Search - Brand New :: Daisy

A different perspective.

R. Levine | 09/28/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I never write album reviews on Amazon, but after reading a few that were on here I felt compelled to share my experience with this album.



I never liked Brand New. I generally don't like mainstream music, and I really disliked the first couple of albums from these guys. A few months ago my girlfriend played The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me for me, saying that I needed to hear it. I was blown away. I couldn't believe that this band was the same one who put out Your Favorite Weapon.



Daisy is a monster. There is not a track that I do not love. I would actually rate it 4 1/2 stars if Amazon gave me the option. I'd recommend this album to people who are looking for something different, and are a little bit open minded about music. This is not a radio album, and it may not be an easy pill to swallow for past fans. If you're someone like me who isn't into the old Brand New, you may find this piece of art just as compelling as I have."

A Masterpiece

B. Wilhoite | Scottsdale, AZ | 10/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It has been my firm belief that, 20 years from now when we look back on the music this first decade of the millennium has brought us, Brand New's "The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me" would be remembered as one of, if not the best rock albums released in this decade. Not only is there not a single song that feels out of place or inferior, but every song is rich in lyrical and musical depth. Brand New has come a long way from their debut album, "Your Favorite Weapon" - that was clearly within the pop-punk genre and was a stand out debut full of raw energy and passion - and their follow up, "Deja Entendu" - that was more alt-rock/emo-esque than anything else, but still packed a punch. "The Devil and God..." saw them step clearly into the alt-rock genre, but featured lyrics with a depth not often found there. Each of their albums grow on you. I was initially taken aback by each of them. Probably because of how different they sounded with each progressive release. Even with my initial discomfort, I couldn't stop listening and found the lyrics haunting me.



Their new album, "Daisy," is much the same. Again, they shifted genres with their latest release, this time to straight up rock. There's no holding back here and while you can hear trademark Brand New sounds throughout, they still sound different. Once again, the lyrics are deep and haunting. I find them staying with me long after I pull the needle from the record or turn off my iPod.



The album begins with: "Far away from any road, / Roams my heart in solitude, / Where no passerby can see, / On life's highway God with thee, / Knowing when all else does fail, / Thy compassion shall prevail, / ... / On life's highway God with thee." and ends with: "Father, when my footsteps stray / Guide me back into Thy way / Father with thee, Oh, let me be / On life's highway, God with thee."



In-between that first verse and closing line of the album you have 11 songs that define soul searching and humanness. And like "The Devil and God..." said in "Jesus Christ," not a fear of death, but of what happens next or whether what is done here has any affect therein. The songs constantly bring you back to loss and love. And why not? These are two of the strongest and most penetrating emotions we will ever encounter in our lifetimes.



"Daisy" is different from anything else they've put out before, but they've continued their tradition of putting out solid album packed with intelligent and deep songs and improving over their previous effort, something I didn't believe was possible with the high quality of "The Devil and God..." The one difference that may keep this from reaching that same status as I believe "Devil and God" will is that the former is more approachable for the masses and "Daisy" is darker, louder, and not quite as accessible, but in my personal view an even more amazing album from a band that seems to effortlessly put out great music. This is their 2nd masterpiece in as many tries."

I wonder..

Jason Ball | Cincinnati, OH USA | 10/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"if they were clever enough to name their band "Brand New" knowing that they would create a new sound with each album. I would say yes, because I believe they are geniuses."