Anberlin - Never Take Friendship Personal (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

The Undying Anberlin

J. R. Morales | Puerto Rico | 12/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"12/23 NOTE: Anberlin's NEW album, "Cities" hits stores on February 20th, 2007. You can get a sneak peek on the Tooth & Nail Podcast, or you can download two songs off their EP on iTunes come Dec 26th. It sounds awesome. Enjoy!

Anberlin's "Blueprints for the Black Market" gave listeners a surprise left hook that left them awed at the amazing potential that this newcomer band had. Everyone knew they would make waves, but it's not until the release of their sophomore album, "Never Take Friendship Personal," that Anberlin became an unstoppable force in the music industry.

Musically and lyrically, "Never Take Friendship Personal" follows along the lines of their previous release, but it's subtle differences that make this record unique... not only from their previous release, but from any other band that tries to compare. A little emo, a little rock & roll -- but all Anberlin.

The vocals are exceptionally done (as only Stephen Christian can do so) bringing forth the power and emotion needed to complement the music. The music is simply Anberlin: original, catchy, lasting. With each progression and every new chord, Anberlin ensures it's longevity. They mean business, and it shows.

All of the songs are great, so if you liked the previous release, you're sure to love this one. There's even a slower song (something not found in "Blueprints for the Black Market") that just yells originality.

As for the lyrics, although most of them are about relationships, they are beautifully written. Most of the time they remind me of poetry. Though the lyrics aren't directly Christian, the band's testimony speaks for itself. So, to those that wonder whether or not Anberlin is a Christian band: they are. They just don't have to sing about it to prove it. Actions speak louder than words."

Just buy it, don't even think about it

Robby | Traverse City, MI USA | 12/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow, blown away by this album in every way possible. This is one of those albums where I listen to the entire thing without skipping one song and wishing it wouldn't end. I liked Blueprints For The Black market but it was one of those albums where I liked it but not enough to really listen to it all the time. With this one, no question the best of 2005. Honestly if you liked Blueprints then buy this right now. If you like this type of music in general than just buy this right now.

Oh, and some idiot on here posted saying that "Emo sucks" and I just wanted to give my opinion on that. "Emo" means "Emotional", so doesn't that mean that all music qualifies as Emo? Without emotion, there would be no music, correct? Music is an emotionally driven art. I hate when people use that term."

Breathtaking

Greg | Bakersfield, CA United States | 05/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"anberlin is back and better than ever. this is a great sophmore release. amazingly beautiful vocals, and different styles make each song individually great. their singer has one of the best voices ive ever heard. if you like the non-whiny emo like armor for sleep or new hopesfall, get this. you wont let it out of your cd player"

Second time's the charm...

devonism | Colorado Springs, CO | 02/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this cd not really knowing who the band was...and turned out becoming a fan. AWESOME sophmore album. Most songs are written like letters (lots of "you" and "I"), with the main topics focusing on the pros and cons of love.

1. "Never Take Friendship Personal". This is a good intro song...probably not the best in the cd, but still good. (4/5)

2. "Paperthin Hymn". Great lyrics, good tempo, awesome chorus. (5/5)

3. "Stationary Stationery". Another great song. Again, awesome chorus, good beat, good lyrics. (5/5)

4. "(the symphony of) blase". The slowest on the song, and probably the saddest. Slower tempo than the other songs, but strong lyrics. (4/5)

5. "A Day Late". Not as hard as other songs, but by no means slow. Another song about love lost (or in this case, love missed). (4/5)

6. "the Runaways". Good music, good vocals. Focuses on those girls who break your heart (runaway girls). (4/5)

7. "Time & Confusion". Another slightly slower song, but one with brighter lyrics (focuses on having someone who really cares for you...). (4/5)

8. "the Feel Good Drag". Starts out fast, eases into slow...but by far the hardest song on the album. Shows some of the realities of meaningless hookups, and acknowledges that sinful lust is not only a guy thing. Great music (some screaming at the end), awesome guitar riffs and lyrics. (5/5)

9. "Audrey, Start the Revolution! (amateur youth)". Another one of the more positive songs, focusing on the possibilities of good friendship. (5/5)

10. "A Heavy Hearted Work of Staggering Genius". No lyrics, just a minute twelve second music track. Not bad, but kinda interrups some great singing. (4/5)

11. "dance, dance, Crista Paffgen". Great lyrics about getting fixed on one girl. A bit slow in the verses, the music has a hint of euro-techno, but still an awesome song. Great way to round out the cd. (5/5)"

Wow. What a surprise.

Paul Drager | Colorado Springs, CO United States | 09/28/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great, fun disc. I am not a Christian, but I tend to like a number of bands on Tooth & Nail (mewithoutYou, Mae, Further Seems Forever, Danielson) and when the record label began pushing this record last year, I gave it a listen. I am glad I did because over a year has passed and I still listen to this disc. For an emo/whatever genre band, my time limit is usually a month or two, so . . . .

I think what sets Anberlin apart is the distinctive vocal styling and tight musicianship. The music isn't the most complex in the world, but it has enough to keep you coming back. These are very straighforward rock songs with some extra little bits added in here are there that add to the songs as a whole instead of being for postertity's sake. Meaning, the band puts emphasis on writing good songs, not guitar wailing. That and it sounds good.

However, the biggest downside to this record as compared to their first is the lack of guitar solos. I don't believe you need to have solos on every song, but the first album showed that Anberlin can in fact solo and this album has next to none. There are lead licks, just no solos. That being said, as with other Aaron Sprinkle mixes, the lead guitar is pushed pretty far into the back to give the music a much more full sound with every instrument getting a fair play. So, if there are solos, would we even hear them? I'm only half joking here. Either way, this is a very minor complaint and really just an observation.

Standout tracks for me are "Paperthing Hymn", "A Day Late", "Dance, Dance" and "The Feel Good Drag." The latter song being my favorite overall not because it is the most catchy or the best song, but because I love the energy. There isn't a bad song on this record and the slower song "(The Symphony of) Blase" fits in the mix of the disc. For those of us who want a great sounding, well written rock record without too many frills, then this is a great buy for Christian's and non-Christians. Let's ignore labels and just listen to music for what it is meant to be for. You and me."

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