Blogcritics Author: Mike D'Orazio

Music Review: Coheed & Cambria - No World For Tomorrow

Mike D'Orazio — Wed, 7 Nov 2007 18:54:44 EST

Coheed & Cambria's albums have improved with every effort.
The only thing “progressive” about Coheed & Cambria is that all of their previous albums have progressed to the release of No World For Tomorrow with improvement on every effort.The officially titled Good Apollo I’m Burning Star IV, Vol. 2: No World For Tomorrow, or NWFT for short, is the second volume of the fourth and final...

Why 50 Cent Is A Fake

Mike D'Orazio — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 19:51:50 EDT

Like Nas said, "F**k a bum, whack rapper making his career outta dissin."
When I think about how the whole Kanye West vs. 50 Cent thing started, naturally I knew it was a publicity stunt. Two guys, talking shit to each other to start a buzz right before their records come out. The thinking is, the more controversy, the more sales. Jesus, they were even on the cover of Rolling Stone. Face to face on stage at the MTV Video...

Announcement: Short-content feeds

Phillip Winn — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT

Sunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding.

Concert Review: The Cool Kids at The Blind Pig - Ann Arbor, MI - 8/4/07

Mike D'Orazio — Tue, 7 Aug 2007 09:28:01 EDT

Are they old school? Are they new school? Are they really the ‘new black version of the Beastie Boys?’If you don’t know who I’m referring to, they call themselves The Cool Kids, an up-and-coming hip-hop duo out of Chicago composed of two members: Chuck Inglish and Mikey Rocks.“Sayonara to afros and old flows.”Family, friends, hip-hop headz, music lovers, regulars, first timers, and everyone in between were all there to see them perform at The Blind Pig last Saturday in Ann Arbor, Michigan.Ann Arbor is somewhat of a crossroads for Chicago and Detroit alike, a spot where everyone can meet in the middle. It has long been a resting spot for blues, Motown, punk and techno. The Blind Pig has hosted numerous famous acts: MC5, Bo Diddley, Nirvana, and Jimi Hendrix, just to name a few.On Saturday night, the 30-year-old nightclub hosted none other than The Cool Kids for their first Michigan performance. For Inglish, who was born in Detroit and raised in Mount Clemens, it was somewhat of a homecoming.“Welcome to Bedrock.” Bedrock indeed. The group hit the stage at about 12:30 a.m. after a long anticipation had been built up by the crowd. As Mikey encouraged everyone to “Come check the noise / It’s the new black version of the Beastie Boys,” they fittingly spun right into their own version of the Beasties' “Paul Revere.” They kept the crowd jumpin’ throughout their entire set. From the old school sounding “88” with heavy guitar and hollow snare, to the heavy bass-thumping “Flossin.’” They separated “people from the squares like a nicotine patch.”Inglish, donned in Gucci frames and red Nikes, and Mikey, laced in gold chains and a pair of Jordan’s, rocked their newest jam “Pump Up The Volume” in true Eric B & Rakim form. And if you know anything about The Cool Kids, you know they love their bikes. (See: Black Mags)“I gets busy as a bee with my bike grips.”Speaking of gettin’ busy as a bee, that guy Mikey… he-he-he rocks. And if you don’t believe me, then kick rocks. “Action Figures” and “I Rock” (formerly known as “Mikey Rocks”) are a testament to that. Just look at this dude and the way he floss! Both jams were rocked in Ann Arbor that night.The Cool Kids kept the crowd movin’ and dancin’ the entire show, because if your friends don’t dance, then they ain’t no friends of mine. They handled their biz till they had the achin’ ribs. With a different level of coolness than most kids, the “C-O-O-L-K-I-D-S” have begun their takeover. Are you ready? The music speaks for itself. Head to the polls for the voting. Check them out at: Their Myspace page, Mickey Rocks Myspace Page, and Chuck Inglish's Myspace page. *All photos by Mike D'Orazio

Mike D'Orazio is a writer. He loves to write and has been doing so for several years. He currently resides in his hometown on the east side of Detroit, Michigan. Let him know if you enjoy this site by leaving comments or e-mailing him at dorazio.mike@gmail.com Check out his blog at here

