Taken from http://www.epinions.com/content_13608455812
Pros: Pure Pop/Rock Masterpiece a la U2 with radio ready songs.
Cons: may be too sophisticated to get airplay on some Modern Rock Stations. The Bottom Line With an ability to craft pop/rock music gems, this CD should be a Smash. If a fan of their earlier work or not, take a look. You'll be happy.
Recommended: Yes
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In 1998 I heard a tune that I really liked. It was "Closing Time" by Semisonic, the first time that I heard the CD, I really liked it and thought that they were destined for stardom. I was parially right. The CD did go platinum and spawned another hit, "Singing In My Sleep" in the USA and "Secret Smile" in the UK. After the moderate success, Semisonic took nearly three years to complete Feeling Strangly Fine's Follow up, All About Chemistry. A mix of ballad's and mid tempo to rockin' up tempo songs, each one has some sonic differences to it. Semisonic likes to blend a natural sound with some hi-tech sounds from computers and electric synths. The guys have masterfully created a cd that has Radiohead's eccleticness with melodic lyrics.
Tracks:
Chemistry - the first single, It wasn't exactly what you'd call a modern rock smash, but the pop stations and Triple A stations have latched on to the song.
Bed - Starts like an 80's new wave song, then breaks into distorted guitars. Another possible single, the theme is about romance.
Act Naturally - The first ballad, features piano and is the type of song that should be a soundtrack or TV sitcom theme song. Hit written all over it. Should be a multi-format smash. Pop, A/C, Hot A/C, Adult Alternative, and possibly a country song if recorded by a country artist. Dan Wilson sounds like Bono of U2 on this song.
She's Got My Number - A Mid tempo ballad. The theme of this beautiful song is that the narrator's special girl only has to look at him to be her's. He is deeply in love with the special girl on this song.
Follow - Mid tempo song with a style that is popular in radio right now. Should be the second or third single. Theme here is about love again, this time saying "Love me as you know. Everything else will follow."
Sunshine & Chocolate - Rocking song with distorted guitars that says he waited for the special person that is like having sunshine and chocolate everyday.
Who's Stopping You - Beatles sounding song all the way through. Featuring lead vocals by Bassist John Munson. nice change to hear midway through the CD.
I Wish - mid tempo ballad, another U2 sound here, this song's theme is about one's desires for another person to like them.
One True Love - Written with Carole King and featuring her on electric piano and background vocals. The theme on this radio ready song is about searching for the elusive one true love that is out there for everyone.
Get A Grip - Funny song with innuendo about taboo sex topics. Could be a single simply cause it has a feel similar to "Closing Time" and has a sound that draws teen aged people to request it.
Surprise - acoustic guitar intros this mid tempo ballad. anther song tailor made for radio with many sonic textures and harmonic vocals. the theme on this song is about a guy saying that he's gonna move along and surprise many people.
El Matador - Written by drummer Jacob Slichter. Great ballad rounds out a great cd with a slowly building orchestra conducted by Jacob.
Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends
