Somethingness

I have been a fan of Our Lady Peace since Clumsy. I have all of their albums and must say that I believe Somethingness is one of their best. This album creeps up on you in a way that I didn't expect. I have never believed that Our Lady Peace "changed" after Gravity. I honestly had no problem with that album, like some long-time fans. Their sound has changed throughout the years, but - as a musician - I believe artists that evolve are better in the long run. Even U2 has evolved. For some reason, everyone wants OLP to sound the same. I like the sublte differences. And they are subtle. Nice to Meet You is one of the best they've written and Let Me Live Again is one of my favorite songs they've ever written. Head Down is also a great opener.

Y’all just sound like a poor man’s death cab for cutie. At one time you were actually alternative rockers and my favorite artist on the planet. Sad.

WIth each OLP record there are surprises. This is typically a good thing because that it means that the band continues to evolve and is not settled on releasing an album every three years that sounds the same. That can mean that some releases don't match up to their predecessor which can be good and bad. In the case of Somethingness, its both. If you separate this from their catalog, its a great album. If you try and compare it to their back catalog it misses the mark in places but that is indicative of how deep and luscious thier back catalog is. The songs on their own stand up well. There are some that clearly stand out as OLP chemistry and some that stand out as all Raine Maida. Leaving it up to the listener to determine that, the album really does give the listener a great journey. Is it the type of album like Curve that you can throw on in the car and drive down the road? No, but pour a glass of wine or beer and listen along and well, it fits. It is clear what songs will go over well live and which ones may be best left to the record. One of the standouts is Ballad of a Poet. A classic OLP sounding tune that has a catchy sound and a top notch performance from the band painting a wide open soundscape with textured guitars and soarng vocals. Pair that with Drop me in the Water and you have OLP in a nutshell. Almost a year later and it has aged nicely. Buy it!

They have always been one of my favorite bands. I think it’s now getting to the point where they’re too far away from where they started. When I listen to this song I noticed the change in band members is showing as well. It’s ok. I would love to hear greatness from them again.

Yet another OLP release that reminds me how long it's been since they were interesting. Super bummer. I wish this record was bad, so I could just ignore it. But it's ok. And that is somehow worse. Take risks again guys! The world doesn't need another middle-of-the-road pop/alternative album. You used to blow my mind.

As OLP evolves and continues to grow we are taken a deep layered journey. Drop me in the water and Hiding Place for hearts are my favorite and appeal to the classic sound of the band. Even in the new songs Raine finds new ways to use his voice as a instrument to propel the story. Each song is unique and as I listen I find new discoveries in each song. The rest of the band really use their talents here and shine creating music that is relevant to today and but to me still speaks to fans of the band's older sound. I can't wait till the next album. The only complaint I have is the album is shy a few songs. I wish "The Fix" and "Won't Turn Back" had made the album just to have them in the collection. Thanks OLP!!

Our Lady Peace always finds a way to step up their game with each new release, and with 'Somethingness,' they have taken it to a whole new level. This is the sound of a band rejuvinated and delivering some of the best music of their career. The key to this album is to listen from track 1 to track 9, in order. Don't shuffle. The sequence is perfect as is. Enjoy the perfection that is 'Somethingness.'

Glad to see new music by this band!!!