Music Review: Common - Finding Forever

Mike D'Orazio — Thu, 2 Aug 2007 08:03:20 EDT

One of Chi-town’s rap gods is back and he’s looking to be here… forever.Rapper Common, or more commonly known as Com, follows up 2005’s Grammy nominated Be with Finding Forever, his seventh studio album in 15 years. What has he been doing in between albums you ask? Well for one, he started an acting career. With starring roles in Smoking Aces and the upcoming American Gangster, not to mention making this album, he’s been busy to say the least.The title Finding Forever, is the quest to make “forever music,” according to Com. He says the album's title "really means to find a place in music where you can exist forever.” “I’m becoming more confident in who I am as a person, as a man,” Common said. “And I think, too, that at a certain point you just got to be like, ‘Man, I’m just going to make some music that feels good.’ I can’t be thinking too hard about what this cat is thinking over here or what’s going on in hip-hop. I ain’t even paying attention to that. I’m just making music. I write love songs, point blank, and I ain't ashamed of it," Common stated.The quest for forever begins with the first single “The People.” With Kanye West on the track and Com on the raps, it’s easy to “find peace in beats and breaks.” The second single, “The Game,” also features ‘Ye on the beat with scratching/mixing by DJ Premier. With this one, you see Com’s harder side as he talks about his status in the rap game: “My favorite was Kane, now I’m dope with weight in the game / You was hot, but can’t stay in the flame.” After the intro, the first song entitled “Start the Show” has ‘Ye on the beat with a slow pace. One lyric stands out in particular: “With twelve monkeys on stage, hard to see who’s a gorilla / You was better as a drug dealer.” It makes you wonder if Com going at 50 Cent and G-Unit with this one.“Drivin’ Me Wild” features British pop star Lily Allen and a nice flow by Common. The song is the supposed third single off of the album. “I Want You” showcases will.i.am on the beat and single for a very sexy and sultry track. The album is executive produced by West. Nine of the 11 songs (not counting the intro) feature his beats. On “South Side,” Kanyeezy spits a hard verse, but gets a tad bit annoying on the hook. Com delivers blistering verses as well: “Your career is a typo / Mine was written like a haiku.” The track is sure to be a Chicago anthem.Throughout the album, you may think you are listening to the late James “Dilla” Yancey on several songs. But in reality, you are hearing Kanye’s best Dilla impression. According to Com, Kanye tried to chop the samples similar to Dilla’s style as a way of honoring him. However, there is one Dilla beat on the record found on the song “So Far To Go.” The track features a guest spot by R&B singer D’Angelo. The original version can be found on J.Dilla’s The Shinning. For this version, Com spits entirely new verses. Having Dilla on the album ties in with it’s title because in Com’s eyes, and many others, Dilla and his music are forever. So has Common found ‘forever?’ That still remains to be seen. He insists that “those that doubt Com will soon believe.” While the album is amazing, the effort falls just short of Be. Even still, Common on his worst day is better than 90 per cent of other rappers in the game on their best day.Album Grade: B+ Standout Tracks:- The People- The Game- Southside feat. Kanye West- So Far To Go- Break My Heart

