
Track Listing
01) Set Off
02) How You Love Me Now
03) Homecoming
04) Obvious
05) Candles
06) Run, Don't Walk
07) Josey
08) Hurricane Streets
09) Arizona
10) Should've Tried Harder
11) 6 Months
Produced by: S*A*M and Sluggo

Hey Monday is:
Cassadee Pope - Vocals
Mike Gentile - Guitar
Alex Lipshaw - Guitar
Jersey Moriarty - Bass
Elliot James - Drums
Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/heymonday) - AP Profile (http://absolutepunk.net/heymonday) - Amazon (http://tinyurl.com/4m7a2s) - http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=BBwAS3l93tA&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fphobos. apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStor e.woa%252Fwa%252FviewAlbum%253Fi%25 3D292026255%2526id%253D292026232%25 26s%253D143441%2526partnerId%253D30 )

[Heart-A-Tact]

Judging from what songs I listened to on their myspace, I thought they were kind of bland. I'll probably give them another shot. Good review.

[hockeyguitar99]

I listened to this band without knowing anything about and they sound like a paramore carbon copy. I certainly don't think that about all female vocalists/bands, but definitely this one.

[WhoSaidThat?]

This band's catchy after the first go-round. But from there...

[Broden Terry]

Good review.
From the songs that I've heard on their myspace, they're actually really good. Candles in particular.
Mixed emotions about buying it when it's released though.

[Young Machetes]

I really want to hear the full album. If it's more pop than rock I'm anxious to hear. I'm a sucker for pop.

[fadedmemories]

I agree with Hey Monday sounding like New Years Day, I have to listen to the whole album before I judge them though. We all just have to accept the fact that every scene band with a female lead singer will be compared to Paramore

This band will probably blow up, I can see it already, opening for Fall Out Boy, headlining Warped and their record becomes platinum

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Can't wait to hear this.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

I use to think Mindy from Lydia was the hottest in the scene, but this girl has her beat. Damn she's hot....

[LongDistanceDrunk]

Don't like this at all. I thinks the singer sounds like Haley but the band as a whole doesn't sound like Paramore.

[TalkShowsOnMute]

I use to think Mindy from Lydia was the hottest in the scene, but this girl has her beat. Damn she's hot....

bingo. my opinion exactly lol. can't wait to hear this album

[Chris Fallon]

Another boring clone band ... great.

[fadedmemories]

Don't like this at all. I thinks the singer sounds like Haley but the band as a whole doesn't sound like Paramore.
Agreed

[Spenny]

Another boring clone band ... great.

I'm really not sure whether you're trying to be funny or serious. heh


But yeah, I'm looking forward to this. I like the songs they have on their MySpace, so I should like this no doubt.

[weworemasks]

this band is trash.

[csofran2]

I don't see this band going anywhere. Pretty generic.

[White]

I use to think Mindy from Lydia was the hottest in the scene, but this girl has her beat. Damn she's hot....
No.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

No.

Yes. :-p

[fadedmemories]

Yes. :-p
Yes!

[eclipsegts1]

I use to think Mindy from Lydia was the hottest in the scene, but this girl has her beat. Damn she's hot....

Lies... where's anamericangod to help me out?!?!

[aradiantsunrise]

I use to think Mindy from Lydia was the hottest in the scene, but this girl has her beat. Damn she's hot....


I don't know about that, I say Mindy still beats her and the Lights chick too, she's damn fine!

[Sic Transit Zeb]

I don't know about that, I say Mindy still beats her and the Lights chick too, she's damn fine!

yeah, it's a tough call but I still think this girl has her beat. I just wish I could meet fine girls like her.

[White]

Hahahahahahahahahaha. Lights > anyone and everyone you can think of.

Anyways, I'll probably pick this up. I have a thing for female-fronted pop/punk/whatever bands.

[Kbm600]

I don't really care of they're anything special. This is one band that's nothing special that I can just sit down and enjoy, not really have to get thought-filled about it. I look forward to hearing it.

[aradiantsunrise]

yeah, it's a tough call but I still think this girl has her beat. I just wish I could meet fine girls like her.


Haha, I actually saw them last year...they were just a local band opening up for Secondhand Serenade, Permanent Me, and Rookie of the Year. I went only for Rookie but I will admit that Hey Monday put on a pretty good live show and she was looking real nice dancing around on stage.

[jings]

Really looking forward to this :)

[christina sound]

this band is really cute like i said before. they're like hamster butt cute. on another note, go get pompeii's new album when it comes out, it's incredible.

[Co and Ca]

Mindy White is hotter than the chick in this band. But Stacy Dupree has them both beat. Holy damn!

[Schmidty Says]

Candles is a decent song, but I can't really get into the others...probably dl this

[Handicapdhotdog]

I think they sound more like Avril Lavigne than Paramore, and Co & Ca is right, Stacy Dupree has them all beat.

[Snails]

I'm not interested, good review nevertheless!

[Indoor Living]

These girl-singer bands (minus Paramore) are just eye candy for me. I don't enjoy the music at all, besides Paramore. Am I the only person that feels that way?

