Album Review: Say Anything - Say Anything

Say Anything have definitely have had a coloured and well-documented history with Max Bemis' bout with his bi-polar disorder and personal problems often being highlighted. Add to his numerous members coming and going, which have now been resolved and leads us to this 'Say Anything', the bands 4th album (if you include 'Baseball') and one that shows a band that are finally comfortable in their own skin.

It is an album that sees all that was good with the bands previous releases, being turned up a notch with the ending result being a exceptional record. From the start 'Say Anything' is more postive, upbeat and poppy than past efforts. However fans of Bemis' witty, somewhat sarcastic and dark lyrics do not have to fear a major change, as Bemis' ironic tone is consistent as ever; see 'Hate Everyone', 'Property', and 'Crush'd'.

Whereas 'Do Better' is insanely irresistibly with its simple structure and style. Its clean drum beat and uncomplicated central lyric of "you could do better, you could be the greatest man in the world", makes it one of the many highlights of this record.

'Eloise' shows the band are capable of writing a radio rock song and 'Cemetery' is charming with female backing vocals and the line of "your in my body" will soon get stuck in your head, as will various other lines and hooks throughout this 13 track wonder.

Bemis' songwriting is as ever a high level, as he always manages to grab the listeners attention whether it be through his confident tone or the slightly humorous content. 'Death For My Birthday' shows this as Bemis' interesting lyrics are blended with a well-paced, enjoyable tempo.

Musically it is a record that does not confine itself to one genre but at the same time it rarely expands, although there are subtle hints that they can ('Less Cute' makes good use of brass instruments). The bands hook-filled fierce rock songs sound huge and consistent from start to finish. Their previous releases had plenty of potential and this record shows they have definitely lived up to that, as Say Anything are now a band who are more than capable of doing anything they want and more.

Don't be surprised when Bemis and company end up in a few end of year lists next month.

5/5

'Say Anything' by Say Anything is released now in the US on RCA Records.

Official Website
Say Anything on MySpace