While the singles “Hate Me” and “18th Floor Balcony” have been getting radio play for months now, Blue October’s new CD, Foiled, had its release pushed back. It has finally come out and the two singles should have been fair signs as to what to expect. And if it wasn’t, the cover art that resembles poop wrapped in foil should have told you.
Ok, let me backtrack just a little bit. Blue October lives in one of the suburbs of my town. I’ve seen them four times in less than a year. They put on a great show. The lyrics are genuine and their sound isn’t overwhelming or underwhelming, matching the honesty of the words. What I am saying is, how you feel about Foiled depends a great deal on what makes you a Blue October fan.
I am a fan because I love the clearness in Justin Furstenfeld’s voice as he sings his touching songs. I love the beautiful violin and great guitar work that accompanies Justin in such a way that you can understand the realness to the emotions behind the words. My favorite songs tend to be the ones where these things come through clearly and leave no doubt surrounding them (“Independently Happy” and “Inner Glow”). If the lyrics alone draw you in, Foiled is definitely a great one to add to your collection. If you’ve ever thought Blue October needed more synthesizers and voice distortion, you will most certainly love Foiled.
I’ve never found myself thinking any band at any time has needed more synthesizer or voice distortion.
Similar to Consent to Treatment and History for Sale, the 13 tracks on Foiled are well written. And they’re catchy. It isn’t a terrible CD and it is quite enjoyable; it just isn’t what I was expecting or hoping for from Blue October.
The problem with Foiled is in its production. I think it is over-produced. There are too many layers to distract you from the beauty of Blue October. It isn’t a low-fi production, but it almost sounds distorted due to all the layers playing on top of each other. And because I’m a fan of Justin Furstenfeld’s voice, the fact that his voice almost sounds as if static is played on top if it in some tracks is not my cup of tea. He almost sounds mechanical. Not to say he isn’t great, but the difference in the sound detracts from the authenticity behind the words. It isn’t as raw and doesn’t really allow those emotions to seep in, take over, and lead you on a journey of your inner soul.
Article comments
1 - Clarissa Silva
"In fact, after a more classic song like "Hate Me", "Let It Go" kind of pisses me off. Perhaps it was simply extremely poor planning to put it in that order."
If you know the history behind the band and listen to the lyrics of the songs on Foiled, you'd see there's no "poor planning" to it. The album tells a story -- of Justin's evolution through, acceptance of and letting go of a bad relationship before allowing himself to take a chance on a new relationship. The songs are ordered so as to tell that story.
I will admit I came to Blue October late in the game, but I still listened to most of their previous work before Foiled was released. While the current album may be more produced than older ones, I don't consider it worse. It is an evolution of a band with a unique sound and soul-encompassing lyrics.
That may be what makes Blue October so good. They can be Blue October without sticking to only one kind of sound.
2 - Lisa
Ive only heard one of blue octobers songs and its "hate me" i am absolutly adicted. the lyrics have meaning and Justins voice is so great. I hope the rest of the songs i hear from them sre just as good as "hate me" wich is a must hear
3 - MY OPINION ONLY MATTERS
SO THIS ALBUM JUST STRAIGHT UP SUCKS, THE ONLY GOOD SONGS ARE: HATE ME AND INTO THE OCEAN. THE OTHER SONGS SOUND HORRIBLE, JUSTIN'S VOICE IS DEVASTATING TO THE EARS. THIS ALBUM SHOULD COLLECT DUST IN YOUR CLOSET.
4 - NIKKICUTSU
JUSTIN, I LUV....U!!!! I AM A NEW FAN (SINCE FOLIED) I HAVE CONTINUED TO OWN EVERY OTHER CD AND VIDEO OF BLUE OCTOBER,CANT GET ENOUGH :) SAW U IN CONCERT IN OC,CALI LAST WEEK....U ROCK!!!!!!!! I AM ADDICTED AND WILL CONTINUE BEING A FAN 4 A LONG TIME. THANK U. XO NIK [Personal contact info deleted]
5 - dennis
I respect where Blue October is coming from but they have managed to make a whole album of the same song. Too bad, really.
6 - Healing, too
Don't you people ever stop and listen to yourselves?! Writing and singing music is Justin's way of coping with his own mind and feelings. Therefore the healing process begins. I would think that "BLUE OCTOBER FANS" would support them and put Blue October's feelings in the same equation as their own feelings. Bands have to stay true to themselves! I am proud of Blue October for doing exactly that! I sincerely hope and wish the best for them down the road with this kind of PASSION for music, singing, and especially... the HEALLING.
7 - complain my way to success
WOW! NEATO! Another CD of Justin and the band coping with life. This is awesome stuff! Not only was "History for Sale" about coping, so is the new album! Greatest album ever!!!! I hope the CD after this one is Justin coping that his hot dog is uneatable after he dropped it!
8 - Skye
I do agree with a lot of this article, but I also believe that this album represents a lot of what Justin has gone to. It is very real, and you can tell when you see them live just how much emotion goes into their music. There is definately a lot less emphasis in Ryan's amazing talent with the Violin in this album, that comes out more when the songs are performed live.
By far my favourite song by them is Sorry Hearts, and the violin in it is amazing. But that's because I have the live acoustic version, where there's no altering. It's beautiful. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten to hear it live, next time they're coming to town I think I'll spam their myspace begging them to play it. Haha.
Anyways, I'm rambling. I do definately hear what you're saying.
-Skye
9 - Ray Mesa
I've been a fan of Blue October since I heard Hate me, But I later found other tracks that people really should listen to (the 21st, The Answers, Wieght Of The World, Schizopherina) Don't judge them by one cd is what I'm trying to say.
Justin is the only person that has yet to explain emotions that I myself could never say. To at all put this band down is insane, Go pick on Bright Eyes. Or any fan of ICP. These are people that are simply going no where fast.
I love this band, I love this cd, So much that I should go into rehab for it.
10 - Chris
This isn't a personal attack, it's an attack at your review... You start by totally dissing the cd then you follow that up by half hearted praise. If you aren't familiar with the band then you would understand. So shut the hell up and go listen to your Radiohead or Green Day that everyone thinks is so great. Have a nice day.
11 - ummmm
ummm yeah, reviews usually list good and bad. this review seems to say the band is great while the cd isn't. and if they should shut the hell up, why the hell are you reading a review anyway?
12 - christopher ryan price
ya know what justin talks about all the sad stuff but what about the ppl that were there befor they were even big back in the rodan record days this is the truth he was my counsler at the -brown schools in san marcos- he taught me poetry and alot of other stuff i just think its funny how after bumping into him at charlies of austin he dissapeerd i know jermey hates me and i guess he has good reason to i mean he work there to and by the way brown schools is a mental hospital for the youth hell im a totall metalhead i dont even listen to the band but what i can say is i used to consider him a mentor and friend now i dont even consider him
13 - T tad
I can't seem to get the hidden track on foiled? HELP?
14 - T tad
Does it automaticly play after "18th Floor Balcony?"
15 - jag
you gotta wait for that hidden track.... which feels like a half hour, but i never timed it.... just forward the song, youll hear it.
16 - Ray Ellis
I know you have a lot on your plate, Mr. Rose, but shouldn't comments like #16 above, and that current Tatu thread be summarily trashed?
17 - Christopher Rose
Ray, yes and no respectively! Of course, having done that, you're #16 now, so it appears you're calling for your own comment to be deleted, lol.
18 - Ray Ellis
Wise guy--why I oughtta--