Music Review: Sum 41 - Underclass Hero

Mike D'Orazio — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:44:55 EDT

Sum 41's new album, Underclass Hero, hasn't come without its hardships on the band. They were nearly killed during a 2004 documentary shoot in the Congo. The band also split with their management. Most recently, it was announced that long-time member and guitarist Dave "Brownsound" Baksh was leaving the band. Underclass Hero is their sixth studio release and first effort since 2005's Chuck.The record starts off with the title track and first single that quite frankly, sounds like every other Sum 41 song. Listen to it a few times. Doesn't this song sound distinctly familiar? Anyway, the rest of the album sounds like someone else's, not Sum 41's. "With Me" could easily be mistaken for Yellowcard and "March of the Dogs" might as well be a Green Day song.So, did they just decide to jock everyone else's style or what? Here's a prime example on the album: "So Long, Goodbye." Green Day anyone? "Good Riddance?" Anyone?Now, I'm not necessarily saying that these songs are so awful. What I am saying, or asking, is what happened? Sum 41 used to have their own sound. Now, they just sound like everyone else.There are a few upsides. "Count Your Last Blessing" ends up a nice track with some palm-muting and piano. But again, it just sounds a little bit too much like Linkin Park. On "King of Contradiction" they get pretty heavy and return to a little bit of their punk side. I'll get back to you on the rest of the upsides."Ma Poubelle" is a little diddy sang in French (I don't speak French, so if someone wants to get back to me on that, it would be great). "Best of Me" turns out pretty weak. The album is also littered with several anti-Bush references (Confusion and Frustration In Modern Times, March of the Dogs, The Jester).There is one huge factor in all this that can turn the tables for this album: the lyrics. Underclass Hero is lyrically far better than anything Sum has ever done. Several times, I found myself not liking the songs as they first began, but liking them by the end.However, it just doesn't sound like the old Sum 41. You can say it's because they're "growing up." You can say it's because they switched their style up. You can say it's because they lost a piece of the puzzle when their guitarist left. You can say that when frontman Deryck Whibley married Avril Lavigne, it softened him up (See: "Best of Me").Maybe you will say that Whibley thinks this album is way deeper than it actually is. Maybe you will say the album isn't all that bad because, hey, change is good. I happen to think that different is good... and I think it is time to start listening to something different.Album Grade: C

Mike D's Top 10 Summer Songs

Mike D'Orazio — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 23:08:36 EDT

Summertime! It's finally here. I know you feel it. Time to sit back and unwind. School's out and the clothes are coming off. Barbeques, pools, riding with the windows down and the wind in your hair. What else can you ask for? So here we go again, another installment of Mike D's Top 10. In descending order, here comes the Summer Songs.10. Bob Marley, "Jammin"Gotta start it off right with some Bob. "Jammin" is a feel good song. Nothing says warm weather and kickin' back like a Mr. Marley song. Let your worries drift away...9. The Who, "Summertime Blues"This is the song for all of you who will be working your butts off this summer. Working a lot means you'll have plenty of money, but not as much fun. Oh well. Ain't no cure for the summertime blues!8. The Lovin' Spoonful, "Summer In The City"Really hot days can lead to really hot nights, if you know what I mean. Put this one on when it's too hot to do anything outside. At night, it's a different world. Live it up!7. Justin Timberlake, "Summer Love"I'm not gonna lie, I love this song! The beat is hot, and JT describes every guy's goal during the summer. Amazing weather, plus falling in love, equals summer love.6. Bryan Adams, "Summer of '69"This song is all about the good ol' days of summer. The days when you were a kid and nothing else mattered except having fun. Like he says in the song, "Those were the best days of my life."5. The Beatles, "Here Comes the Sun"I love playing this song when spring and summer roll around. After long, gloomy days of winter, this one can pep you right up and bring a smile to your face. "It seems like years since it's been here." Damn right, George.4. Phil Vassar, "Six Pack Summer"For the record, I hate country music. But in all honesty, this song just makes me want to crack a cold one on a hot summer day. Of course, if I would have written this song, it would have been called "Twenty-four Pack Summer." Get on my level Phil.3. Don Henley, "Boys of Summer"This is a classic summer song. In a way, it kind of makes me sad. If this playlist was a story or movie, this song would come right after JT's "Summer Love" because it's about what happens after that summer love.2. Sublime, "Doin' Time""Summertime and the livin's easy." Now this, is what summer is all about people! Probably my favorite summer song to kick back to.1. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, "Summertime"How could this NOT be number one?! It is the ultimate summer song. The definition of summer. Like Will said, "It's like the summer's a natural afrodisiac." Time to sit back and unwind yall!Honorable Mentions:- Kool & The Gang, "Summer Madness"- Alice Cooper, "School's Out"- Notorious B.I.G., "Juicy"- Incubus, "Summer Romance"- R. Kelly, "Happy Summertime"

Music Review: T.I. - T.I. vs. T.I.P.

