The Fray "Scars and Stories"

           They promised that when working on their third album they would have some songs that are not typical of their sound, or that they were experimenting. Three albums in they sound the best they ever have on record; diverse in more than just sound. Remember, scars always make for better stories. The first song is nothing completely different, but still affects my “Heartbeat.” It has just the right amount of what you need from them, and what you want. The dreamy backing harmonies of the “The Fighter” during the chorus spar with the steady beat. The challenger is a worthy opponent, and adds something newer to the mix. There is something about this next song ,“And I don't know what it is, what it is, what it is about you/What it is, what it is but ohhh” you just “Turn Me On.” Maybe it is the slightly funky guitar tones, piano, rhythm, and attitude under that thick pop-rock sheen. The following track has a country aftertaste, “Run For Your Life!” I’m just kidding, I don’t mind country.                                                                                                                            I Don’t Wanna Wait before our lives are over, so I will tell you to be prepared for “The Wind” as you sail across the sea. If you do not prepare, you may be like me as “I try to kiss the emptiness/I lost the line between the sky and sea.” If you get blown away by the song you cannot say it was without warning. From a shanty to a tale of two brothers born in “1961” they continue the winning streak; the rhythm is great on this one, but the fact that falsetto is reached by Slade and those strings at the end are more memorable.  “No, it won't be the same again (to the ending, to the end)” when I reveal this as a metaphor to the Berlin, but your enjoyment should not be affected.                                                                                                                      I’m sure wherever you live, it doesn’t have to be in “Munich,” you question what is life? I have to say this song is the closest to present-day Coldplay, at least when backing harmonies are concerned. “Here We Are,” stuck in a swirling smoothie that blends dance-rock, lite funk, and blues, with a sprinkle of attitude and swagger; either it will quench your thirst or have you asking for more.  Two states in and "48 to Go," only two songs left and they’re taking it slow. A trip about an excursion Slade had with his wife when they got lost in each other (Not like that!!).When you have a trip you always go from point A to Point B and do things, but don’t always experience them, and this is what it’s about. “Missed an exit in Albuquerque/ We don't seem to mind at all/We pull over/The sun is burning/And we lay down to feel the rain fall. “Rainy Zurich” is full of moderate precipitation regarding a  prominent piano key piece during the chorus, and there is nothing left, but to “Be Still.” My Favorites: The Fighter, Turn Me On, The Wind, 1961, Here We Are, and 48 to Go.