Search - Rooney :: Eureka

Eureka! I Have Found It!

S. Sage Green | 06/12/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rooney is a band I've followed since high school. I've seen them numerous times in concert. I love both of their previous albums. I have to say I was a little worried about this album because of the turmoil (am I being over-dramatic?) that has gone on regarding their split from their record label. After listening to Eureka, I must say my worries were unfounded. It is great! On to the song reviews:



Holdin' On: A great way to set the tone for this album. It seems to be telling us that this is going to be a more introspective and personal album. It still has that "Rooney groove" that makes you want to dance though.



I Can't Get Enough: The first single off of Eureka. To me it's a throwback to the fun songs on the other two albums. Although this band has matured, they still keep that fun, catchy attitude.



Only Friend: This is one of my favorite songs on the album. "It's the same old story, the same old movie, but when you're with me it's a masterpiece." The lyrics are great. The melodies are awesome. I'm not a professional so I don't know how to put into words how much I love this song. Wait -- it just hit the harmony part in my earbuds. Lovely.



Into the Blue: A song by Louie! This song has great imagery. It's kind of trippy and melancholy.



All or Nothing: I don't really connect personally with the lyrics of this song. But it's still a great song to listen to and has a catchy "hook" (is that what the chorus is called?). Not my favorite but still strong.



The Hunch: I love, love, love this song! Go Ned and Taylor! It immediately makes me want to dance. I listen to it at work to make me work faster (and more happily). This song brings that Rooney energy that was kind of missing from the previous songs on Eureka.



I Don't Wanna Lose You: This is the required Rooney bad relationship song. I feel like there's at least one on every album. It makes the album feel like a true Rooney album to me.



Stars and Stripes: The song I keep reading is "different" from the other songs. And it is, no lie. I love the melodies. It sounds a little like Billy Joel or Elton John to me (sorry if that's not what you were going for guys). I love the little coda at the end. I'm a sucker for music dying down and building back up.



Go On: This sounds like it could be about Robert's father dying and how he and his brother Jason dealt (or are dealing) with it. It's a great song sung with a lot of feeling.



You're What I'm Looking For: Another one of my favorites. Just a classic Rooney song that makes you want to date someone in the band.



Not in My House: You know what this song would be great for? Sporting events. Play it to intimidate the opposing team and keep them from scoring. Use it at a Dodger game! Please. We need help against the Angels this weekend.



Don't Look at Me: I think this is the song I connect with lyrically the most. I should post all the lyrics and then be all, "That's it, YOU KNOW ME NOW." Oh, and there's this instrumental part near the end that gets me every time. Love it. Great way to end the album.



So, to sum up, Eureka does not sound exactly like the other Rooney albums. But would we want that? We already have the other albums, right Rooney fans? It's a little more mature. A little bit lower key. Maybe a little truer to who the band is. This is all conjecture. I don't know them (even though I did talk to Robert on the phone once). But it's a great album that makes me look forward to seeing them in concert (this Thursday, yay) and look forward to new music in the future!"

Best Since Their Debut

Heather Church | 94111 | 07/15/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Someone's been digging through their parents' 70's vinyl, and it's a very good thing. Rooney is back with its strongest offering to date, a solid, retro album with pop instincts not exhibited since the band's debut featuring the magnificent "Blueside." Clearly the band has been through a lot these past few years, giving Eureka a maturity absent from Rooney's previous releases. It's a chronicle of life, disappointment and loyalty, making the listener sense that much of what they hear is autobiographical. The most surprising song on the album is the political "Stars and Stripes," a dance (!) tune about finding peace in a post-9/11 world. Rooney's newfound depth isn't limited to words, either. Schwartzman's voice is smooth, enunciated and perfectly matched with tight production and musicianship. The self-produced album is diverse and contains stylistic homages to Jeff Lynne ("Holdin' On"), Lou Reed ("You're What I'm Looking For,") and slide guitars that would make George Harrison proud. With the exception of ballad "Into The Blue," the music is bouncing and happy, with enough clever wording to make your singing as much fun as the dancing. Welcome back, Rooney. 5 stars."