A Day to Remember releases anther amazing album.
Artwork by Ed Gloor
On November 16, 2010, A Day to Remember released their fourth album, What Separates Me From You; one of the most musically addicting albums I have ever heard.
Since the album’s release, I have listened to it at least 30 times, and I’m nowhere near sick of it. The guitar licks are clean, the drums fuel the heaviness of the tracks, and the screams and growls are strong. What more can you ask for from a good metalcore CD?
The album starts off heavy with the track Sticks and Bricks, in which lead singer Jeremy McKinnon screams, “I am fueled by all forms of failure,” and, unlike any of the previous albums, the CD doesn’t slow down from there. McKinnon has the vocal range of a true virtuoso, and it shows all throughout his music. All the songs seem to be influenced by tragedy, loss, betrayal, and love. Such a mix of emotions is a formula for success because the songs never get stale and can be listened to in any situation.
The first single from the album, All I Want, graces the ears with a song about finding oneself, being abandoned, and finding a place to call ones own. When this song was first released it was met with skepticism, because many believed that A Day to Remember had turned away from their original hardcore style to a pop feel. I have always liked this song, however, because of its meaningful lyrics. The next single, 2nd Sucks, washed away all the critics doubts though, starting off with a Mortal Combat like “Fight!” The song is all heavy all the time, and will certainly be a mosh-starter at all of their shows. Another notable track on this album is The House That Doubt Built; an inspiring song with a deep message on life:
“In the end, it’s not about what you have. In the end, it’s all about where you want to go and the roads you take to help you get there. I hope you think that’s fair. So don’t take for granted those little things, cause those little things are all that we have.”
This song is also filled with fantastic backing vocals from the rest of the band which give the listener positive feelings, and creates a deep atmosphere for the song. The band keeps the heavy pace of the album going with the song, I’ll Be Sonic, You Be Tails. This title is a reference to Sonic the Hedgehog, and his sidekick Miles “Tails” Prower. The title is a bit misleading though, because instead of being about a best friend or “sidekick,” the song seems to be about a girl with lines like, “There’s a hole in my heart where you used to be,” and “I couldn’t forget you if I tried.” These powerful lines can stir anyone, and a lot of people can relate to it, which is why I believe that A Day to Remember appeals to so many different audiences.
I feel like the band exemplifies a kind of musical energy and an approach to producing music that fans don’t see too much of in hardcore music; many bands can be generic, but A Day to Remember isn’t one of them.
When A Day to Remember released their new CD, What Separates Me From You, it became the number one album on iTunes and when I listened to, it became clear why it achieved this status.
