Pop-rock ensemble The Fray shows just as much heart as it does vulnerability on "Scars and Stories," the band's third album after a three-year-long recording hiatus, guided by notable producer Brendan O'Brien (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam).
Drawing on its previous commercial success (tracks such as "Over My Head (Cable Car)" and "How To Save A Life" set them on the fast track to pop-rock prominence), the group's latest effort is taking a performance-heavy marketing approach.
The band will be featured on the critically acclaimed Public Broadcasting Service program "Live From The Artists' Den," following in the footsteps of Adele, Bon Iver and Death Cab for Cutie.
In addition, the group teamed up with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. for its popular "Soundcheck" series, giving fans the chance to hear the group in a stripped-style performance and to check out behind-the-scenes footage of the Denver-based band.
Similar to previous records, the album is a mix of fast-paced singles (like the leading track "Heartbeat") and slow, melancholy tunes (like the piano ballad "Be Still").
Many of the band's contemporaries, ranging from Augustana to Relient K, have made an effort to use this popular formula of "pop plus piano" to create the perfect adult alternative sound, but The Fray has arguably taken control of the genre.
With its consistent radio-friendly singles ("Heartbeat" continues to climb the Billboard Hot 100 chart), the group has made a lasting impression on the ears of music lovers.
The mesh of fast and slow songs are evenly distributed among the 12-track record. Following the lead single is "The Fighter," its light guitar sound and gang vocals prominent behind singer Isaac Slade's smooth vocals, masking the melancholy lyrics.
Lamenting "loneliness has always been with me . . ./Maybe we were meant to be on our own," Slade has perfected the acute cry brand of vocalization, his gravelly tenor easily accenting the pain of the lyrics.
Yet, just as the band has demonstrated in the past, the underlying inspirational tone of the music transforms the dejected feeling to one that is motivational, no matter the lyrical content.
While "The Fighter" has instances of hurt laced in the lyrics, the underlying message of the music, through both the lyrics and the melody, shows off the band's ultimately positive outlook.
This song in particular, as Slade described to Denver Westwood Blogs, centers on "wrestling with doubt" and "fac[ing] your doubts, especially in a relationship."
Transitions from down-and-out mindsets to uplifted spirits take precedence in songs such as "48 to Go," a song about a romantic road trip.
The song "tak[es] it slow" and passes its relaxed mood to the audience, thanks in large part to lead guitarist Dave Welsh and rhythm guitarist Joe King's smooth, calming riffs and quiet backing vocals.
This encouraging sentiment is also prominent on tracks such as "Run For Your Life," the recently announced sophomore single. "You don't have to go it alone," Slade croons, encouraging both the song's subject and listeners alike to "not give up."
Songs like "Life" are also outlets showing their interest in the world around them (in 2010, Slade traveled to Africa, visiting with Rwanda's president, Paul Kagame, among other stops).
This creative spin on the band's global awareness is not only a way to see the world, but to inspire the members in their songwriting. (Slade ended up writing "Heartbeat" after his visit to Rwanda).
No adult contemporary album would be complete without the stereotypically romantic "seize the moment" ballad.
However, The Fray take that concept and make it too catchy and calming to pass up, with "Rainy Zurich" becoming a nice exhibition of Slade's upper register.
Heartfelt similes and thoughtful "what ifs" ("Maybe I'll find you, maybe I won't/Maybe I'll try to even if I don't . . .") punctuate the tune.
The slightly cliched lyrics are overshadowed by what is arguably Slade's best vocal performance on the record, drawing comparisons to the flowing style of Coldplay's Chris Martin.
The band is producing a slew of new live show advertisements, along with a nation-wide tour (which will be stopping at the Hard Rock Live Orlando on May 3).
The Fray's listener-friendly material continues to grow more heartfelt with time, indulging fans with its tried-but-true, easy going musical style once again.
"Scars & Stories," the third album from The Fray, brings many levels of lyrics that blend with poppy piano beats.
