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album review
On Lights and Sounds, Yellowcard sounds light years away from its One for the Kids/Where We Stand days. Granted, the band still trades in the immediate melodies and heart-on-sleeve lyrics that they've used since the beginning, but major-label success suits them well. Lights and Sounds is even slicker and more polished than their Capitol debut, Ocean Avenue, but Yellowcard ends up sounding self-assured instead of compromised in its big-budget surroundings. "Ocean Avenue" was a genuine breakthrough single that proved that the band had a way with connecting with listeners outside of its expected fan base; on this album, Yellowcard expands on its expected sound. Songs like the title track, "Rough Landing, Holly," and "Down on My Head" are tightly crafted, state-of-the-art examples of shiny, earnest punk-pop that sounds sunny even when it's sad, but "Two Weeks from Twenty" boasts downright jazzy guitars and whimsical lyrics reminiscent of Ben Folds, while "City of Devils" is a moody power ballad that continues the album's surprisingly grown-up feel. Indeed, ballads make up a big part of Lights and Sounds, making the most of Sean Mackin's skills with string arrangements, particularly on "Waiting Game" and "Space Travel," where the strings have just the right amount of melodrama for songs about young heartache. However, Lights and Sounds occasionally goes from expansive to indulgent, particularly toward the end of the album, which is bogged down with too many mopey, samey-sounding songs that are overpowered by big productions and arrangements. Yellowcard's ambitions to expand and emote are admirable, but their tighter, poppier songs still work the best. Regardless, Lights and Sounds' good songs are very good, and the album ends up being the band's most accomplished work yet. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide
more albums by this artist
See all-
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- Ocean Avenue
- Released 2003
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- Paper Walls
- Released 2007
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- One For The Kids
- Released 2003
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- The Underdog
- Released 2002
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listener reviews
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Underrated
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- By Partially Pro
- 9/4/2009 14:47:50
- This album kinda of took Yellowcard off the map from Ocean Avenue, but it is much more mature and is musically brilliant, especially titles like "Words, Hands, Hearts," and "Holly Wood Died."
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Greatest ever
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- By November Nights
- 4/29/2009 06:22:41
- In total honesty, I think this may be Yellowcard's greatest record.
It's different from the "Yellowcard" sound, but it's musically brilliant.
It's amazing how well the songs set the atmosphere and persuade your mood.
It really is a brilliant record. My all time favourite. - 1 out of 1 people
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Solid Album
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- By SkulkerGrave
- 11/4/2008 23:41:08
- If you dislike this album you must also dislike peace, fairness, and joy.
It's just a fact. - Be the first person to rate this review!
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A few good songs
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- By ashishval44
- 6/22/2008 20:45:38
- Like the title already says, there were a few good songs, such as Lights and Sounds and Rough Landing, Holly, but the majority weren't really that great. I would recommend just downloading the good songs, because the whole album is just not worth it.
- 1 out of 3 people
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top listeners
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- 121 plays
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- 188 plays
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- 88 plays
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- 122 plays
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