I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from this album. I knew the band took quite a good bit of time in the studio on this one and I had heard from people who had heard the album, that is was different. Well yes it is different from their first full length, "Understand This Is A Dream", but yet it's still the same band and I don't feel as though the differences are that overwhelming. If anything, the band has just matured and gotten better overall. The songs on this album go from Jimmy Eat World type ballads to all out rock songs, to dreamy Pink Floyd esq. songs such at "You Always Say Goodnight, Goodnight". Brett's vocals are right on (I actually think he has one of the best voices in indie rock). The production is great, and the songs are both melodic, and catchy. Favorites for me include, "To the Tune of 5,000 Screaming Children" a song that seems to be vocally focused on their "Christian" critics... "We're not misinformed or misdirected, functioning on your subjective...Now how about a word or two on you? You're an alias, an email address. We lay a lot more out than you do. We won't be part of your revolution. So listen up, we're telling you this is a business. "We're At the Top of the World" is a great pop rock tune that if given the chance could eventually be heard on every "alternative rock" commercial radio station across the US as well as MTV's TRL. On track #5, "Is Patience Still Waiting?" you can tell that the members of this band are fans of Jonah/Far. Hands down the best song on the whole album is "Emotion Is Dead Part 1". The song starts out with a rather long and interesting introduction, then tears into what is probably one of the most aggressive Juliana Theory songs to date. Prior to hearing this album I had heard a few people say that some of the songs had an N'Sync/boy-band feel to them. I have to be honest that remark kind of scared me, but I do have to say that yes there is at least one song that I could see a band like N'Sync putting out, that song being track #9 "Something Isn't Right Here", although my guess is that the song is half joke, half serious.
On this album we hear everything from piano, strings, keyboards and drum machines to your typical rock band gear (guitar, bass, drums). The band and their producer did one heck of a job on this album. Definitely one of the best albums of the year.
A-
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by AmberI have listened to the Juliana Theory's second full-length album so many times it would probably make most sick. But I probably wouldn't do that with most other CD's and there are multiple reasons why. The Juliana Theory debuted on Tooth & Nail Records with Understand This is a Dream. During the time in between both releases a lot of criticism was thrown at the band for their lifestyle and there…The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by David MartinEvery now and then, I get the pleasure of discovering a wonderfully talented new band. A band whose music transcends the genre with which their albums are often tagged. A band whose lyrics - and even song titles - are at once intriguingly oblique and remarkably easy to relate to. A band who doesn't quite seem to fit into a niche, and receives misguided criticism from several sides, but lasting…The Phantom Tollbooth September 2000Reviewed by Michial FarmerIt's not cool to like The Juliana Theory. Despite the fact that their debut, Understand This Is a Dream, had some of the most beautiful melodies around and amassed great critical praise, kids all over the country attacked not only the band's music, but their personal lives as well. The band, of course, knows this, and that's why the third song on their new album, Emotion is Dead, gives the…The Phantom Tollbooth September 2000Reviewed by Andy ArgyrakisThe Juliana Theory is sick of musicians going through the motions when it comes to making a record. In fact, they are bold enough to claim that Emotion is Dead in today's scene, a statement that also is the title of the brand new disc. This time out on Tooth and Nail, the band is full of power and passion, as well as some emo inspired emotion. The project is certainly a step up further from their…Bandoppler 2000Reviewed by Earl CampbellNow see what you little brats did. You went and hurt The Juliana Theory's feelings, with your "sellout" emails, mocking reviews, and scenester back-biting. And you emo-pop groupies aren't in the clear here, either. It would seem that your "adoration" has been a source of aggravation and annoyance, too. You gotta give these boys props for brashness. "To the Tune of 5,000 Screaming Children" is a…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by Nate BaileyBeing a huge fan of the first full length from these guys, when I was told that their sound was different on the new album I was pretty much apathetic in picking it up. When I finally got around to listening to it, I was weary of what I was going to hear. The sound has changed, there's no getting around that, but while there are elements I don't like, there are some I do. Each song seemed a…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by Luke HarlowThe Juliana Theory managed to play the right music at exactly the right time. The indie rock fad has caught on in a big way. Indie rock has never had more support in the underground than it does right now, and while they have not been around as long as bands like Jimmy Eat World or the Promise Ring, The Juliana Theory seems to have been able to carve out a name for themselves, as evidenced by…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by Travis PersaudThis is Juliana's sophomore release, and quite the follow-up to their amazing, and critically acclaimed release, "Understand This Is A Dream." I've been looking forward to hearing this album with child-like anticipation ever since I heard "To The Tune of 5000 Screaming Children," a few months ago. That was one of the most energetic and emotionally charged songs I had heard from them since their…Art for the Ears 2000Reviewed by Marco PovervestAs a deejay I've got some titles here to practice first before daring to utter them before the listening audience. What do you think of To The Tune Of 5,000 Screaming Children or If I Told You This Was Killing Me, Would You Stop? And this way reviews can become quite lengthy too! On Emotion Is Dead The Juliana Theory took an even more poppy approach than on Understand This Is A Dream, their Tooth…Similar sounding releases
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