Wonder What's Next

1 rating: 3.0

An album by Chevelle

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Chevelle: Pete (vocals, guitar); Joe (bass, background vocals); Sam (drums). Recorded at Warehouse Studios, Vancouver, British Columbia. This is an Enhanced … see full wiki

Tags: Music, Heavy metal

1 review about Wonder What's Next

Showing 1-1 of 1

Sort by:

Wonder no more! I'll tell you...

Dec 17, 2003

by laurashrti
posted in Music Matters

Rating:

Pros: Fantastic lyrics, vocals. Very emotional.

Cons: Some songs are a little repetitive

The Bottom Line: This is a great album when you're looking for a way to express your emotions. Fantastic lyrics, vocals, and instruments.

When I first heard Chevelle, I wasn't expecting much. I saw them live at Ozzfest this past summer, where they opened on the main stage. I was impressed, and I had to buy their latest album, Wonder What's Next.

I just wrote and finished this review a few minutes ago, and the entire thing was lost. Let's hope I'm successful this time...

Wonder What's Next is filled with fantastic songs; if you like any of the singles, you'll love the rest of the album. I have expanded more on my favorite songs, but everything on this album is worth taking a listen to.

The CD opens with Family System, which is a perfect first song. It begins with a very simple sounding guitar riff and ghostly vocals, but oh is it effective! Grow up! is repeated throughout the song, a phrase one hears in every family system at some point. This song establishes feelings present in the rest of the album; pain, anger, some regret, etc. Don’t let this scare you though… this is not just another sad, emo album.

Comfortable Liar is one of my favorites on this CD. I wasn’t as fond of it when I first purchased the album, but it’s one of those songs that grows on you; the more you hear it, the more you love it. The lyrics are short and sweet, but very great. The song deals with, obviously, a Comfortable Liar. Almost all of us have met one; someone who has no problem lying to you, despite the feelings you share. This song conveys that feeling perfectly, and is a perfect lead-in to the next song…

Send the Pain Below. I love this song. This song helped Chevelle get their foot in the door, if you ask me. You used to run me away, All while laughing. Then cry about the fact, 'til I returned. these lyrics made me laugh at first, but they’re a true expression of a love/hate relationship. You love having the pain, and that’s why you can’t get out. This song perfectly expresses that feeling of being in pain… but liking it.

Closure starts out fairly simply. The song is obviously about closure; realizing you cannot have the one you love, and attempting to “be okay” with that fact. Closure has come to me, myself/ You will never belong to me. Simple lyrics, but very powerful.

The Red was another popular single with a simple but catchy bass riff. The lyrics talk about being singled out as something different. I like the subtle slow-down near the chorus; it adds tension and emotion.

Wonder What’s Next sounds familiar, but I can’t place what song it is similar too. This is obviously the title track, and rightly so. It’s very catchy and loud, and the vocals are quite an attention-getter. There is a spoken section near the middle, which adds tension and keeps the listener well… listening.

Don’t Fake This is another rather emotional but loud song. I’m not as fond of it as I am of other songs on the album, but it’s not that bad, either. There’s a lot of raw vocals during the So don’t fake this, don’t fake this, don’t fake this, don’t… lyrics, which contrasts with the more gently sung This suffering, That's kept within. Disposable men, lost. lyrics. All in all an okay song.

Forfeit begins with an easy riff that sets the steady mood of the song. Forfeit is a song that stresses a sort of “I can win” mood, I want to fight, so turn and forfeit being part of the very catchy chorus. This is a good team-esteem booster song.

Grab Thy Hand is another song I’m not very fond of. The song itself is fairly repetitive, though I do like the smooth instrumentals during the Through… through… section. Parts of this song are almost soothing, which contrasts with the rougher intro.

An Evening with El Diablo begins with a simple bass lick, contrasting with the lead vocalist’s gentle opening singing. I like this song; it’s fairly tense sounding, like it’s building to something greater, which it releases toward the middle/end of the song. I like the title, and the lyrics match it really well.

One Lonely Visitor is another favorite of mine on this album. The vocals are much gentler than in previous songs. The beginning line Am I alone in here? sets a mood with the echo-ey feeling the whole song has. In this song, the lead vocalist reminds me a bit of the song Screaming Infidelities by Dashboard Confessional. This song is acoustic and very beautiful. It’s much different from the rest of the album, but in a good way. I hope Chevelle experiments more with this type of music.

All in all, I give this album 4 stars. Some songs are a little repetitive and similar to other songs on the album, but that is the only fault I could find. Chevelle will be getting more and more attention, and hopefully I’ll be able to see them again live sometime (they are great live performers). The lyrics have lots of meaning, and are relative to events in my own life, as well as many other people’s lives. The vocals are emotional, as are the instruments, and you can feel the pain, anger, and even sometimes happiness throughout this 47 minutes album.

Recommended:
Yes

Great Music to Play While: Listening

What did you think of this review?

Helpful

Thought-Provoking

Fun to Read

Well-Organized