zorrothepiking's Full Review: International Anthems For the Human Race by All St...
Sometimes, I wish I had an extra thousand dollars or so just to drop on music. This is my one and only All Star United album, and I would love to pick up their others. I won't be able to discuss where this falls in their evolution or if this is the best representation of their work. I can, however, explain why I think this album totally rocks and why I think you should buy it, too.
I bought this album after hearing Superstar. In fact, that is probably the only song of theirs I've ever heard on the radio. They do not share the fame of their peers, such as Audio Adrenaline and switchfooot, and I am certain that this is not because of a lack of talent. The more I listen to this album, the more impressed with it I am.
Highlights
Versatility! There is awesome humor, which is always satirical and carrying a meaningful message. There are also serious songs, communicating deep and introspective messages. Musically, they play a wide spectrum that ranges from rock to poppy ska rock to sort of dark, rolling rock ballad. Of particular interest is the instrumentation, which adds brass and/or strings to the typical array of electric guitar, bass, and drums. Every song has a unique personality, and I find myself coming back to this album again and again. The other highlight is energy, which makes the music so fantastic. You'll just have to read on...
Background
The album was released in 1999 and is still largely available in many stores, both online and otherwise. This is their second album, coming 2 years after their self-titled debut. Their hit Superstar gained this album more attention than their first (and probably subsequent) albums.
The Album
The way this album starts out is unlike most of its song. Things kick off, appropriately enough, with Big Rock Show. Heavy on the electric and drums, the sound comes off a little muddy and dark. Ironically, this is my least favorite song on the album. It's pretty heavy, though fast-paced. Lyrically, it's fun. It talks about everything that goes into putting together a good show, and it "takes some spit and grit and sweat to give you more than you expect", and also warns you to avoid the flashpot, lest you lose an eyebrow. It ends with a bit of hint that subsequent songs will have meaningful but perhaps non-obvious meanings, stating that they've "got a cryptic coder on the microphone. Find the secret message in our Big Rock Show!" So perhaps some satire? Absolutely!
Popular Americans is the second song, and will give you the first real taste of what their rock is gonna sound like. It has the upbeat, dynamic sound of pop rock with a compliment brass. I wouldn't compare it too much with Supertones, though, because it has less of the ska focus, despite the elements being there. This song has an awesome sound to it. Your foot will be tapping before the intro, and you'll get to enjoy some great rock sound, catchy melodies, awesome vocals (including much-appreciated harmonies), and an altogether cohesion that a lot of bands lack. And as for message, enter satire exhibit A:
We've come to pledge allegiance
At the altar of convenience
In our wide-leg baggy jeans
And we've pinned our passions
On the tale end of fashion
Now we're as sexy as our shaving cream
When you're so prestigious
It makes you half-religious
In a patriotic sort of way
Our money says we trust
But you know it's only just
A party slogan we were taught to say
Can you guess what they think of politicians and pop culture icons that proclaim christianity when their messages/actions/positions clearly run counter? I love this band.
Next comes the catchy title track, International Anthem. It is similar to the Big Rock Show, only it's not dark. I really like the way the electric is used in this song. It has a couple different sounds it uses, and it plays a major role in keeping the song moving. There is also a cool piano working some fills in the background. Vocals complement the whole thing, resulting in a really fun song. Where you might expect the title track to reveal what the International Anthem actually is, you actually receive no such revelation. It turns out that the entire album is intended to be this anthem, and this song just invites to you hum along. Regardless of who you are or what your background is, the band expects you to hold to these universal principles.
One of my favorite songs is Thank You, Goodnight. It's about retrospection at the end of the day, or taken metaphorically, at the end of a struggle. Surely we all go through periods that try us, right? Something happens in our lives that hits hard and it is a great feeling when you come out on the other side of it. This song is thanking God for his love, a support during the trouble. Musically, this song slows things down a lot. It has an impressively strong sound, maintaining that rock instrument arrangement, but it rolls more like a ballad than a rock song. Really well done, this is an excellent song. It is followed by If We Were Lovers. This song declares that, if we were lovers, all the "ghosts of doubt would crash and burn away." Once you've been hurt, it's hard to take a chance on another relationship. Here, they're saying that taking the chance is what will ultimately heal you. By loving each other, they will both see their broken hearts mended.
