Grey Eyes

A Tour De Force of Emotion

     

Grey Eyes is about being human -- and with that, it sets out to express the full range of human experience. Thus, this album is much like an M&M candy: it's got a cheery hard shell, but soft, earnest sadness. Here's my track by track review:

Last Train to London: Reminds me of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots in a good sense. There's an immediacy to it. The horns sound like hard guitars. Even though it's a clean sound.

You're Taking This Too Far: Sounds like a hang over from the previous song. Like someone partied out on Sunday morning and is looking for the aspirin.

Everything They Know About Us: A cheerful furiousness -- at least on the surface. It summons a need for justice -- a need to be happy through the thick of it all.

Weird Times: Only an echo of optimism in this track. Starts slow, but the saxophone brings it into overdrive. The bluesiest track. I'm sure this is accidental, but Leadbelly would approve.

Hallowed Ways: Would have preferred a follow-up to the intensity of "Weird Times". But it's catchy.

Savings and Loans: First track with female vocals. Whimsical and recalls a fondness for a prior time.

If Love Is Gone Where Do We Go From Here: Intensity is kicked up big time. Scott Walker kicks down the door.

Go On: A fast beat complemented by clever wordplay. You want to rock out like Kierkegaard would. Reminds me of The Cure.

You Stayed Up With The Light On: Conjures up a sense of joyousness for a time gone. You want to click your heels three times.

Don't Break My Heart: Closes with minimalistic piano. A heartfelt serenade to loss. Too earnest for hipsters.

All in all, I rate this album 9/10. It's an album that grows on you, even if it makes you feel like a yo-yo sometimes. But, it's all worth it.