April 01, 2020

Yellowcard - Lights & Sounds (2006)

Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Punk Rock
Style: Pop Punk
Label Number: CDP 7243 5 70960 2 7

© 2006 Capitol Records
AllMusic Review by Heather Phares
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

tags: yellowcard, lights and sounds, 2006, flac,

3 comments:

  1. Dear Lass, just want to let this out and ask you if you have the 2003 album. TIA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's in my house where I'm currently not staying. The pandemic derailed the Yellowcard and other Pop Punk albums I was planning on publishing since I made a beeline towards my parents house to make sure they were ok. I only took with me the albums that I thought would have the most views when I was able to return home to gather a few of my belongings. "Ocean Avenue" will be up eventually. Everything in my area just has to return normal or be brought under control since everyone here is on mandatory quarantine.

      Delete
    2. Wow! I can sleep now. Just kiddin. But Lass, you and your family are the most important. Stay well and safe! Thank you for confirming you have the album. 🙏🏾

      Delete

Comments as "Anonymous" have been restored. Please keep the comments civilized. We do not accept requests.