Artist: Everclear Album: Return to Santa Monica

Year: 2011
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album: Return to Santa Monica by Everclear

Everclear is a rock band that rose to fame in the 90s with angsty, emotional hits like Santa Monica and Father of Mine. The band's frontman, Art Alexakis, has been lauded for his raw and honest songwriting about his experiences with addiction, poverty, and family issues. With their album, Return to Santa Monica, Everclear hoped to revisit their roots and recapture the spirit that defined their early music. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the album, examining the genre, the standout songs, and the most innovative elements. We'll also offer our own critique of the album, evaluating it as a work of art that stands on its own, rather than just as a nostalgia trip for fans of the band.

Return to Santa Monica is a nostalgic love letter to the 90s alternative rock scene that Everclear helped define. The album is full of catchy hooks, driving guitars, and confessional lyrics that touch on all of the band's signature themes. From the somber How Soon Is Now to the rousing Be Careful What You Ask For, the album is a reminder of why we fell in love with Everclear in the first place. While the album doesn't venture far from the band's established sound, it's a well-executed tribute to their past.

One standout song on the album is The Mission Hills Incident, a bouncy and upbeat track that contrasts with its darker subject matter. The song tells the story of a teenage Art Alexakis getting arrested for stealing beer and getting into a fight with his best friend. It's a perfect example of Alexakis' ability to spin his own experiences into relatable and enjoyable rock anthems. The song features great harmonies and an undeniably catchy chorus, making it one of the highlights of the album.

Another standout track on the album is Sunny Distractions, a slower and more introspective song about the way we distract ourselves from our problems. The song has a dreamy, almost ethereal quality to it, with shimmering guitars and layered vocals creating a wistful and nostalgic tone. The lyrics are ambiguous and open to interpretation, but they create a powerful mood that resonates long after the song is over.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is Don't Change, a cover of a classic 80s song by INXS. While covers are nothing new for rock bands, Everclear's version of Don't Change is notable for its faithful interpretation of the original, while still giving it a distinct Everclear flair. The band strikes just the right balance between honoring the source material and making it their own, resulting in a cover that stands out as one of the best parts of the album.

Despite its strengths, Return to Santa Monica isn't a perfect album. While it's enjoyable to listen to, it doesn't offer much in the way of new ideas or experimentation. The songs are well-written and well-performed, but they don't break any new ground. It's a safe and comforting album that will satisfy fans of the band, but it may not win over any new listeners. Additionally, some might argue that the album relies too heavily on nostalgia, and doesn't offer enough of a fresh perspective on the band's legacy.

Overall, Return to Santa Monica is a solid effort from Everclear, full of well-crafted songs and memorable melodies. While it may not offer anything groundbreaking or innovative, it's a faithful tribute to the band's roots that will please longtime fans. The album may not convert any new listeners, but it's a worthy addition to Everclear's discography and a reminder of why we fell in love with them in the first place. If you're a fan of 90s alternative rock, or if you're just looking for some catchy, well-written songs to add to your playlist, give Return to Santa Monica a listen.

Overall, Return to Santa Monica is a solid effort from Everclear, full of well-crafted songs and memorable melodies. While it may not offer anything groundbreaking or innovative, it's a faithful tribute to the band's roots that will please longtime fans. The album may not convert any new listeners, but it's a worthy addition to Everclear's discography and a reminder of why we fell in love with them in the first place. If you're a fan of 90s alternative rock, or if you're just looking for some catchy, well-written songs to add to your playlist, give Return to Santa Monica a listen.