Lifehouse - Smoke & Mirrors
Artist:
Title:
Smoke & Mirrors
Type:
Album
Released:
02 Mar 2010 (US), 03 May 2010 (UK)
Your Rating:
Review
I'm a huge geek so I love technology and the internet. But there are times when having access to so much international information isn't a good thing. One such time is when an album gets released in America before England and you end up seeing reviews and tweets from people who already have an album you desperately want! The Stephanie Smith EP was an example but Lifehouse has been an even bigger saga. We were supposed to be getting the album a week after America (UK release March 8th) and I had my pre-order in with a webstore that has...
Read More I'm a huge geek so I love technology and the internet. But there are times when having access to so much international information isn't a good thing. One such time is when an album gets released in America before England and you end up seeing reviews and tweets from people who already have an album you desperately want! The Stephanie Smith EP was an example but Lifehouse has been an even bigger saga. We were supposed to be getting the album a week after America (UK release March 8th) and I had my pre-order in with a webstore that has a bit of a reputation for shipping so you actually receive the album on the release date rather than it being dispatched on that day.
If you follow my twitter, you will know that on the Thursday before I was notified that the order had been cancelled as the release date had been pushed back indefinitely. Long story short, after a few orders being cancelled for the CD I finally gave in and downloaded the international album (I'm old school; I want a CD in my hands!) as I couldn't wait any longer!
I have been a fan for a few years now but I realised something listening to this album: I am yet to be disappointed with a Lifehouse album yet if I was asked to name my favourite band, or truly great albums, they wouldn't be near the top of the list. They seem to float along on a level of pleasantness which makes them great, but somehow forgettable and I'm not really sure I understand that.
Each song is perfectly crafted and truly beautiful in its own right. Title track Smoke & Mirrors actually made me 'ooohh' when it first started and I still stop to get a little excited each time it comes on. It's a little more up-tempo than the tracks it follows and has a really great riff in there. Awesome stuff and I bet it would be really rocking live.
I could write a paragraph on each song, but that would be a long review so the cliff notes look something like this.
Wrecking Ball - not a Nathan Lee cover, but it is a great song so there is little disappointment
Here Tomorrow Gone Today - almost dancey, a Newsboys type feel that totally works
By Your Side - melodic with an almost anthemic sound
Nerve Damage - nice santana-esque guitars and a great smooth soulful feel in the verses mixed with a rocking chorus
All That I'm Asking For - first of four bonus tracks, I would argue one of the strongest, would be disappointed if this wasn't in my life!
This is yet another fantastic, guitar-driven rock album by a fantastic band that I am still yet to be disappointed with. Please release the CD in England soon!!!
Review by Suzanne Physick
LTTM rating 5 out of 5 Stars
Stand Out Tracks
Falling In
Smoke & Mirror
Halfway Gone
All That I'm Asking For Articles
American alternative rock band Lifehouse have released their fifth studio album, 'Smoke & Mirrors'. The new album includes the first single 'Halfway Gone' and features a more upbeat tone than previous album 'Who We Are' (2007)…
