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Parachute: An Actual Album Review

I knew nothing about Parachute except for the songs I was listening to* off their album "Losing Sleep." But as I lay on the floor with all the lights out, that didn't particularly matter.

What did matter was the debate in my mind - Do they remind me more of Michael Buble or Maroon 5**? Can I even define a band as a cross-breed of those two?

I have decided that the answer is yes, I can. And I did. Just now.

Parachute's lyrical ballads "She Is Love" and "Be Here" make me think of Buble for some reason. I can't pinpoint it exactly, but I think it has to do with the story and the heart that come through so strongly. I'd love to hear these songs performed in a little corner bar. Lights dim in a smoky interior, packed with people sitting around tiny tables, squished close to the stage.

On the other end, it only takes the first three notes of "She (For Liz)," "Back Again," or "Blame It On Me" to think you may be listening to a Maroon 5 album. But you aren't.

What you've got is a debut album by a band of Virginia boys that covers all the angles of love and heartbreak without sounding bitter or whiny (a major feat), and that manages to get stuck in my head almost daily. Their themes are timeless, the stories ones we can all relate to. And their sound - they're not as unusual or innovative as some of the other bands I love, but their clean-cut, simple and honest approach to making music totally works.

"She is Love" - you really can't get a love song more beautiful or universal than this one.



"All That I Am" - a little heartbreaking.


"She" - I bet every girl in NYC that knew these guys in high school hopes it's about her.



* I also knew that I'd learned of them through my friend Steph. So mad shout-outs to Steph for her continually great taste in pop music.
**when I Wikipedia-d them earlier today, I found out I'm not the first to notice the obvious Maroon 5 reference. I'd say it's a decidedly stronger link than the Buble-ballad undertones.
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Comments

  1. Suzanne2:48 PM

    at first when you mentioned "parachute" I thought you were talking about a band I used to listen to which I had to remember what they were called. Pilate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-fX3TF95as

    I was disagreeing with you with who they remind me of.. they remind me of Coldplay but then I watched the videos of who you actually meant. Your comments now make sense :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. steph3:35 AM

    i'm glad you like Parachute so much, they are a great find =)

    ReplyDelete

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