Lifehouse: Who We Are, Reviewed

There are few things that I have waited for with such great anticipation. Lifehouse has always been one of those bands that I find myself coming back to again and again. Just when I have forgotten all about them they come back with a song that just sticks out and comes through with a lot of emotion. They also kill when it comes to soundtracks and songs for teenage mellow drama. Hey what can I say I dig sissy rock.

The new CD “Who We Are” is the band’s fourth offering and like the three before it blends a nice mix of rockin songs as well as emotional check lists. I went to Meijer at 2:00 am to get this badboy and I am so glad I did. Let me break it down for you right quick.

1. Disarray: Kicks off the album nicely. This is the sound that you expect from Lifehouse. It has a familiar feel. Slow and steady verse with a high tempo chorus.

2. First Time: This is the bands first single and I never got to hear it all the way through because they only had it on their myspace for a minute or so. Now that I have head it all the way I love it even more. Another great hit.

3. Whatever It Takes: This song is probably one of my favorites on the record. It’s the perfect “I messed up and I’m sorry” song. Again an emotional song.

4. Who We Are: This song is a little different from the rest of their songs. However it still takes off and and rocks. You just have to give it a second. Good song.

5. Broken: This song is a previously unreleased song from their Blyss days. This is another emotional/inspirational song. This is where they get back to their worship roots. It’s really about just hanging on for dear life to God because you know He is the only one who can save you. Really GREAT STUFF!

6. The Joke: This song really took me by surprise. I was like wow where did that come from? It has kinda a swing feeling to it. Really different but still really cool. I admire bands who try new things even if it is a risk.

7. Easier To Be: This song has an old feel to it. Like the stuff on their first and second record. The songs that were good but no one knew about. Musically there is some great guitar work on there.

8. Make Me Over: Back to business on this song. Jason really shows his vocal talent in this song. The dude can slide up and down like a yodeler. Good song but not my favorite on the CD.

9. Mesmerized: The CD takes a little slide here. I have only listen to the CD twice all the way through so this song still has to grow on me. Now a big fan of it. This is another song where they tried something different but with not as much success.

10. Bridges: Cd picks up a little here. They lay down some fat beats and march it out. Good stuff. Sounds a lot like the first record.

11. Learn You Inside Out: This song sounds like something John Lennon whould have wrote. It’s a lot of piano. Good stuff though. I really like the mood of it.

12. Storm: This is another song from the Blyss days. This song is so great. Another nod to worship. In this studio mix Jason starts the song by himself. It sounds like he is down in a pit. Slowly the piano comes in as he gets into the meat of the song. Great mix. Really happy they finally put this on a record. Lifehouse always finishes their CDs strong.

Over all I give the Vocals 5 out of 5 stars. Music 4 out of 5 (Only because they slipped a little with Mesmerized). Lyrics I give it 6 out of 5 stars. The dude can just write what’s on his heart. Nuff said. Now go buy it.

*****Update*****  Two things. 1 iTunes being the punks they are, are selling a song that is not on the CD! What the crap is that all about? Anyway, I bought it for 99¢. It’s called “If This Is Goodbye”. They’re lucky it is a great song otherwise I would be angry.  So make sure you pick that one up as well. Secondly, being the nice guy I am I am posting one of my favorite songs from the CD. It’s called “Watever It Takes”. Lyrically powerful song. Check it out!