The Fray brings same sound, stronger lyrics with newest CD

Written by: the Site Administrator on March 25, 2009 at 9:38 am

Emma Mills
Managing Editor

The Fray, the Denver-based quartet who captured our attention and hearts with their chart-topping single ‘Over my Head (Cable Car)’, has recently released their second album, a self-titled diamond in the rough whose first single, ‘You Found Me’, is quickly climbing the charts. But the piano-rock group may have played it too safe this time, begging the question – will they be able to win the battle of the sophomore slump?

The Fray lends nothing new this time around to their massively successful first album, ‘How to Save a Life’, which went double-platinum and garnered two Grammy nominations almost over night after ABC’s hit medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ plucked them from obscurity and made the song of the same title their unofficial anthem.

‘You Found Me’ sounds the closest to the award-winning hit, a moving, catchy ballad that focuses on two central, slightly spiritual themes: redemption and confusion.

Not since the likes of Switchfoot and Coldplay has a contemporary, popular band stepped outside of the box lyrically, bringing deep, soul-searching lyrics to the table without going so far as to be labeled under the category of Emo, which is perhaps why the band has developed such a cult following.

But the lyrics on this mid-tempo light rock album are not the only thing that will draw the listener in. Tracks such as ‘Syndicate’ will have fans ready to whip out their lighters in teen-anthem style, while other momentarily poignant songs such as ‘Never Say Never’ will stir the senses. Introduced as a solemn piano number that flows with fluidity and grace, it develops into an affecting track complimented by lead singer Isaac Slade’s emotive and gnarled vocals and an aching guitar solo that would be enough to make a Metallica fan melt.

But because of it’s predecessors popularity, the new record falls victim to the classic sophomore mistake: Despite promises of the opposite from the band, the album simply duplicates the same winning formula as the first. Every track on the album is a copy of the last, all relying on insightful, mournful lyrics, climbing melodies, and climactic modulations driven by heartfelt piano rifts.

This is not necessarily a bad thing. After all, these are the types of songs that made us fall in love with The Fray in the first place. But the band will need to bring something new to the table for their next installment if they want to keep the public’s interest and prove that they can be just as successful in their versatility in order to earn that third Grammy nomination.

But, even on repeat, The Fray is still touching.