Blue October "Sway"

I briefly considered to not post on this record because Blue October is one of my favorite American bands and a no-brainer when they release something new.  I can't really add much to the two previous posts.  Since the one from 2009 is short (I had just begun blogging and hadn't started having as much fun doing it as I get from it now!), here it is in its entirety...

Blue October - Approaching Normal

I think they are one of the best rock bands to arrive this decade. Angst my ass, this guy is truly pissed off and unafraid to commit it to record, which is probably why I like it so much and many reviewers don't.  Pansies. "Hate Me" from the previous album got them the attention they deserved, but make no mistake, you won't get an album full of "Hate Me" clones just because it was a hit. I don't listen to much terrestrial radio but I did hear one of the new tracks on a drive through Atlanta recently and damn near drove off the road in shock!

Labeled it one of 2009's best albums.  Here's a link to the post on 2011's record.  As I said earlier, there isn't much to add.  The man wears his heart on his sleeve, but this time around he's in a much improved mood, damn near happy, as a matter of fact.  "Sway" is full of pop-rock hooks (you'll catch yourself singing along to "let that shit go-o-o-o-o,"......yeah, the f-bombs are still included, too) and the basis is positively lighter, which should translate at least one track to "hit" status on CHR.  Here is the most recent official video release...



I don't think that's the track to do it but you get the idea.  The following is one of a couple songs I believe would be huge if sprung on the American public...



Big ol' sappy ballad but a hit, nonetheless.  The band heads back out on the domestic road next month for another 30+ shows and I recommend seeing them live.  They have a big arena rock presence that impresses. 

Maybe this change from "depressive" to "enlightened" will win them more fans.  Obviously, it's done so in Germany where "Sway" landed in an entertainment industry's Top 5 for 2013 behind Daft Punk, tied with Bowie's latest, and ahead of Depeche Mode and Paul McCartney!

It's another keeper, but I think I like him pissed off more...