Mike D'Orazio — Mon, 9 Jul 2007 09:53:24 EDT

The battle within continues for rapper T.I. or should I say rapper T.I.P.? Either way, they’re both on the fifth studio release for the rapper(s) entitled… you guessed it, T.I. vs. T.I.P.Most T.I. fans thought the dispute between the two was settled back on the rapper’s second album with a song of the same title. But the feud has resurfaced and is now an album itself. The album is a concept record divided into three parts: T.I., T.I.P. and T.I. vs. T.I.P.“It’s the struggle of power between two personalities within one self,” T.I. explained. And with each segment “separated by a narrative explaining who each personality is.” There are three interludes/songs on the album: Act I, II and III. Part one is about T.I.P. coming to power and making wild demands of his record label. Part two is about T.I. waking up and hearing people saying he did things that he doesn’t even remember. On the final segment, T.I. and T.I.P. collaborate.For those who don’t know or might have a hard time telling the two apart, T.I. is a laid back business type. His flow is smooth and somewhat lazy. T.I.P. is a self described loose cannon. His flow is aggressive, fast and has an “I don’t give a fuck” attitude.“Big Things Poppin” is the first single off of the album, the beat provided by Manny Fresh. It’s been a hot song since it’s release and shows T.I.P.’s hard-hitting raps. The second single, “You Know What It Is” was produced by Wyclef and has a club-like feel to it. The two singles show the contrast of the rapper’s personas.On “Watch What You Say To Me,” T.I. teams up with rap great Jay-Z to send a message to the fake rap busters out there in the game. As expected, Jay steals the spotlight with his verse: “I hear you baitin’ me lately/I’ve been doin’ my best to stay hater-free/Still, watch what you say to me/Sooner or later I’ll take you up on your offer and put you all in your place like I’m replacing your father/You talking to the author/The architect of The Blueprint/My DNA in your music/Mothafucka’ you stupid?”The track “Hurt” features Alpha Mega and Busta Rhymes on the guest spots. The double bass makes for a fast-paced track. Producer Just Blaze laced the beat for “Help Is Coming,” a track where T.I. says, “Say hello to the man who can save hip-hop.”Undoubtedly, the song everyone will be talking about will be the collabo with rapper Eminem. Known for having split personalities of his own, Em teams with T.I. for a laid back track called “Touchdown.”While it’s really cool to hear the two on the same track, the song is flat out boring. Em’s verse is disappointing with his fake southern drawl and rapping about things that don’t even seem relevant to him.“Tell ‘Em I Said That” and “Respect This Hustle” are both hard songs with a beats provided by Timbaland protégé Danja (pronounced ‘Danger’). The song “We Do This” also adds a nice track to the album.However, songs like “Raw,” “Show It To Me” featuring Nelly and “Don’t You Wanna Be High” are decent, making you say “Ehh” when you hear them. It makes you wonder why songs with Lil Wayne, Akon, and Ciara were left off of the album.While the album T.I. vs. T.I.P. is a great concept, the record doesn’t meet the standards of what hip-hop fans might expect. And even though T.I. is a very skilled rapper, he is not skillful enough, nor creative enough, to pull of the dual personality battle on wax. It is often hard to tell which songs are T.I. and which are T.I.P. What we are left with is another average-at-best album from self-proclaimed King. Album grade: C/B-Standout Tracks:- Big Things Poppin- Watch What You Say To Me feat. Jay-Z- Hurt feat. Alpha Mega and Busta Rhymes- Tell ‘Em I Said That

Music Review: The White Stripes, Icky Thump

Mike D'Orazio — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 22:38:31 EDT

