Seasons

American Authors

Island, 2019

http://www.weareamericanauthors.com

REVIEW BY: Pete Crigler

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 02/13/2019

American Authors has always been a great pop band. They do everything Imagine Dragons and Maroon 5 shouldn’t do. But as a result, they aren’t as popular. The hallmarks of this band are upbeat, positive songs, unique musicianship, and an ability to actually have something to say, While they try some different things on their third disc, those qualities are still prevalent. “Stay Around” has an Imagine Dragons feel to it, but better. The music and the vocals are more upbeat, like they’re actually trying. It’s not a bad song, but it is not in the same field as their upbeat, feel-good pop songsmy_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250

“Say Amen” has a hollow feel to it, like they’re trying to recapture their old glory, or perhaps trying to hitch their wagons to the Panic! At The Disco and Imagine Dragons juggernauts. This one isn’t their best and is kind of a weak track. “I Wanna Go Out” would be great as a Maroon 5 track circa 2012. American Authors is a band that’s good at upbeat, almost full of Christian positivity songs, but moments like this just fall flat.

“Deep Water” has a gospel feel to it and isn’t bad, but it just feels like the band is capable of better material. “Can’t Stop Me Now” is the kind of Queen-like throat tearing, heart wrenching anthem we’re hearing a lot of now. It’s not bad because I happen to like this band, but it’s been done before to death. Still, it’s better than anything Adam Levine has come up with lately.

“Before I Go” is a nice downbeat ballad about making sure you live life to the fullest, which is a good statement and not too overwrought musically. It’s definitely the best track this album has to offer.

While American Authors isn’t going to be heard on the radio like they used to, there’s still some good stuff to be heard here. So if you’re tired of being brainwashed by the Chainsmokers, Imagine Dragons, and Maroon 5, check these guys out and feel good again.

Rating: C+

User Rating: Not Yet Rated


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