Before "PLAY" gets voted prom queen and floats away on a pink satin cloud, I decided to read into every metaphor, every cryptic message hidden on the EP, present thoughtful and complicated ideas, link every hint of symbolism to politics and world events.
*PSHHHH I'm just going to make snaky comments and act all annoyed and arrogant like I could write better songs.
KIDDING !!!
I did listen to "Play" multiple times trying to form a opinion before I wrote this. Do I hate it? Is it good? Am I required as a fan club member to think ever Hanson record is mind blowing? Will I be escorted from building if I don't?
After a significant amount of deep meditation and outside consulting with my trusted fellow fan advisers a judgement was passed.
For those "Shout It Out" lovers "Play offers a continuation, for those lovers of "Anthem" it's companion "Loud" will most likely be your preference.
(I've never been shy about my dislike for "Shout It Out" so keep that in perspective as you keep reading.)
"Play" while there's reminisce of sounds and tones of early Hanson, the guitar parts at times sound drunk.
The only bright moment on the EP is "Feeling Alive", turns out it's the best source of pointless intellectualizing worthy enough for those of us who aren't clogging Facebook with cat memes. The song reads like an inner monologue, disconnected but intriguing. It's pulled together by Taylor distinctive vocals, a minimalists build up and intense come down.This first person narrative tells the story of why playing music is so important to the narrator, it's when he feels alive all wrapped up into one cohesive statement.
It occurred to me the "narrator" in "Feeling Alive" is having the same issue as the one in "Stop Me In My Tracks". Both fear not feeling alive and this is something missing from their ordinary life, regardless of being a performer.
This led me down a rabbit hole of thought, does Hanson finally have enough adult experience to speak about deeper topics? I might need to see some I.D.'s.
At least "Do You Believe In Love" and "Joyful Noise" showcases Zac's signature soaring vocals and is comforting waxy cheer on the surface but both songs fall short when they become a repetitive song that ends up playing on a loop at a team Zac dance party.
I can say because I love pop music I gave "Man On Top" and "Freak Out" a fighting chance, hoping these squeaky clean lasting about a minute to long songs would grow on me. I'm still hopeful.
"Play's" dynamics do reinforce Hanson's ability to write a catchy pop hook. If Play is any indication of what's ahead for Hanson musically, a first time listener might want to experience one of their live shows first, before diving into this EP.
Verdict: This EP is for people who don't like anything extreme and have a short attention span.
I love your blog posts because they're always funny and irreverent. You're the fan who does not suck up to Hanson. Ever. The voice of truth!
ReplyDelete"Feeling Alive", turns out it's the best source of pointless intellectualizing worthy enough for those of us who aren't clogging Facebook with cat memes."
And
" does Hanson finally have enough adult experience to speak about deeper topics? I might need to see some I.D.'s. "
Girl, you need to post more often ;)
On a serious note, broadly speaking I know we agree on this EP. It's kind of ok, but not spectacular. Although "Feeling Alive" and "Joyful Noise" have this kind of untapped potential which I think will turn into awesomeness on stage. We shall see. They'd better play them in Jamaica so that we can really dissect, with the help of a lot of rum.