Album Review: “Run”

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Riley Carroll, Art Director

AWOLNATION has consistently had the ability to give me goosebumps. Their newest album, “Run,” features a handful of standout tracks that do just that such as “Hollow Moon (Bad Wolf),” “Woman Woman” and “Drinking Lightning.” But it also has a handful of flops such as “Windows,” “Like People, Like Plastic” and its title track “Run.”

What really makes the album is the variety featured in some of its stronger tracks. The song “Drinking Lightning” is a slow ballad, whereas “Hollow Man (Bad Wolf)” is fast-paced and upbeat. This same variety can be seen throughout the rest of the album which creates a dynamic array of emotional, slow songs mixed with fun and catchy ones.

The band clearly took risks in creating music unlike what its previously successful album, “Megalithic Symphony,” contained and it seems to have paid off. By straying from their typical style of mixing screaming lyrics over an electronic backtrack and opting for a more genuine interplay between the lyrics and sound, the band is able to display its talent for songwriting and the beauty of its lyrics.

While the album does contain some gems, it will it becomes struggling to listen to some of its tracks which feature superficial lyrics and an unmemorable sound. Most clearly apparent in its title track, “Run,” there is a clear disconnect between the harsh sound and the meaninglessness of the lyrics that occurs in several songs on the album.

Bottom line: AWOLNATION’s album, “Run,” will find great success in some of its tracks, but will struggle to succeed as a whole.