Effect and cause: the last song on the new White Stripes album or an explanation of the new White Stripes album? Effect: listening to Icky Thump repeatedly, several times a day or hour. Cause: Jack and Meg White. Regardless of my circular reasoning and logic, The White Stripes are back and better than ever with Icky Thump, their first studio release since 2005’s Get Behind Me Satan.The album starts off with the first single, also the same title as the album. It’s laden with heavy drums and a xylophone-sounding guitar. The song also contains some of the best rock lyrics written in a long time, great not only for its cleverness, but also its cultural significance: “What Americans? What? Nothing better to do? Why don’t you kick yourself out, you’re an immigrant too. Who’s using who, what should we do? Well, you can’t be a pimp and a prostitute too.”The album was recorded in Nashville over a three-week period. The band and the studio’s surroundings may have had something to do with the country influence of certain tracks like, “You Don’t Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You’re Told)” and “Effect and Cause.”However, the use of bagpipes and Mexican horns have unexplainable influences, but sound pretty damn cool anyway. Those bagpipes can be found on back-to-back songs, “Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn” and “St. Andrew (This Battle Is In The Air).”“Prickly Thorn” also features what sounds like a mandolin and continues directly into “St. Andrew,” where Meg says her words over a frantic bagpipe and guitar. The song makes you wonder if they’re talking about Detroit’s very own St. Andrew(’s Hall)…but no. St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland. Bagpipes. Scotland. Saint Andrew. Get it?The upbeat “Conquest” starts off with blaring Mexican horns and is on the mission from the start because…well, it’s a conquest. On “Bone Broke,” Jack resembles King Ad-Rock of the Beastie Boys at times during the verses. “300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues” has a laid back, funky feel with the verses. Jack’s guitar wails and aches during the solos.“Little Cream Soda” is one of the best songs on the album. Jack lets off frenzied, poetic verses. The guitar rocks heavily distorted riffs and sharply played solos. The drum skills of Meg White can be attested to in this song for all you doubters out there.Jack and Meg go back and forth over a blues riff on “Rag and Bone.” It almost sounds as if they were improvising the words right off the top of their heads as they recorded the song. Although comparisons could be made throughout the album, “I’m Slowly Turning Into You” sounds quite like a Zeppelin song. The breakdown riff is so heavy and so bluesy, you might wet yourself. The “lala-la-lala-la” over the screeching guitar at the end of the song is superb. One of the best on the album, without a doubt. Tracks like “A Martyr For My Love For You” and “Catch Hell Blues” are definitely good, but when compared to other songs on the album seem only decent.As a whole, the record is truly flawless. The experimentation mixed with the rawness of the music creates another almost entirely different album than anything we’ve heard from The White Stripes. While Meg’s consistent and steady drumming may go unnoticed by some, Jack’s ear-piercing guitar riffs will make your brain bleed and your eardrums fall out. Looks like they’ve done it again.Album grade: A

Music Review: Various Artists Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur

Mike D'Orazio — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 09:58:01 EDT

As John Lennon remains a symbol of peace, in life and death, so do his songs and lyrics. In remembrance of him and his message, the album Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur, brings together several artists to echo that message of peace to the rest of the world.The group Amnesty International has a long tradition of activism powered by music. It is more evident than ever with Instant Karma. More than 50 international recording artists and over 30 record labels have come together for this project. The album will be a benefit project to support Amnesty International’s campaign. It will help focus attention and mobilize activism around the crisis in the Sudan. That crisis has place millions of people outside of their homes in Dafur and neighboring countries. The crisis, beginning in February of 2003, is genocide at the hands of the Janjaweed militias, bands of fighters backed by the Sundanese government.In addition to spreading awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, the project also encourages individuals to take a stand by putting their name to Amnesty International's global petition, at the instantkarma website, which declares, "As a citizen of the world, I demand and end to the killing and mass atrocities in Darfur, Sudan.” Aside from the cause, the Instant Karma album boasts a heavy line-up of world-wide artists. Big time acts such as Aerosmith, Christina Aguilera, Black Eyed Peas, Green Day, Lenny Kravitz, and R.E.M. just to name a few. Other artists like Ben Harper, Jakob Dylan and Jack Johnson also contributed to this double CD collection. All of the acts put their own spin and style on these classic Lennon songs, such as “Power to the People,” “Gimme Some Truth,” and “Mother.”The 23-track album starts off with an amazing version of “Instant Karma” by U2. The song is about as close to the original as you’re gonna get. Aerosmith teams with The Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars for an interesting version of “Give Peace A Chance.” Aerosmith provides great rock verses while the Refugee All Stars back it with a reggae-style chorus.Lenny Kravitz gives “Cold Turkey” a funky feel and former Wallflowers lead singer Jakob Dylan and Mexican rock band The Jaguares perform their own renditions of “Gimme Some Truth.” Country duo Big & Rich put a down-south twist on a good version of “Nobody Told Me.”“Working Class Hero” is performed by Green Day and is an amazing punk-rock version to the Lennon original. The song is the first single off of the album. One of the best songs on the album is performed by English songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae. Her rendition of “I’m Losing You” is performed with a beautiful voice, accompanied by an electric piano, making it a really funky and soulful track.Songs like Avril Lavigne’s version of “Imagine” and Christina Aguilera’s version of “Mother” are decent at best and show some of the low points to the album. But then again, who will ever do it as good as Sir John Lennon himself? Exactly.All in all, a very nice and heartfelt album full of classic Lennon songs. The cause is on-point and so are the artists with this one.For more information, visit www.instantkarma.org. Album Grade: B Standout Tracks:“Instant Karma” by U2“Give Peace A Chance” by Aerosmith“I’m Losing You” by Corrine Bailey Rae“Working Class Hero” by Green Day

