Lifehouse

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Lifehouse

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After blowing up on the charts with 2001's "Hanging by a Moment" and massive sales on their debut album "No Name Face" Lifehouse seemed destined for success. But after poor label support (Dreamworks) their follow up album "Stanley Climbfall" came and went almost unnoticed. But it's not entirely the labels fault. The album was weak. Only 2 or so songs sounded anywhere near on par with what "No Name Face presented. So the band faded into near oblivion until recently.

The band went through some small lineup changes and replaced some member with good friends and went back at it and have now joined Geffen records. Their Third major label album simply titled "Lifehouse" was released on 3/22/05.

So did it match up to "No Name Face" or fall like "Stanley Climbfall"? Let's put it this way, this album couldn't have come at a better time. With such artists on the radio as John Mayer, this album couldn't have been released at a better time. It is full of the things that made "No Name Face" a success from mellow guitars, easy to listen to vocals, and Powerful material. This album is a much better follow up album and could be the album that propels Lifehouse even further than their debut did. It's amazing. Not one song sounds like another yet they are all really well done and in the style of Lifehouse.

The standout single "You and Me" was a good choice. It is a ballad but that is usually what appeals and draws people in yet there are many songs on the album that surpass the single such as "Blind" which is an ode to lead vocalist Jason Wade's dead father. It is easily one of the most powerful and emotional songs I have had the pleasure of hearing. There are so many standouts on this album "Come Back Down", "All in All", "Into the Sun". This album is a deep and soothing listening experience and gets you away from the world.

"Lifehouse" have definitely outdone themselves on this album. If you were a fan of their first album then you definitely need to get this one and it is impossible for you to be disappointed. They have definitely grown and the lineup changes suited the band. The new label has been behind the album and have given them top notch quality. The album was initially going to be an independant release but jumping in and helping out might be one of the best moves Geffen has ever made. Check it out.

FINAL ANALYSIS: If you are looking for something to get away from the world, chill out, and listen to that is soothing, sometime upbeat, deep and smart lyrically, this is definitely your album