The album opens with "The Gold Song", a take on the Frost poem mentioned earlier. Lead singer Greg Attonito sings, "I heard someone say that nothing gold can stay, but there's a love in all our souls and it shines like gold". The song just makes you feel good, and it's what they have always done.
"The Gold Record" is also their most adventurous album to date. Not as straightforward punk as pervious albums, "The Gold Record" shows a more mature Bouncing Souls, especially musically. "The Pizza Song" shows a band never heard before. A ballad about the place where you live, is equipped with a trumpet solo, and features for the first time in a Bouncing Souls song an accordion. "So Jersey" follows in same direction, an ode to their hometown. Sure to be an anthem at many Souls shows, comes to its peak when Attonito sings, "...don't forget we're all one family/thanks to the music in our lives for helping us to survive."
"Sounds of the City", a song about unity is signature Souls. Crunching guitars, and uplifting lyrics. "Better Things", a Kinks cover, is sped up, louder, and for it, the message comes across clearer. "Lean on Sheena" another cover song, this time by Avoid One Thing, shows a more gentle band, but yet is still ready to move the listener.
The album comes to its peak with "Midnight Mile". A song about love, and trying to figure it all out. Its about trying to get it right and not screwing it up. "I'm a midnight mile from your home/Can I come in and warm my bones/maybe this time i'll get it right," sings Attonito. Probably a feeling that anyone with a heart has felt.
The Bouncing Souls have made a record that ten years down the line, will still resonate with a new generation. They take all the despair, and frustration with life, and make it seem not so bad. |