Artist: Lifehouse
Album: Self-Titled
Label: Geffen Records
Rating:
Reviewer: Lauren DiPilla

With the help of producer John Alagia (John Mayer, Dave Matthews), Lifehouse has dropped the heavy guitars and gone for a lighter sound this time around. The Los Angeles trio is probably most remembered for 2001’s megahit, “Hanging By a Moment” off their debut album, No Name Face. Their new self-titled album (released March 2005) has a quiet quality that their other stuff hasn’t had. The songs are slower and all seem to have the same tempo. I was very unimpressed by the sound. Every song seemed to start off the same way, which after 12 songs got to be a bit tedious. The single that is currently out now, “You and Me,” has the distinction of being the most unique song on the album. With it’s catchy chorus, “Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do/Nothing to prove,” and relatable lyrics, I can imagine that this song will be played at every high school prom this coming year

A couple of the more interesting songs include “Undone” and “We’ll Never Know,” both of which I believe have potential of being future singles. “Undone” is one of the faster paced songs on the album while “We’ll Never Know” has that chorus hook that radio loves so much. Part of the chorus to the latter is: “And we're not gonna live forever/Can you tell me is it now or never/I'm not gonna make up your mind.” When I first heard the song “Chapter One,” Rufus Wainwright came to mind instantly. I believe it stems from the way the keyboards and vocals match up and the way singer/songwriter Jason Wade’s voice is at a higher pitch than the other songs on the album. The flow of the song, quiet, calm and melodic, also contributed to the Wainwright comparison. Wade’s lyrics are poetic and his voice carries every word to perfection, yet the sound itself is what needs a slight change. Every song is ballad-like and lacks distinction. It’s the standard guy rock band sound, but on every cut on the album.

Overall, Lifehouse is a very low key cd, especially when being compared to No Name Face and Lifehouse's sophomore album, Stanley Climbfall. The group has succeeded in putting to rest any Creed comparison with this album. It is good, but not amazing. It’s perfect for when you need mellow music to relax or times you just want subdued music in the background. Though the sound is different for the group, it is nothing new or surprising. I do give them a thumbs up for trying something a little different. It shows they are willing to evolve even if it may not be the most commercial way to do it.