Music Review: Maroon 5 - It Won't Be Soon Before Long

Mike D'Orazio — Tue, 5 Jun 2007 11:16:48 EDT

Sexier. Stronger. Lyrically darker. Those are the words used by front man Adam Levine to describe Maroon 5’s second studio release It Won’t Be Soon Before Long.Those fans thinking they will hear something similar to Songs About Jane, think again. Levine and co. break all preconceived notions about their band. The band used four different producers, bringing a different feel to the album.Levine said the album “sounds more like Maroon 5” and hopes it will help change perceptions of who they really are. He also said that they’re “becoming their own band.” And by becoming their own band, they stick to their original blueprint for success with some minor changes in the mix.The 2005 Grammy Award winners took almost five whole years to completely their sophomore effort, the follow-up to 2002’s Songs About Jane. During those five years, co-founder and drummer Ryan Dusick left the group due to injuries suffered from touring. He was replaced by Matt Flynn, who gets his first opportunity to show his skills on this album.The twelve song album starts with an 80s-sounding song called “If I Never See Your Face Again.” Levine sings with a player’s attitude and confidence. The guitar is funky, just like the beat, giving the track an extremely sexy feel.But the funk doesn’t stop there. The second track and first single “Makes Me Wonder” is a smash hit of major funk proportions. It’s as catchy as wildfire and has been tearing up the charts. Despite the upbeat sound and funkiness, the lyrics are fairly cynical by Maroon 5 standards.“Kiwi” also incorporates the funk theme of previous songs. At first, you might think you’re hearing a Michael Jackson song. The track comes complete with Prince-like influence and a very nice guitar solo.“Wake Up Call” is scheduled to be the second single off of the album. The song has a hip-hop-esque beat, something different for M5. On this track, we hear what Levine spoke of when he said lyrically darker.In 2005, rapper Kanye West featured lead singer Levine on the song “Heard ‘Em Say” singing the hook. Levine expanded the hook into the song “Nothing Lasts Forever” for this album, one of the standout tracks. It’s a really mellow track with great lyrics.Another fast-paced song, “Can’t Stop”, provides a great rock song with a funky edge to the album. With this song, listeners can hear the sexier side of M5 that Levine spoke about. “Won’t Go Home Without You” and “Not Falling Apart” are tracks that sound similar to the typical Maroon 5 fashion heard on SAJ. The songs have a distinct Police/Sting sound to them.The piano and singing on “Better That We Break” are reminiscent of a Beatles song, but with classic Levine sounding vocals. The sad, downtrodden song will touch anyone who has broken up with a significant other and had a tough time with it.“Goodnight, Goodnight” and “Little Of Your Time” are relatively weak songs and sound whiny at times. They are the downsides of the album, without a doubt. The album closes out with “Back At Your Door,” a bluesy love ballad. It almost sounds like the type of song you might hear a female lounge singer performing.All in all, It Won’t Be Soon Before Long constitutes a solid sophomore effort by Maroon 5, especially with all the accompanying pressure to deliver from fans and critics. They have done just that…deliver.Album grade: BStandout Tracks: “If I Never See Your Face Again”“Makes Me Wonder”“Nothing Lasts Forever”“Back At Your Door”