Cadet has been known for their entertaining music style and lyrics, thanks to their first album (Cadet) and hit single "God Man (Jesus Is My Superhero)." The band continued that reputation with their 2nd release Any Given Day which contained some fabulous covers of worship songs as well. And now Ryan Smith, Chad Basom, Jason Kennedy, and new member (since 2002) Matt Lenhart have come back to carry on in the line of acclaimed albums with their 3rd release, The Observatory.
Compared to the first album, this record has some musical differences. There are still some original Cadet roots, such as catchy guitar work and a touch of humor in some lyrics, but overall the band has definitely progressed notably as instrumentalists and in lyrics.
Instrumentally this album takes on two different features. On one side, it takes on a heavier edge than any previous work. One can hear it right from the first song, "Nobody," as the chorus hits. It's also apparent in songs like "Change My Name," "Lost in a Song," and "Cry to You." There's more focus on the full, harder guitar sound. They are not as raw and 'garage band' sounding as in previous work.
On the other side, one has the mellower pieces. There are a number of songs that take on slower tempos and focus more on lyrics than the bold instruments. These songs are by no means boring; they still have quite a catch to them and do feature other instruments, but just not as heavy and full as the other songs. For example: "Today" includes a bit of string work at the beginning and focuses on vocals as it adds quite a bit of harmony, especially in the chorus. "High Tide" is also quite a bit slower. The song basically features a drum and acoustic guitar, but still has a catchy beat. The closer, "Wishing Well," focuses on piano for the most part, which is quite different from previous work, but again has a catchy beat and is overall a fantastic song, and great way to end the album. "Come Alive" is a personal favorite. It is another slower song. It includes a bit of faint orchestral work and muted horns in the background, beautifully sung lyrics, some female backing vocals, and the overall message of the song is striking as he sings:
Glory falls upon a throne,
it's beauty I have never known.
I've come alive
I was wrong about you
It's a miracle I'm here.
I was wrong to doubt you
It's a miracle I'm here.
Where the hearts are all mended
and every hope has found its end.
I've come alive
Overall it's a fantastic song!
The album also has some 'in between' songs like "Blame," "Call Me," and "Two Stars," which have more bouncy tempos and make them more reminiscent of their first album. They also feature the heavier guitar work previously mentioned, mainly in the choruses. "Call Me" also has that hint of humor in a few lines, especially when he says:
I think about the times we were losers acting cool
and,
If you're lonely, then we could T.P., just like we're thirteen.
This is more in the style of their first album; lyrics that overall have a great message and point, but still add that touch of humor that will undoubtedly make you grin.
The band really brings out their faith and passion to share God's word with a lyrical maturity. Each song has a great message, with various topics thought through. Cadet's mission statement states: "Our band is based on the philosophy that we know we will always be striving to be more like Christ. That is to say that we will never be to the point where we do not need God's grace. It is only because of that grace and love that we are who we are. We understand that God first loved us so that we would love him. Our mission is simply to go out into both the world and the church and declare that loving grace through our songs." With honest struggles, understandings, and submissions anyone may face, they show a maturing relationship with God through their lyrics. This has certainly been an attractive quality to this album.
This album has been spinning in my player over and over. And it just continues to grow on me more and more. So, here are your marching orders: check out Cadet!
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #98Reviewed by John J. ThompsonOn their second at-bat for BEC Recordings Cadet has definitely kicked things up a notch. First they added a fourth-wheel in the form of keyboardist and guitarist Matt Lenhart. Then they worked up a batch of 11 killer pop songs (or 12 if you count the hidden dance-club disco remix of "High Tide") Frontman and vocalist Ryan Smith brings his impeccable pipes and a sack full of thoughtful and hooky…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Josh McConnellCadet (no, not the dry cleaners, the band) has recently released their sophomore release titled The Observatory. While it is a little different soundwise from their previous endeavor, it is still a really enjoyable album overall. The group has left their punk-like sound and has now brought a rockier adventure for us to enjoy. This is noticeable as soon as you pop it in and start listening to…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Bert GanglThe 2001 self-titled debut from Eugene, Oregon's Cadet seemed almost like the work of two groups. On the one hand, songs such as "Precious One" and "Land of the Living" highlighted an outfit well-versed in the subtle intricacies of the achingly sweet, three-and-a-half-minute classic pop odes of artists like the Beach Boys and the Raspberries. Tracks like "Talent Show" and the equally…Similar sounding releases
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