When it comes to music today, it is safe to say that independent artists and groups have been burning up the charts recently. Young the Giant, a band that calls California home, are trying to burst onto the scene with the physical release of their self-titled debut album on January 26th, 2011. The project which carries an alternative rock vibe and feel contains a modern, edgy sound that has been heard on the airwaves to successful and positive reception. Preceded by lead single, “My Body”, which was a free download on iTunes, the album will surely please the many listeners that it will attract.
The twelve track album kicks off with the slow-paced, semi-somber, “My Apartment”, a song that does not catch the attention of the listener right away. The track is not bad in any means, but it fails at giving the band any credibility as a serious act. The sound presented here seems like it would fit on any album that independent artists are releasing today, there is nothing to distinguish them from everyone else. The album’s first, and so far only official single, “My Body”, was a great choice to get an audience familiar with the band. The song is strictly rock, but there are elements of pop and other genres that give the track a unique quality of creativity and originality. The key to the track’s success lies in the upbeat, addictive chorus, one of the best I have heard in a while that was not from a pop artist. The lyrics of “I Got” are something to be commended, but the delivery and the flow of the song do not give them justice. The vocals are sweet and tranquil, takes me back to the music of the 50s or 60s, but I do not think the sound fits in with the rest of the album. I do give the song points for being something extremely different, it just did not please me in ways that I hoped it would. As soon as “Cough Syrup” begins to play, listeners will quickly agree that the best quality of the track is in the vocals of the lead singer. Lyrics are sung without one stumble and it is clear that immense talent is present. The song itself does carry a very sad meaning, but does not fall under the category of a soppy, depressing ballad. The song is enjoyable, a step in the right direction for the project. The album continues with “God Made Man”, a track that slows the momentum of the effort once again. After a minute long intro that did nothing, I found myself uninterested in the song before it even really began. After halfway through, the track does pick up a little, but as a whole it is just an average song that was used to fill up some space. Once again, I do commend the vocals that are heard. “12 Fingers” sounds like a mix of many bands that are on the scene today like Kings of Leon and The Killers. The song follows in the footsteps of tracks that I did not give positive remarks to, but things are done differently when this song starts. The track is anything amazing or special, but everything comes together nicely to create a piece of work that needed to be included on the album. The light and airy feel of the album stays intact when “Strings” comes through the speakers. The song simply focuses on the musicianship and vocals of the band, qualities that should be focused in every single song. No fancy beats or production are needed to make this track a success, it is great just the way it is. My one problem with the song is the length, I felt it was a minute too long, shorter is better. My dislike for “Your Side” may be uncalled for and unsupportive, but I feel that when this song plays I have heard it five times already. The track is evidence that shows that the first half of the album will be stronger than the second; a decline is starting to appear. The song is forgettable; nothing about it will make the listener want to repeat it after just the first listen. The album returns to its alternative/indie rock roots with “Garands”, a track that keeps the project from slipping into boredom. There are moments throughout the song where the credibility of the band returns and a glimpse at their true full potential is witnessed. I enjoyed the edgier vibe and perfect vocals that this song contained, clearly a favorite of mine from the album. The very beginning of “St. Walker” had my attention in seconds and it never let go. The song differs from the rest of the track list in almost every way, but that is the best thing about it. The track may seem out of place from the songs that preceded it; however, the band’s signature sound is still present. The vocals and lyrics work together to create a dark vie, the song is just simply amazing. “Islands” has a way of surrounding the listener in a creepy, depressing mood which is not a bad thing because I felt I knew what the lyrics were truly about; I related to the song. The track is very slow, picking up only a little bit, but the pace makes the song exceed even my expectations. The song is a good inclusion and it feels right coming close to the end of the album. The album officially closes with “Guns Out”, one of the longest tracks on the entire project. Some notes are of a higher pitch than was heard from the rest of the songs, but it makes the track interesting. The song slowly brings the listener down from a unique experience and does a good job at leaving a positive impression, a good choice for the closing song.
Young the Giant’s self-titled debut album is a mixture of alternative and indie rock that creates a nice blend of catchy beats and spectacular vocal performances. The track list may be consistent with the exception of one or two songs that sound a bit out of place, but the album takes pieces from other successful bands in order to try to use them to their advantage. The songwriting that is featured on the album is a highlight for the project, but some originality and personality is sacrificed in that process. The album contains great vocals, as well as some standout tracks that should get the band recognition. The effort as a whole receives an average 80%.
Tracks to Hear: “My Body”, “St. Walker”, and “Islands”
Young The Giant - My Body
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