Unlimited Music

One of the more unique aspects of Yellowcard has always been their inclusion of the violin into their music. In certain songs, it is overkill and doesn’t work as well as it could if it was regulated to a smaller role. But for the most part, it blends perfectly with the other instruments and vocals.

Ocean Avenue is still, to this day, the best example of Yellowcard’s work. While they have released two CDs after Ocean Avenue, neither matches the high level of this album. The CD kicks off with “Way Away.” The song, probably best known for it’s usage within a Madden game, is the perfect start. After “Way Away” is “Breathing” and “Ocean Avenue.” While both songs are decent, they represent the overly-pop music that the band tends to create now and then.

The two best songs, and the ones I would recommend to anyone, off of Ocean Avenue are “Only One” and “Believe.” The former is by far the most emotional song on the album and is beautifully delivered and written. It is one of the few “sad” songs that one can listen to over and over again. Meanwhile, the latter is a tributary song to the firefighters who helped save people during the 9/11 attacks. In short, it is a terrific song and an even better tribute.

Outside of the five songs mentioned, there are many good yet unmemorable songs. The entire album flows pretty well.

Grade - B+ - A good CD with two awesome songs and a plethora of other good tracks.

Filed under: Music Reviews