Sometimes a
band’s name completely epitomizes their music. That’s the case with
Fearless Records’ Plain White T’s. Tom Higgenson (vocals, guitar), Steve
Mast (guitar, vocals), Ken Fletcher (bass), and Dave Tirio (drums) have
managed to create an album that’s void of any real statement. However,
that’s not to say that Stop should be completely overlooked.
Although Stop seems to lean more towards the pop
spectrum, it does provide a nice mixture of somewhat “punky” tracks with
emotional, mellow tunes. However, the lyrical content found between each
guitar riff and drum beat is severely lacking. In “Stop,” Higgenson comes
across as a pompous kid when he proclaims, “everything you need is right
here and it’s little old me.” “Your Fault” proves a bitter ex’s anthem with
the phrase, “just don’t forget that this is all your fault” littered
throughout the entire track. And I’m sorry, but I simply cannot overlook
“Fireworks” (“well I don’t mind waiting ‘til you’re comfortable with me /
but what’s it gonna take to prove that I’m for real? / ‘cause you know how I
feel about you / you know I can’t live without you / I just wanna stay and
make it real”), which perfectly describes the stereotypical teenage male who
pressures his girlfriend into catering to his whim. Furthermore, I don’t
trust any band who describes happiness as “someday I’ll have everything /
I’ll get paid money just to sing / a new car and a big house” (“Happy
Someday”).
I’m not saying that every track on this album is merely
mediocre. For example, anyone can benefit from the lyrics of “What If”: “I
can’t live my life always worried about what if / ‘cause what if I die
tomorrow / then I never even lived.” Furthermore, I guarantee that anyone
who listens to this album will find himself singing along to some of the
choruses. However, like a plain white tee shirt, Stop may be found
in your collection, but it won’t be your first choice and definitely not
your favorite.
-Kristal
Austin
Links:
www.plainwhitets.com
www.fearlessrecords.com |