[i12punk]

These girl-singer bands (minus Paramore) are just eye candy for me. I don't enjoy the music at all, besides Paramore. Am I the only person that feels that way?

Yep. New Year's Day and Automatic Loveletter and two very amazing bands. And who can forget Eisley.

[laucish]

i agree, i hate it when girl fronted bands are compared to paramore. i think hey monday are awesome and cassadee has a hell of a voice!

[bop24buf]

New Years Day, We the Kings, Automatic Loveletter

definitely love two of those, so i guess it's no surprise i like hey monday. can't wait for the album. whoops.

[Steve Henderson]

This "band" brought to you courtesy of Atlantic Records.

[putup or shutup]

Hahahahahahahahahaha. Lights > anyone and everyone you can think of.

Anyways, I'll probably pick this up. I have a thing for female-fronted pop/punk/whatever bands.


This.

I also will be picking this up. From what I've heard so far, this band seems like they'll kick. I'm pretty excited.

[Julia Conny]

Her voice really irks me. The music is generic, but her vocals are too ... it has no attitude or special quirks. And it looks like she bought her band out of a catalog. Oh wait...

[Julia Conny]

Sk8tr Bois.

[CarouselBoy]

I agree with Hey Monday sounding like New Years Day, I have to listen to the whole album before I judge them though. We all just have to accept the fact that every scene band with a female lead singer will be compared to Paramore

This band will probably blow up, I can see it already, opening for Fall Out Boy, headlining Warped and their record becomes platinum

it'll help that they're touring with a band (the academy is) that attracts gads of 14 year old girls


Short review, but good defense for the band

[Steve Henderson]

Her voice really irks me. The music is generic, but her vocals are too ... it has no attitude or special quirks. And it looks like she bought her band out of a catalog. Oh wait...
I want to see a Julia Conny fronted punk band. So hot.

[holybuble]

spice girls

[Julia Conny]

I want to see a Julia Conny fronted punk band. So hot.

Do not want.

Seriously, I can't sing to save my life.

[AndrewCloer]

people just seem to hate bands that are catchy and have potential for mainstream attention there days.

and just because it's not original doesn't mean it's not good.

[bladerdude360]

i've heard a little bit...i guess i have to check out more, but i'm guessing i'll like them at least a little bit. i usually like decaydance stuff, so i'll definitely give them a shot

[AP_Punk]

alison mosshart >>>

[codypayne]

sucks they didnt even write their own album.

[KayleeSays]

I tried to listen to this band, but I accidentally fell asleep. They bore me. Ehh, too bad.

[mallyland]

I don't even have to listen to this album to know the review was generous.

[FueledByJosh08]

Somehow I get the impression that most of the people that are saying this is ripping off Paramore haven't really gave this much of a listen. Just to throw that out there.

[11:11]

I want to hear this. I'm a sucker for chick singers.

But it annoys me that people rated the album without it even being out yet. You can't base an opinion off of just 3 songs.

[johnandwhisper]

she sounds like a 10 year old. 75 is much too high of a score

[robat19]

i'd hit it

[ZoSo1886]

top 40 radio here they come :(

[saving jonathan]

The band looks like they shop at Baby Gap.

[DungeonsnDragon]

despite all the paramore comparisons you cannot say this singer doesn't sound like hayley. The two voices are almost identical. I do like this band better than paramore though. The music is more infectious than the common cold.

[fadedmemories]

it'll help that they're touring with a band (the academy is) that attracts gads of 14 year old girls


Short review, but good defense for the band
Yup :-)

[ThatGuy]

what's more bland? this band or the reviewer?

[hughesst]

i saw them last night, they were the opener on the Why So Serious tour with The Cab. you know what, they were fun as hell. yeah they may not be the most original band out there but sometimes you just wanna sing along to a song and not think about it. i'll be picking it up. plus i met Cassadee and she's as cute as they come

[gargladdy]

after hearing their whole album, It's really good. I can't wait for it to come out.

[gargladdy]

after hearing their whole album, It's really good. I can't wait for it to come out.

[sowrongitsryan]

This "band" brought to you courtesy of Atlantic Records.
Columbia.

[mybreakingpoint]

She does sound like Avril Lavigne.

That's not a compliment.

[White]

sucks they didnt even write their own album.
Saiwutnao.

[scrmnghrts]

I listened to this band without knowing anything about and they sound like a paramore carbon copy. I certainly don't think that about all female vocalists/bands, but definitely this one.


Really? Thats sad. I mean I can see the resemblance in their voice but like not their writing style or how they do things, if that made any sense.

[kigginsthisprov]

I saw this live the other day. They were amazing, definitely one of my favorite new bands.

[The Coalition]

Such a great album.

[Joe DeAndrea]

what's more bland? this band or the reviewer?

Me, probably.

[lostfear]

This "band" brought to you courtesy of Atlantic Records.


I wouldn't doubt it. do you know this for sure?

[The Coalition]

sucks they didnt even write their own album.

Guess you probably don't think Elvis Presley is worth a damn either?

