Review:

on 2013-01-14 nlathy Said:

Uh-Oh. Here's an alternative band with commercial success on the first album. It's one thing to be like the Who and make an album with "sell out" in the title (it did contain their only top 10 single), but it's another to actually do it.
This trio should be declared innocent of being overly commercial. A wide audience is deserved when you can come up with a good hook and there are multiple ones on "Stubborn Love."
The music can speed up from time to time. This shows you they're aware there's a rock audience they need to cater to. This reality makes "Big Parade" and "Morning Song" triumphs.
Edginess slips in with talk about politics and Catholicism.
Loneliness is a villian.
Wesley Schultz's vocals are powerful and melodic at the same time. The band shouldn't be classified as jaded. The J.F.K. reference shows they have ideals. This doesn't keep "Charlie Boy" from being sad. Schultz does point out there's always the opportunity for spiritual solace.
"Flapper Girl" is delivered in a way, which gives the song a Kinks flavor but on a more consistent album than Ray Davies was able to deliver.
This group may not have the artistic vision of Bob Dylan, but they can keep you listening and Schultz sings better.
Rating: 9/10