Artist: Anberlin Album: Vital

Year: 2012
Duration: 0:0-1

The Vital Review: An Honest Critical Look at Anberlin's Iconic Album

If you're a music lover, chances are that you know about Vital- the fifth studio album by the American rock band Anberlin. The album, released on the 16th of October, 2012, marked an era of the band's music, and its signature sound helped define the genre for many rock enthusiasts. Today, we'll be taking an in-depth look at this album, from the history of the band to the most innovative parts of the album, as well as a critique of the album. So grab your headphones and let's dive right into this review.

Brief history of the band:

Before we delve into the album, it's essential to touch on the history of Anberlin. The band formed in Winter Haven, Florida, in 2002 and has undergone several changes since its inception. Over the years, the band has released a handful of successful albums, with Vital standing out among the rest. The popular Christian rock band's unique sound, which blends alternative rock with a hint of electro, has garnered them a cult-like following internationally.

Music genre of the album:

Vital is a rock album that infused elements of electronic music. It's a departure from their earlier albums and showcases the growth of the band as it explores a new sound. Anberlin worked closely with the famed producer Aaron Sprinkle to bring together an album that is both cohesive and unique compared to their previous works. Vital is a poignant reflection of the band's journey, both collectively and individually, offering songs that are both introspective and luminary in their lyrics and composition.

The best songs of the album:

The album's most popular song is probably Impossible, which features a mix of dissonant synth and soaring choruses. However, other songs that stand out include Little Tyrants, which showcases the band's versatility in guitar arrangements and intricate percussion, and Desires, which offers a more introspective, melancholy tone with its hauntingly beautiful melody. Overall, Vital is an album that flows well, offering a range of songs that cater to different moods and tastes.

The most innovative parts of the album:

One of the most exciting parts of Vital is how the album blends a variety of sounds and styles to create a unique experience. The use of synths and electronic beats adds a layer of complexity and depth to the rock genre. An example is Self-Starter, which features an upbeat synth-driven introduction with an anthem-like chorus. Another example is God, Drugs & Sex, which fuses rock ballads with electronic beats, becoming one of the most innovative parts of the album.

Critique of the album:

While Vital is an excellent album, there are a few flaws that could have been improved upon. The flow of the album could have been smoother, as some songs transition better than others. However, this can be overlooked as the album's unique sound and the quality of the tracks make up for this minor fault. The album has been criticized for lacking the punchiness of earlier Anberlin albums, leaving some fans yearning for the grit of the band's earlier sound.
While Vital is an excellent album, there are a few flaws that could have been improved upon. The flow of the album could have been smoother, as some songs transition better than others. However, this can be overlooked as the album's unique sound and the quality of the tracks make up for this minor fault. The album has been criticized for lacking the punchiness of earlier Anberlin albums, leaving some fans yearning for the grit of the band's earlier sound.
In conclusion, Vital is an album that everyone, especially rock-music enthusiasts, should add to their playlist. The album is a powerful reflection of the band's journey, with songs that convey growth, loss, and introspection. While there are a few criticisms that can be made of this album, it's still a significant addition to the band's discography. Vital's mix of rock and electronic music helped redefine the genre, and its influence can still be felt in music today. So give it a listen, and let the melodies and lyrics take you on a profound journey of self-discovery.