Let Go

by

Nada Surf

Edit

Let's face it...if you mention Nada Surf to someone, they are either going to bring up the song "Popular" or say "Nada who?" But you won't find a more consistently good pop album by a group with "Nada" in the name...or any group for that matter. This band is definitely evolving in the right direction. The vocals on several songs are very reminiscent of Semisonic's Dan Wilson and several songs like "Hi-Speed Soul" and the rocking "The Way You Wear Your Head" sound like they could easily fit on an early Semisonic album. But what separates Nada Surf are great songs like "Blizzard of '77" and "Inside of Love." And unlike most bands, Nada Surf saves one of the best for last with "Treading Water", which shifts from straight rock to more introspective, melancholy pop. There are quite a number of ballads on the album that deserve close attention. But the group mixes them up with the more upbeat stuff so that there is never a dull moment. A fine effort that is not to be missed.

(Note: This is a review of the U.S. version which I received a promotional copy of. As such, it does not include the "bonus" tracks). With "Let Go," the edge is off Nada Surf in a big way! Maturation is one thing, but some fans would definitely not even be able to discern that it is indeed Nada Surf on a blind listening test. Along with an inarguable loss of rockiness, the songwriting and production are both much more homogenized/pasteurized/single-phased than all earlier CD releases. I would be surprised if most regular listeners appreciate the dedication to this new "direction," but I could be wrong. If you like Nada Surf's softer side, though, you might well love this CD. Perhaps it will grow on me with time. If you like NS's hard side better, I would strongly advise you to listen to the song excerpts on the Web before buying. This is most definitely not a terrible product, just much different than I expected. If you happen to like Travis, this is most assuredly the Nada Surf CD for you. For new listeners, buy "High/Low" and "The Proximity Effect" first (4 1/2 stars each). This CD is between 3 and 4. If you like the heavier side of Nada Surg, I would heartily recommend The Contrast's latest CD, "Wireless Days," as well as the Contrast's self-titled earlier CD.