Hawk Nelson - Hawk Nelson Is My Friend (12 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

A Rare and Precious Pop-Punk Treat

Cory T. Shaeffer | Pittsburgh | 04/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hawk Nelson is a band that is steadily improving. Not that any of their previous recordings are bad, they are actually quite good. But this new record, "Hawk Nelson is My Friend," tops anything the band has done before. The reason why is because the songs are more enduring, as opposed to feel-good, sounds-good-while-it's-on anthems. Singles from the previous efforts such as "California" and "Bring 'em Out" show a taste for melody and pop-punk guitar, but the newest single, "Friend Like That" is more melodic, faster, and with more guitar. As far as pop-punk records go, the sound is a little more varied, witness the opening track, the MxPx influenced "You Have What I Need." "Turn it On" is another classic pop-punk gem, with the middle of the album containing several ballads before picking up the pace again. THe vocals are dead-on, and the rhythm section seems better than ever, not only less predictable, but more in-sync. This is one of the best melodic rock albums I have ever heard from a Christian rock band."

Their best so far

D. Vishnesky | Chicago | 04/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hyped several months in advance, this release finds the band in a good place spiritually and artistically. Both the label and the band put a lot of effort in promoting this album, and in doing so they let some of the best work out of the bag early on. "Friend Like That" was a single around Christmas time; "You Have What I Need" and "Let's Dance" were available on the band's websites before the album was released. There's still a lot left on the album, however.

One highlight on the album is "One Little Miracle". I'm normally not a fan of ballads on an album like this, but this song really works for the band. "Turn It On", "Ancient History", and "Just Like Me" are punchy little rockers that are every bit as good as the band's best work from previous albums. "I Still Miss You" is a slower ballad with a strong message that closes the album out on a serious note.

This is a Christian album, but outside the last track the band sings more about the fruits of their faith rather than the source of it. Most of the tracks deal with typical Christian responses to life issues, but they more or less talk around the faith aspect and Christ himself. There's nothing wrong with this; this is meant to be a rock album and not a sermon... but some listeners who are looking for direct messages about Christ might be disappointed. When you combine the faith of the band with the messages they are sending in the music it is a very powerful witness."

AWESOME!!!!!!

S. L. Lutz | Sanford, NC, USA | 06/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I absolutly LOVE this CD!!!! The songs are soooo great,I especially like "Friend Like That", and "Turn It On." They make me just wanna get up and jump arround and play air guitar! But there are also songs like "I Still Miss You" that make you really think. I also love the fact that their a Christian band, so I don't have to worry about the content of the lyrics, and making sure my mom's not arround when I listen to them. My dad even likes HN!!! So the only other thing I have to say is..... YOU SO TOTALLY HAVE GET THIS CD!!!! IT ROCKS!!!! And if you don't already have their other 2 albums get them too! And if you end up really liking Hawk Nelson, check out Relient K, FEE, Stellar Kart, and Switchfoot."

The Hawk Circles Overhead

Flap Jackson | State Road, NC | 10/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After an awesome debut that put Hawk on the map and an inconsistent follow-up, Hawk Nelson is apparently self-conscious about how many friend they have on MySpace, following after my MySpace satire tune, "1 Million Friends On MySpace Can't Be Wrong." So, since they couldn't get Stellar Kart's "Me & Jesus," they produce the more rockin' "Friend Like That." Along with that song, and "One Little Miracle," you've probably already had your share of the new Hawk. But the million dollar question is, is the album any good?

The album finds a happy medium between their first two albums, which is usually the case with third efforts. The first thing you'll notice is the band reverts back to its heavy punk pop sound as in "You Have What I Need," and the band largely keeps the album upbeat and fun shown in "Turn It On," only tackling the heavier stuff on the surprising last track "I Still Miss You." This is clearly a rock party mixed with positive the lyrics seen in "One Little Miracle."

"Ancient History" highlights the album with its catchy verses and totally awesome chorus. Its a very strong track all the way through, and will certainly make their inevitable 'best-of' release.

Of course, not all the songs are completely up to snuff. "Somebody Else" delivers on the chorus, but bores on the verses. The same goes for "Arms Around Me," and "Words We Speak. "Just Like Me" on the other hand sounds like an MxPx cover.

In asking what's the better Hawk Nelson release, it's kind of hard to judge because they're different in tone. "Letters to the President" still holds up with their raw and unabashedly simple-minded pop punk, but they also knew how to create a serious political track and punch out a killer ballad. "Hawk Nelson Is My Friend" is a radio friendly happy medium that mixes the band's maturity while still holding onto their pop punk sound. But I contend that this at least equals 'President.' But, before buying, get the special edition which gives you the most bang for your buck, adding some awesome bonus tracks.

Real Score: 4.5"

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	Hawk Nelson Hawk Nelson Is My Friend Genres: Alternative Rock, International Music, Pop, Christian & Gospel Track Listings (12) - Disc #1 You Have What I Need Friend Like That Turn It On One Little Miracle Let's Dance Ancient History Somebody Else Arms Around Me Just Like Me Not The Same Words We Speak I Still Miss You
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