I have awaited this new album from The Classic Crime since becoming a backer on their Kickstarter page. (Since backing on Kickstarter, I am privy to their album two weeks before releasing.) I was beyond stoked to know that this will be their first tip on their own since being signed to Tooth&Nail and that they were going to take their time with it. Now from there a band can either crash and burn or rise up to the occasion and put out something very special for the band and for their fans themselves. What came out of this potentially dangerous step is Phoenix.
I’ll give you a little incite on a few songs and personal favorites.
2.You And Me Both: Strong lyrics and a cathy tune all around. This was the first song they released a lyric video on YouTube for and it was a perfect pick. I love the story of this song and I feel like it will connect with many listeners. That there must be something better, I need change: “I think I need a new story, one where I take on the world.”
4.Beautiful Darkside: Deep. Dark. Raw. Emotion. I can’t express how I feel about this song without using the title. I know you shouldn’t use the word in the definition, but really its perfect wording. The song has a beauty and elegance to it all the while being about being at the bottom and in your darkest moments but overcoming these obstacles.
5.Heaven And Hell: Have you ever heard a song and can totally and completely picture what the lyrics describe? Almost like playing a film in your head with the song as the score? Yeah. Now I know songs can have different meanings per listener, but you can visualize the song. And feel it.
6.The Precipice: A slower song for the middle of the album. Soothing vocals and guitar to start and it slowly builds into a full band effort. I’m not one to listen to the “slower” songs over and over but how this song builds until the end is amazing. The a cappella part at the end is something to wait for.
7. Let Me Die: This blues(ish) guitar riff continues throughout the song. Brings back that ocean feeling of the tide going in and out. Musically, I’m in love. There is a little electronica/synth part that follows the guitar riff in the bridge and as soon as its here, it leaves. Very powerful ending.
8.Glass Houses: I’m a sucker for strong vocals. (Being a singer for many years, I just love me some good ol’ fashion vocal hooks) You want vocal hooks? TCC is serving them up. “Glass Houses” will entice you from the beginning and have you singing along by the end. The melody just feels so right and familiar. And yet so fresh and new that keeps you coming back for more. Not to mention the “gang vocals” during the bridge will grab you and pull you into the song. If you don’t crank this song, you aren’t doing it right.
I could write about every song but these are the standouts to me. But you don’t need to take my word for it. The Classic Crime does it for you. Put on Phoenix, sit back and enjoy the ride.
