Yellowcard "When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes!"

   If this album had the ability to text this is what it would send me. “I know we have recently met, but I have something to ask you. Do YOU LOVE ME? You can take as much time as you want to answer, but all I ask is that When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes.” That is a lot to think about especially coinsidering that when they blew up in 2003 they were just one of a paroxysm of popular pop-punk bands on the radio, and in general, doing almost exactly the same thing as every other band, but with a violin. The title track gave me the urge to either laugh or throw up, especially when the lyrics were concerned. Let’s just say that after I decided to give it a chance with an open mind I appreciated the Lights and Sounds from Ocean Avenue a lot more, but that was after I heard the former; which was a definite progression from their sophomore CD, and a step in uncharted territory for them. With every record they kept getting better, and my first record that I truly loved whole heartedly was an album built on Paper Walls. It was the record I had the strongest connection with, and one I listened to the most; I must confess I probably should listen to their other records a little more. Regardless, If that was the last record they had made I would be fine with it because it was a very strong swan song; lots of energy, captivating compositions, speedy rockers, cool guitar solos, great violin work, slower somber songs, and etc. So how would their next record match up? Well, you can read more to find out.                                                                                                                                         “The Sound of You and Me” displays a duality between this relationship that starts off with some fighting (as per the song) which is hooked up with a speed violin infused pop-punk sound. The second half asks her to bring her defenses down and let love in as the violins float above a hooky guitar riff and catchy rhythm. I am a fan of the first single and second track that starts with off with some vibrant violin, a nice breakdown and a subtle touch to help make the ending perfect. The song is a mixture of both dynamics to create a quick paced song where speed is second to great songwriting; the catchiness of ocean avenue with the power of the takedown. If you still believe they write crud well this song is a gift “For You, and Your Denial.”  It just seems that life is better “With You Around.” When does that offend someone? I really do not think that the last record featured a downbeat mid-tempo song like this; the song may "Hang You Up" in trying to decipher why I made this into such a dilemma. I can see why this song is a single; who cannot relate to a song about two drifting hearts?  The charade that is a “Life of Leaving Home” for a musical vagabond, can also be misinterpreted as a life without H.I.M. If you are a fan of earlier Jimmy Eat World, it might be  a good idea to add this to your “Soundtrack.” This next track is probably the most inspirational out of all the others on this record, and has the same emotional impact as Dear Bobbie, or maybe more because it is not nearly as specific. The song is about survival through any type of tragedy and hardship that is thrown at us and the positive change that we create in spite of it. Just close your eyes, and life is but a dream, so live it while you can (cause we don’t know how long) and “Sing for Me.” I bet you that you cannot “See Me Smiling” as I listen to this song, maybe because you’re way away, because I’m not. I do envision this song performed over a cliff as waves crash, and water sprays on the avenue; if it’s any consolation, I do like the song. While this record does not have an engaging eponymous track to end the record, it does have an equally engaging ending track that urges us to “Be the Young.” My Favorites: The Sound of You and Me, For You and Your Denial, With You Around, Hang You Up, Life of Leaving Home, Sing For Me, and Be The Young.