New Music: Taking Back Sunday

Full disclosure:  I am a huge Taking Back Sunday fan.  So when they release a new record, I get over the moon excited.  When they have a new record featuring the original line-up?  Well, that’s an extra special kind of excitement – over the moon of JUPITER.  Their self-titled and fifth release is everything I love about a Taking Back Sunday record – catchy hooks, rockin pop-punky beats and songs that make you go bob around and feel like a teenager.  Unlike most Taking Back Sunday fans, I did not get into the band when I was pubescent.  I was well into my adulthood when I found their emo jams and literally could not get enough.  I just read a review of this record and the person was upset that the songs hadn’t matured with the band, as if they are suddenly supposed to start singing about driving a mini-van and paying the mortgage.  Not really what I, personally, am looking for in a TBS song, but I understand that some of their fans may have outgrown the band.

I think that this album is pretty damn good.  I’ve been able to spend a lot of time with it and it has really grown on me.  “You Got Me” and “Call Me In The Morning” are probably up there in the list of my overall favorite TBS songs.  “Call Me In The Morning” especially makes me all emo and lovey-dovey...if only someone would sing that song to me, dammit.   

"You never knew that it would take so long

To understand you're right where you belong.
I don't know where we're going
But I know where we've been
We've been hiding from each other
we've been hiding from our sins

Call me in the morning
Call me when you're home
I know what you've been through
Don't let go"
 

See?  Emo teenager.  That's me. 

Not every song was my favorite, but there are definitely songs that stand out.  I loved “Sad Savior.”  I also really liked “This Is All Now,” which is about being lied to in a relationship.  Sadly relatable.  And then there’s the lovelorn “Since You’re Gone,” which is about wanting someone back after you’ve broken up.  Another unfortunate relatable song.

I missed TBS when they played last night at the House of Blues, but I’m hoping to catch them one day this week for any of their LA appearances to promote the record.  If you’re a TBS fan already, you’re going to like this record.  It may take a minute to get up in ya, but it’s definitely up to par and their best record in a while.  They’re streaming the record for a limited time on their Facebook page, so check it out!