New Plain White T’s album offers similar sound to previous records
September 25, 2008
On Chicago pop band Plain White T’s fifth album, “Big Bad World,” the sound is similar to previous releases but lacks interest.
The opening and title track “Big Bad World,” is comprised of simple chords and repetitive beats, but they don’t downplay the song. I found myself bopping along to the music and was waiting in anticipation of what would come next.
“Serious Mistake” is a faster song with strong harmonies and a lively sound. On “Natural Disaster,” the song discusses a woman, possibly a tease, with lyrics like, “I don’t know what this girl was after / She’s a natural, natural disaster.” This song is one of the more attractive on the album because it was different from the first few tracks, lyrically and musically.
Simplicity is found with “1, 2, 3, 4,” the band’s current Feist-like single, which they performed on “Good Morning America” this week. This song discusses love and stands out as one of the slower songs on the album. Later songs like “Someday” and “Meet Me In California” produce a more acoustic sound with some harmonica thrown in. It’s different but not that different.
The overall musical theme and style on Plain White T’s newest endeavor can be compared to that of Panic! At The Disco or Jacks Mannequin.
“Big Bad World” is good, but nothing in particular stood out or grabbed my attention. The Plain White T’s seem to be doing nothing new with their music, but it’s up to the listener if that’s a bad or good thing.
“Hey There Delilah,” the T’s breakthrough hit, may or may not be washed away by “Big Bad World.” I’m sure listeners will not forget the connection anytime soon.
With many repetitive lyrics and riffs, the album wasn’t dreadfully boring but most definitely not worth running to Walmart to pick it up.