Artist: This Providence
Album: This Providence
Label: Fueled By Ramen
Purchase: SmartPunk
Release Date: September 12, 2006
Overall: 7.1
Music: 7.0
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 6.5
I wish I could judge a record based on its message because if I could, the second release by Seattle-natives ‘This Providence’ would be a perfect ten. In a music scene where negativity breeds popularity, This Providence has continually held strong to their faith-based lyrics and outstanding character even now being a part of a record company laden with immorality. Their first record ‘Our World’s Divorce’ was a perfect blend of pop-rock and off tempo indie-emo and held a flavor original to This Providence. While there signature sound is sometimes present, their Fueled By Ramen debut seems apt to follow the trends of popular music.
‘A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing’ is the strongest song on this album not only musically but lyrically as well. A conversation with the devil, the lyrics command that God will prevail over the sin of the earth. ‘Card House Dreamer’ and ‘Secret Love and the Fastest Way to Loneliness’ are solid, but would’ve been filler tracks on their first album. ‘My Beautiful Rescue’ again defines why This Providence is in my opinion one of the best bands in music lyrically. Directly admitting sinful nature, they plead “I’m crying out, wash my hands, these bloody hands, Lord.” It could be the simple personal connection, but it isn’t often you find such honesty in music. While I had hoped this was just a taste of the greatness present already on this album, unfortunately this track is the peak of the record.
After the first four songs, it feels like the band wrote to please someone. The songs vary in production style and lack in heart. ‘The Pursuit of Happiness: 1st Movement’ and ‘Anything is Possible’ would have rounded out a very impressive EP, but the stretch for a full-length record involved songs that just don’t cut the standard This Providence has made for themselves. The potential for greatness is definitely there and I’m anxious to see what comes next for these young and talented guys. If any other band had released this record, I might have given a higher rating, however with a bigger budget and wider audience than ever before, I had very high hopes.
Track Listing
1. A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing
2. Card House Dreamer
3. Secret Love And The Fastest Way To Loneliness
4. My Beautiful Rescue
5. Losing Control
6. ..But What Will They Say
7. Anything Is Possible
8. The Road To Jericho Is Lined With Starving People
9. Walking On Water
10. An Ocean Between
11. The Pursuit Of Happiness: 1st Movement
12. The Pursuit Of Happiness: 2nd Movement
I would have to say that “Our Worlds Divorce” beats this follow up, which seems a bit too spruced up. I do agree that lyrically and vocally they are very good.
yes, “our worlds divorce” is a ton better. this album sounds a lot like gatsbys
This is an AMAZING album!!
this is an awesome album, but, i must say that it is alot different than “our world divorce” (which is tons better!!). they do sound alot like gatsbys now.