The history of the record industry that you Sir are a part of was founded on co-writes and people singing other peoples songs (and singles over albums). It's not surprising that the industry is going back to what brought about its success.

[The Coalition]

This "band" brought to you courtesy of Atlantic Records.

C-O-L-U-M-B-I-A

Is it really all that hard for people to read?

;)

[NorthstarPark]

I listen to some pretty girly stuff according to some people but this is too damn girly even for me. If I was a chick I would be all over this but I have 2 balls so i'm sorry.

[Steve Henderson]

C-O-L-U-M-B-I-A

Is it really all that hard for people to read?

;)
Blah, yeah - I assume Atlantic due to FBR. Either way these clowns are a label creation anyways. The Menudos of this decade, woo!

[Drew Beringer]

Are those cum stains on the album cover?

[birtcho]

im looking forward to it. the comparison to avril lavigne is so true

[Young Machetes]

After listening to the full album, I'm really not impressed. I think the better Paramore "clone" is Versa Emerge.

[fadedmemories]

Are those cum stains on the album cover?
:-d
plenty of good female fronted bands such as Eisley, Schoolyard Heroes, Zolof, 1/2 of the Hush Sound and 1997, Shiny Toy Guns Meg & Dia and none of them sound remotely like Paramore. This band just happens to.
Agreed

[LongDistanceDrunk]

Are those cum stains on the album cover?

yes and they belong to Pete Wentz

[White]

After listening to the full album, I'm really not impressed. I think the better Paramore "clone" is Versa Emerge.
Agreed. And just as a side-note on them, VersaEmerge's first EP pwns 37 different kinds of shit out of the second one.

So...like a minute into "Set Off" (or whatever it's called), I decided that this band is crap.

[sowrongitsryan]

Blah, yeah - I assume Atlantic due to FBR. Either way these clowns are a label creation anyways. The Menudos of this decade, woo!
Wrong again. This is decaydance, not fbr.

Nice try though!

[Steve Henderson]

Wrong again. This is decaydance, not fbr.

Nice try though!
Yes, such a big difference. :rolleyes:

[symbiote28]

people just seem to hate bands that are catchy and have potential for mainstream attention there days.

and just because it's not original doesn't mean it's not good.
very well said ..

[fadedmemories]

yes and they belong to Pete Wentz
:overhead:

[smacystacy763]

I thought it sounded pretty boring.

[christina sound]

Yes, such a big difference. :rolleyes:

just fyi:

fbr + atlantic =/= decaydance + fbr (also decaydance + atlantic never happened) because they =/= months ago but decaydance + columbia + the guy from all time low's label did happen and in hey monday's case it was ozone (basically crush) = decaydance = columbia ;)

regarding this band, they're one of the better ready to listen to prepackages out there. it could have been much worse (insert all the other bands with paint splatters and generic pop music we've forgotten about).

[JTMcKrackles]

this band is trash.
Nice review. I don't get all the Paramore comparisons either. Hey Monday is much poppier, and Cassadee doesn't sound like Hayley at all. I listened to the album while walking home from school today and I love it.

[weworemasks]

Wrong again. This is decaydance, not fbr.

Nice try though!

i hate you for two reasons:

1. defending hey monday.
2. cardinals avatar. you're from texas, how dare you?

[youwithoutMe]

the vocals are okay, not even great ,which they needed to be because the instruments have no character at all

5/10

if i had to pick the better band of Hey Monday and VersaEmerge it's VersaEmerge they should be the one releasing a full length

[SpotlightSound]

I think it sounds nothing like Paramore. it's way too "pop punk" it reminds me of we the kings. I love how she uses her range, it's refreshing! I also believe every word she sings, that is rare...

Jason

[xMusicAddict4x]

She has a very powerful voice..
the songs are actually quite good, i dont understand why so many people are calling them shitty.
the lyrics are very heartfelt & compliment her voice well
I totally got an Avril vibe as soon as i heard them tho, i have to admit that

[iheartmusic043]

I have a feeling this band is gonna become really popular...unfortunately. The girl has an ok voice at best and they are super poppy. Homecoming has been stuck in my head ever since I heard it and it's not a song I want stuck in my head.

[threelittlelies]

I'm a fan of both Hey Monday and Paramore, not finding them in any way the same. Paramore is edgy and brings songs that are intended to make us feel something. While Hey Monday write of real experiences and are intended to make us feel happy. Cassadee's voice is unique as well as Hayley's, in completely different ways. Comparisons seriously need to stop, they may be on the same label, but they're in completely different genres and completely different bands.

[Misskaileyxo23]

just because cassadee is a girl..and hayley is a girl..doesnt mean they sound alike and it doesnt mean that hey monday is copying paramore. Paramore and Hey Monday are both talented bands and personally i think that cassadee sounds nothing like hayley. cassadee's voice is higher pitched. just because hey monday has a female vocalist people think they are copying paramore which is really stupid and there are other bands that have female vocalists besides Paramore.

[psquared29]

not a great band though i do love obvious!

[title654]

Heard the album just another generic band