Tokyo Rose – The Promise in Compromise

Artist: Tokyo Rose
Album: The Promise in Compromise
Label: Sidecho Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: July 31, 2007

Overall: 7.0
Music: 7.0
Lyrics: 7.0
Production: 8.0

Tokyo Rose’s new album The Promise in Compromise begins with an upbeat lively sound and you instantly know this New Jersey based pop-rock band made an album different from what you’re used to hearing from Tokyo Rose. Although it’s more upbeat, you still get that feel that what you’re listening to is Tokyo Rose. The first two tracks the vocals, sung by Ryan Dominguez will win you over and will make you feel like singing along — that’s a good sign.

By track three, I begin to feel comfortable with the melodies, but “We Can Be Best Friends Tonight, But Tomorrow I’ll Be…” is probably the catchiest song I’ve heard from Tokyo Rose and probably the reason why it’s their first single. The melodies, once familiar, would probably get stuck in your head. This song is poppy stuff though, comparable to The Higher.

Track 5, “Right as Rain,” slows it down a bit — but still keeps the album steady during the chorus.

“611 Life Lesson” the next song, jumps back to the upbeat sound touching on the subject which every pop-rock band has a song for, relationship problems. “There’s only so much more that a boy could take of this…there’s got to be a price to pay when you walk away.”

The next two tracks, “Can I Change Your Mind” and “Swimming with Sharks” are good and “Swimming with Sharks” is one of my favorite tracks. The music is fun; I’d like to be a car driving in the sun listening to this. I’m also sure their shows will be great.

Skipping to the second to the last track “I won’t Say It” reminds me of their sound on their previous two albums.

Overall, I think this is a fine collection of pop rock. Catchy melodies, delicate production, a soft touch. There isn’t enough power to really drive these songs into my head after only one round with the album, but I think this could grow into an enjoyable record.

Track Listing
1. Less Than Four
2. The Promise in Compromise
3. We Can Be Best Friends Tonight, But Tomorrow I’ll Be…
4. A Pound of Silver Is Worth Its Weight in Blood
5. Right As Rain
6. 611 Life Lesson
7. Can I Change Your Mind?
8. Swimming with the Sharks
9. Call It What You Like, Just Leave Us Out Of It
10. I Won’t Say
11. Seconds Before The Crash