Artist: Better Than Ezra Album: Before the Robots

Year: 2005
Duration: 0:0-1

Before the Robots - Better Than Ezra's Underrated Classic

Better Than Ezra may have only received mainstream success in the 90s with their hit song Good, but their discography spans over three decades. Their fifth studio album, Before the Robots, shows their ability to mature as musicians while still delivering catchy hooks. Released in 2005, the album is often overshadowed by the band's past hits, but it deserves more recognition. In this post, we'll take a of Before the Robots, including a brief history of the artist, the music genre of the album, the best songs, the most innovative parts, and a critic to the album.
Better Than Ezra formed in 1988 in Louisiana and gained commercial success in the mid-90s alt-rock scene. Before the Robots was released in 2005, nearly a decade after their chart-topping album, Deluxe. However, time didn't affect their ability to compose hit-worthy tracks, as the record features their trademark sound of emotive lyrics and catchy melodies.
Musically, Before the Robots leans more towards the pop side. While their previous records delved into grunge and alternative rock, the band streamlined their approach for this record. It features well-crafted songs that retain their artistry without disappearing into anonymity.
The album opens with Burned, a perfect opener with an instantly memorable guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the record. The song builds up towards a catchy and euphoric chorus that creates a feeling of being lifted up. Another standout track is Juicy, an uptempo and upbeat track that has an infectious energy that's hardly seen on other songs. The third album track Breathless is a mid-tempo power-pop track with a soaring chorus that's marked by Kevin Griffin's emotionally vulnerable vocal delivery. The next song A Lifetime is driven by a piano that gives the melody a beautifully raw and organic feel.
Perhaps the most innovative and interesting part of Before the Robots is how it weaves together different styles and moods to create something cohesive. The diversity of sounds and moods within the songs makes the album a joy to listen to and shows the band's willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles. From the heavy guitars of Special to the laidback groove of Our Last Night, the band showcases a lot of versatile songwriting.
However, it's essential to note that not every song on Before the Robots is a masterpiece. Some songs fall flat, with some tracks being unspectacular compared to other tracks. For instance, Hey Love feels like a filler track in the album with a forgettable melody. Also, some of the more unorthodox instrumentations can disrupt the flow of the album at points.
Overall, Before the Robots is a solid record by Better Than Ezra, and it deserves more recognition than what it got. It shows that the band is still capable of crafting well-crafted hooks and taking risks with their sound. The album's genre-bending sound, well-written songs, and cohesive feeling make it a must-listen for anyone who enjoys pop-rock music. Despite some weak points, Before the Robots is a record that showcases that Better Than Ezra is more than just a one-hit-wonder band. It's a reminder that sometimes, the hidden gem works can hold unexpected surprises, and this album does just that.