Hehe... I love this song. A real landmark song for me, Worldwide Socialites Unite, totally rocks. The sound is a fun rock sound. It's not particularly poppy, but it also isn't dark. It's strong and simple, really allowing a focus on the lyrics, which is why this is one of my favorite songs. I don't like to post entire songs, but sometimes it just needs to be done. Here it is. Please feel free to chuckle appropriately.
At the top of the social ladder I speak
Let me welcome you here officially
To the back drop of martini clatter
Break the ice with superficial chatter
I'm glad to be this year's MC
To greet the chic and the elite
Yeah, you finally get to mix and mingle
Pressing flesh until your fingers tingle
The band is grander than I recall
The talk is cultured, if a little small
Keep parading your charading manners
Keep pretending that it really matters
Don't ask, don't tell
And please don't stare at the emperor
In his underwear
Special thanks to the snack committee
Heavens, don't those tarts look pretty
Worldwide socialites unite
Enjoy the conversation
But try to keep it light
Just avoid the friction
And if you feel conviction
Well then, baby, step outside
Let's keep the "lite" in social
Let's keep the social light
Let's keep the "lite" in socialite
Worldwide socialites unite
Avoid the dreaded question
The meaning of our lives
And as to God's existence
Well, that's your private business
And, quite frankly, impolite
Yeah, you know it's funny. As someone who looks for ways to make terrible puns, I think the wording is as clever as the message. Really well done, fellas! The next song brings things down a lot. I'm talking about I Need You Now. The verses are very slow and are pretty devoid of energy. If you've heard the song before, though, you know what's coming. The choruses absolutely erupt in sound and energy. It's almost sad to go back to the verses, where the energy is again rolled back. The lyrics are about needing help in those hard times, since "when you're around, the uncertainties seem to fade into mystery". Overall, this song isn't my favorite. I love the choruses and bridge, but the verses are bland enough that it really hurts. I have to admit, though, that I'm forgetting about all that by the time the end comes around. They close out strong, with a cool string section that comes in at the bridge and carries the song home.
Theme From Summer starts a trio of some feel good songs. As all the songs have the same groove, lets just talk about them all here. After the first one comes Everything will be Alright and Superstar. And what exactly is this groove? Gone is the darkness found in the first song. The songs are fast and punchy, full of fun and playful vocals and riffs, catchy melodies, and an all around foot-tappin' good time. I know you here the "pop rock" label thrown around a lot, but this isn't your typical stuff. I can't really explain why I love it so much. It's a mixture of their dynamic vocals and fun instruments. You know how the Beatle's "Hey Jude" closes with that Nanana part that makes you smile every time you hear it? Something about those crazy vocals and high energy? Well, it's like that! Good stuff in all. Lyrically, they're more diverse but not earth-shattering. Theme From Summer is about loving those around, Everything Will be Alright knowing that, well, everything will be alright, and Superstar is the ASU version of praise. Very cool.
The album closes with a ballad, or their version of a ballad at least, with Put Your Arms Around Me. As I've said in other reviews, you have to careful about that. Leave it to All Star United to keep the energy up, though. The verses have a quirky synth fill and the choruses really crank things up to close out strong. The chorus says:
But tonight I'm so lonely
Just put you arms around me
And tell me that you love me so much
I'm tired of seeking slowly
Lately I've been crazy
Maybe I'm just getting out of touch
Now I'm holding on
'Till the night is gone
Hidden Track: Almost forgot to include this! There's a little bonus track on the end. It's funny, but you'll have to check it out for yourself!
Conclusion
I always listen to an album while reviewing it. Music is about feeling, and I like being able to experience it again while writing about it. Thing is, I'm gonna have to listen to this a couple more times before I move on. To tell you the truth, I prefer their pop rock sound to Audio Adrenaline or even Severn Day Jesus. No other band can keep my smiling this long just from listening to them. I absolutely LOVE it. In fact, I'm gonna have to start scouring the internet for good deals on their later work. If you like any of the bands I've mentioned in this review, I highly highly highly recommend you this album. If you particularly dislike them, then this might not be the band for you. They're definitely not clones, but they are in a similar sound category.
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