"The Thought Chapter" A whole new Level of Sound and Lyrycs
Alfredo Duque | Rancho Cucamonga, California USA | 11/15/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Album title says it all; "The Thought Chapter" is a new level of sound and lyrics.
From the first track "Figured Out" you can tell Color Theory has taken it to a new level and it tells you what the whole album will be like.
I know once you listen to the album, you will have a hard time choosing your favorite track.
Now to the songs:
1. Figured Out - This song tells you what the album will be like. If Color Theory had o choose the first single.... this is the one. One of my favorites and I'm sure it will be one of yours.
2. Zero Crossing - One of the songs Brian gave us on MySpace. You will like it, especially if you never heard it before.
3. We're Not Getting Any Younger - This is the song I was looking forward to and it did not disappoint.
4. Hypothetically - A very thoughtful song. My favorite song of the album.
5. If Not Now When - This was one of the first songs we heard on his website and MySpace. It finally has a home!
6. I Should've Kissed You - starts like a classic Color Theory song; Acoustic piano and Brian's great voice. Then to what I like to call "Color Theory's new sound". By the way, this song plays like it should be a theme song for a movie. I mean how many of us have been there?
7. Behind the Rhine - Another song Brian gave the fans as an early taste of what the album was going to be like.
8. Photobooth (Death Cab for Cutie) - One of many you will find yourself singing along.
9. I Stand By My Mistakes - Almost like a makeover from the original release. You won't be disappointed.
10. Pins and Needles - A great song! It has that acoustic feel. It will be one of your favorites.
11. If It's My Time to Go - WOW, deep! I keep finding myself singing along.
12. Our Shadow - The last song of the album and not because it's a bad song. It's just that there is always a last song. You will not be disappointed. The Piano solo is perfect.
If you are like me and need lyrics? Go to [...] and download the lyrics.
I never thought Color Theory will give me a new favorite album... Boy was I wrong.
Enjoy The Thought Chapter!
Al Duque
"
Absolutely Worth the Wait
K. Frazier | Orange County, CA USA | 12/04/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After a 5-year hiatus (really 6 in terms of original material), Brian Hazard returns, and all I can say is it was well worth the wait! As much as I loved Perfect Tears, this may be my new favorite Color Theory album.
"The Thought Chapter" picks up as if Color Theory has been at it all this time without pause. The album sounds very polished, clean and mature. The classic Color Theory sound is definitely there, from the thoughtful and deep lyrics to the signature piano melodies, but at the same time it has evolved and grown. The electronic elements are definitely more prevalent but in a layered and detailed way that really echoes what the piano brings to the mix, so it's perfectly complimentary. The resulting balance is perfection.
As an added bonus, we are treated to some very nice backing female vocals thanks to Brian's wife Michelle on 4 songs. I really think he should have done this a long time ago, I love the dynamic this adds to the mix!
Favorite songs? I like the whole album a lot but here are the stand-outs for me:
1. Figured Out - Perfect example of what this album has to offer. On repeat listens I find something new in this song and it only reveals how much thought went into the little details - instruments here, syllabic emphasis there, and the gradual build up leading to a strong, driving melody means this song never has a dull moment or a lull. And really that's what the whole album is like. Indeed Brian's work reveals that he truly does have this stuff "Figured Out"!
2. Zero Crossing - Love the play-on-word lyrics, the electronic soundscape and the backing vocals.
5. If Now Now When & 11. If It's My Time to Go - Probably the two catchiest chorus' on the album and my personal favorites.
3. Were Not Getting Any Younger & 6. I Should Have Kissed You - Both songs have that traditional Color Theory sound and lyrics (think Sketches or Tuesday Song) layered into the "new" sound. Really nice work here.
9. I Stand By My Mistakes - Brian re-did the original version as a duet with Michelle and this song really shines!
Lyrics can be found at the official website: colortheory[dot]com/lyrics_ttc.pdf
I still love the older CT albums but this is really on a whole new level; in a way it is really cool to hear how much CT's sound has matured over time, yet still has the same feel. Pick this album up and better yet, buy a couple extra for stocking stuffers for friends because this album has appeal in so many ways (inside CT reference!)"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1