The Fray - Take Two

The Fray released their sophomore self-titled album yesterday to an anxious group of music junkies. The group (Isaac, Joe, Ben, and Dave) debuted in 2005 with their multi-platinum album How To Save A Life. They left us hanging in the summer of 2007, saying they were returning to the studio to record new songs. Probably a relief to them as well as their fans, after playing practically the same 12 songs (with some new ones here and there) for over two years. Now the long and miserable wait is over. Fans can sit/lie down, put on their headphones, crank up the volume, and away they go into the depths of musical bliss.

Track #1 - Syndicate

"Halfway around the world lies the one thing that you want."

Syndicate is a nice start to the album. It definity screams potential single to me. The soft guitar and piano blend well and push the listener into a friendly, sunny environment. You can't help but sway back and forth to this song.

Track #2 - Absolute

"It's a kiss that sits upon her lips that waits for planes and battleships."

This song appeared in the setlists from the summer of 2007, and I'm happy to see it on the album. The song, to me, is about noticing something about a relationship that needs further investigation, but people are quick to give up on someone just because the current circumstances aren't perfect yet. The music and lyrics are strong and direct.

Track #3 - You Found Me

"I found God on the corner of First and Amistad."

This is the first single off of the band's album, and is already on the top of charts. I can't help but think of this song as someone so lost that they commit suicide. I've heard many interpretations and none have gone as far as mine, but one thing we all agree on is that this song is about being alone and not having anyone there to help you. "You Found Me," though sounding hopeful with it's title, is actually negative in that "You found me...just a little late."

Track #4 - Say When

"You been the song playing on the background all along, but you're turning up now."

I can easily say that this is my favorite track on the album. It's long, rough, mysterious, and sexy. I love how it starts out slow and builds tempo till the end, becoming faster and faster. It builds up this situation into the climax the listener is waiting for. I never want to "say when" when this song is on. I don't want it to end.

Track #5 - Never Say Never

"Some things we don't talk about/Rather do without and just hold the smile."

This song took a few listens to really appreciate. It slows down the momentum of "Say When," but in a good, necessary way. This song makes me feel very young, desperate, and lost, but not in the same way as "You Found Me." Lost in the sense that I, like many people my age, have absolutely no idea what we're suppose to be doing, so we go along with the schedules and the routines to make it appear we have some hold on our lives. It's one of the biggest charades of young adulthood.

Track #6 - Where The Story Ends

"Trying not to lose my head/But I have never been this scared before."

This song was a favorite with me from the beginning because it reminded me of when I first left for college--actually, everytime I leave home, I feel like this. It's a song about being far away from the ones you love and wondering where the time went. Anyone who's had to leave home will identify with this song.

Track #7 - Enough For Now

"He should've never left you broken/He should've held you/Things your father never could do."

Any girl with daddy issues will identify with this song. It describes a situation where a father wanted a son, and got a daughter instead. They're relationship goes downhill from there. This song is very smart in that it describes a sour situation that the songwriter is withdrawn from, but knows exactly what to say. Great song.

Track #8 - Ungodly Hour

"Tomorrow finds the best way out is through."

This is the only song that Joe (guitar;backing vocals) sings. I think this was a good choice for his vocals; they're a little deeper and richer than Isaac's, and the sound fits the mood. A setting of a relationship/marriage on the rocks, with the woman packing her bags and leaving. The narrator wants to set things right, but can't. It's a truly moving song that I'm sure many couples who've been through similar situations, will like very much.

Track #9 - We Build Then We Break

"Cause I'll be two steps behind/You will not know what's got you/Oh, so you're sorry now/All is not well, it's not ended."

My second favorite song on the album. For some reason, the second last song on their albums seem to be reserved for the darker songs, and I love them. Like "Little House" on HTSAL, this describes an act of violence, only this time the narrator takes it in his own hands to get rid of a guy who hurt a girl close to him. Dark, twisted, amazing.

Track #10 - Happiness

"Happiness it's like the old man told me/Look for it and you'll never find it all/But let it go, live your life and leave it/Then one day you'll wake up and she'll be home."

Another song that the band had been playing at shows before they went into the studio. I've been a fan of it since then. Isaac loses the piano and takes lead on acoustic guitar. The song is a real account of how happiness is not as gentle or easy as people make it seem. A pleasant surprise is the kick-in of drums and electric guitar at the climax of the song, making it more powerful, if that were possible.

This album, according to the band, was self-titled because they felt it expressed who they were as musicians and accomplished everthing that wasn't on HTSAL. I think they've done just that. The only disappointing thing about this album is that it's a mere ten songs when it should be at least twelve or more.