ahh, taking back sunday. the band that most people just love to hate. they’ve just released their fourth studio album, new again. it did pretty well in it’s first week sales, considering the record sales situation. i think this album is a great addition to their discography (louder now being the only misstep) and definitely deserves your listen.

it’s one of the better rock albums i’ve heard in a while. there isn’t much else to say, so hit the jump for the review and a download of the bonus tracks for new again.

-taking back grizzly

Artist: Taking Back Sunday
Album: New Again
Record Label: Warner Bros.
Release Date: June 2, 2009

The first memorable moment on Taking Back Sunday’s fourth studio outing, New Again, is the first line in the lead and title track’s chorus. “I’m ready to be new again,” a line that basically encapsulates everything this band has tried so hard to do for the past few years. It’s hard though, considering this band’s rigid and uptight fanbase, or lack there of. The same fans who haven’t allowed the band any breathing room for creativity, and the same fans who can’t get over the fact that John Nolan left in 2004.

After the departure of Fred Mascherino, the band took another huge blow. He’d go on to be the second lead guitar/backup vocalist that the band has gone through. In comes Matt Fazzi, formerly of Facing New York. Musically speaking, the guitars haven’t changed much. What is missing however, is the dual switching vocals that remaining fans have grown to love. This almost feels like a deal breaker, up until the point you start listening to some of the best straight-forward rock songs that have hit the mainstream in the last couple of years.

Some of the album’s standouts are “Summer, Man” and “Swing,” both of which have just as much of a sing-a-long aspect as some of their previous efforts, with the latter having one of the most hooks on the entire album and is a definite highlight. Others such as “Catholic Knees” and “Carpathia” show are more aggressive side of the band, and will definitely go over well on stage, a place where this band has been known to come to life.

After Louder Now, I was ready as much as the next fickle Taking Back Sunday fan to jump ship. Songs like “Divine Intervention” and “Error Operator” showcased a very boring and immature writing style, and really made it hard to believe that the band still cared about making music. And aside from the lack of dual vocals, songs like “Cut Me Up Jenny” and “Lonely Lonely” are the only two songs that really falter the albums enjoyment aspect. The band tightened up all loose ends in all other aspects with New Again. Even their album’s typical ballad, “Where My Mouth Is,” is chock full of great melodies.

In all honesty, regardless of how good one reviewer believes this album is, New Again seems like it should be the band’s last effort. Even the album’s closer and single-most impressive song, “Everything Must Go,” is aptly titled. The band has put in as much effort to put out enjoyable rock albums, but to a fanbase that just wasn’t listening. It’s just a shame you were too cool to give this album a shot.

Grade: B-

taking back sunday on myspace. (hear some of the album tracks)

download the bonus tracks for new again here.

tracklist:
12. didn’t see that coming
13. catholic knees (26th st. shakedown version)
14. long time comin’
15. carpathia (version dance dicaprio)

12+13 came with the deluxe edition, and 14+15 came with the itunes version.

peep the music video for sink into me:

-taking back grizzly