I 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 was much confusion as to if they were a "Christian" band. When they came back in 2000 with Emotion Is Dead, their sound was changed almost drastically and the emotion in the music and lyrics was running full-force.
Although there were some changes between the two releases, they were all for the better. Every song, including the instrumental tracks, is exciting and something different. Whether it's the poppy, fun "We're At the Top of the World (To the Simple Two)" or the kicking "If I told You This Was Killing Me, Would You Stop?." It's hard to get bored easily.
PROS: The variety of song-types found on this album is wide. There's a few pop tracks, a few that are more mellow, a handful of modern rock-esque tracks, and even a pop-punk song, "Understand The Dream Is Over" which sounds something like New Found Glory.
CONS: Ok, so track number nine, "Something Isn't Right Here," grew on me but it may not go over as well for people who enjoy the harder sound of "To the Tune of 5,000 Screaming Children" or "If I told You This Was Killing Me..."
Favorite tracks: This is hard but I'll most likely find the following stuck in my head: "This Is Your Life," "Is Patience Still Waiting?," "If I Told You This Was Killing Me, Would You Stop?," and "Into The Dark."
Overall: The Juliana Theory is a quality band that doesn't come along too often. I suggest you pick a copy of Emotion Is Dead up.
Amber's Score: 5/5
Other coverage for this album
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 Tom BastianI 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,…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
2000Jebediah / Jimmy Eat WorldJebediah & Jimmy Eat World
2005Daphne Loves DerbyOn the Strength of All Convinced
2003DuvallVolume & Density
2003Elemeno PLove & Disrespect
2004AnadivineZoo
2003The ActualSongs on Radio IdahoMore from The Juliana Theory
2005Deadbeat Sweetheartbeat
1999The Juliana Theory Was The Only Thing I Learned At Dawson High
1999Understand This Is a Dream
2001Music From Another Room
2003Live 10.13.2001
2003Love
