Send "Taking Back Sunday " Ringtones to your Cell 
| Absolutepunk |
 When the original lineup of Taking Back Sunday officially announced their reunion, expectations grew for their new album…no, they skyrocketed. The Tell All Your Friends lineup that, let’s be honest, put together Taking Back Sunday’s best album, and of course, their signature album. But, the band quickly stated that their reunion was not meant to make a Tell All Your Friends - part two; it was surely disappointing at first, but we all get over it. Plus, the songs released prior to the album all were great. But, does Taking Back Sunday really live up?“El Paso” kicks the album off, immediately reminiscing 2006’s Louder Now, as it’s just as loud and fast-paced as that collection of songs. Background screams throughout the chorus courtesy of John Nolan somewhat recall the old Taking Back Sunday, but the metallic riffs and strong production won’t allow it. In complete contrast, “Best Places to Be a Mom” is just as old-school as Taking Back Sunday get. It’s that Tell All Your Friends driving guitar, rough-vocal/clean-vocal exchange that we’ve all been waiting for since, well, 2002. It’s a strong, upbeat song with a huge chorus and is easily going to get stuck in the heads of many. Honestly, it's one of the best Taking Back Sunday songs written in a while. But then you run into “Sad Savior," and it’s a little more mellow than the first three tracks. The chorus should make for a great sing-a-long, as “You don’t have to pretend to be an orphan anymore” is simple, yet catchy, and the overall feel is very put-your-hands-up-and-sway-esque. “Who Are You Anyway?” and “Money (Let It Go)” are both sort of a new territory for Taking Back Sunday, especially the former, which sounds like The Police. They still have that Taking Back Sunday sound, of course, as Nolan and Lazzara trade vocals throughout both tracks, but the bass line of “Money (Let It Go)” is very reminiscent of The Police. I’m not sure what “Who Are You Anyway?” reminds me of, but the drum pattern and guitars are seemingly new for Taking Back Sunday....full text |
| Ultimate-guitar |
| Sound: For those fans of Taking Back Sunday's 2002 release "Tell All Your Friends", it should be satisfying to know the alternative rockers have returned to the lineup featured on that debut record. In the process the new eponymous release doesn't stray too far out of the band's comfort zone, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. After all, Taking Back Sunday captures a fairly nice balance between the pop and rock worlds. One could argue there is definitely a stronger pop vibe on the latest album, but the emotionally driven vocals of Adam Lazzara often provide a much-needed edge in any case. The record kicks off with actually one of the best tracks of the 11, "El Paso". While the tempo isn't necessarily the most energetic at first listen and the verse is stripped down to just percussion and vocals at times, it allows for the larger-than-life, screamed chorus to basically slap you in the face – in the best way possible. The arrangement is one of the most unique on the self-titled album and "El Paso" ends up being one of the most aggressive and refreshing offerings. The biggest issue with the record is that the aggressive side of the band does tend to get overshadowed by the pop sensibility on the remaining tracks. If there's one constant that you'll find on the new album is the presence of big, sing-along choruses. Producer Eric Valentine has put a great emphasis on layered vocals, with Lazzara's harmonies often taking the spotlight. "Faith (When I Let You Down)", "Who Are You Anyway", and "This Is All Now" all feature Taking Back Sunday's chorus crescendos. While the reliable, instantly likable choruses are satisfying, the moments that are truly fantastic are when the band delves into garage rock ("Money (Let It Go)") or perhaps just embraces their inner emo nature ("Call Me In The Morning"). // 7 Lyrics and Singing: The lyrical content is undoubtedly aided by Lazzara's intense delivery, but even without that ace in the hole there are more than a few intriguing lines on the self-titled release. In "El Paso" you get bizarre lyrics like, "My eyes got sore, oh, those perverts are sick; I have the truth on my tongue; Hadn't know until when; What I wanted to know, whether god was away; Cause I was there as you, you play." At the other end of the spectrum is "This Is All Now" that features content that has an in-your-face message ("I know you mean well; With your ancient code of ethics; Lead by example; Can you imagine Christ hitting a child?"). There are undeniable eye-raising instances in the lyrical content, which does bolster songs that might just be so-so otherwise...full text |
| Revolvermag |
| Most people weren’t sure what to expect when emo icons Taking Back Sunday reinstated their original lineup in 2010, seven years after guitarist John Nolan and bassist Shaun Cooper left the band. However the time apart seems to have been a blessing in disguise—and the members’ musical and personal growth is evident on everything from melodic anthems like “Best Places To Be A Mom” to moody meditations such as “This Is All Now.” Anyone worried that the last decade had dulled TBS’ edge, a listen to the post-hardcore rager “El Paso” confirms that it’s never been sharper. JONAH BAYER...full text |
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