It's been three years since Bleach's last album came out on Forefront, but now they're back better than ever with a new label and a new sound. Coming to Tooth and Nail with Again, for the First Time, Bleach has shed their Smashing Pumpkins influences from their early albums.
Yes, Bleach is now officially a "power-pop" band ala Weezer's green album. Nevertheless, Bleach keeps the songs fresh and fairly original, despite the many "Weezer" moments.
Again, for the First Time starts out with a short gentle acoustic intro, but then "Baseline," which is the first of many anthemic songs, reminds the listener that they are listening to Bleach and not Phil Keaggy. Next is "Celebrate," which is one of the singles on the album that is really mediocre when compared to some of the better songs on the album. Track four "Broke in the Head" has its catchier moments, but it also ultimately remains just an average track.
The album starts to turn a corner with "We Are Tomorrow," which is featured in Bleach's new music video. The song's anthemic chorus and the energetic bridge coupled with the building verse made a formula for a hit radio single. Track six "Fell Out" is even better than the song before it, because of its constant hooks throughout the verse, chorus and bridge. The two songs that follow it are both fairly enjoyable upbeat pop songs.
Tracks 9 and 10 fill space before "Andy's Doin' Time," which has the best verse on the whole album, but its chorus could use some tweaking. Next is "Knocked Out," which seems to seriously address the issue of spiritual complacency and Bleach does so with another solid song. Finally, "Jen's Song" brings the album full-circle with an acoustic track that ends with the same riff that started the album.
The best thing about this album is that it flows very well from song to song and it showcases Bleach's new sound. Although there are some weaker moments and filler tracks, "Again, for the First Time" is the poppiest album to come out in some time and Bleach is bound to gain a lot of listeners outside of their previous CCM fan base.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Trae CadenheadLong-time ForeFront records rock band Bleach finally decided to go with a new label for their latest CD. A lot of people were surprised that Bleach signed with Tooth & Nail, but after a listen to their new CD it may not be quite so surprising. Again, for the First Time finds Bleach with more of a raw sound than previous outings and lyrics that don't attempt to capitalize on JPMs (Jesus Per…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Josh McConnellWith Again, For the First Time you will notice Bleach seems to have changed their sound. People now claim they sound very much like the mainstream act Weezer. While I can't back that up personally, as I have not heard any of Weezer's music, I can definitely say Bleach's sound is different. Is it for the better? That is a hard call... I would have to say not quite, but it is almost there. Because…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Elizabeth AngellSummer is coming to a close, and after being bleached by the sun, the time has come for a different type of lightener. Bleach the band is back with a newer, heavier sound than that of the past 6 years. Making their debut on Tooth and Nail records. The title Again, For the First Time may confuse, but shouldn't worry fans. The high energy rock 'n' roll music they love to play continues on this CD.…Similar sounding releases
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