Train "California 37"

     As I hitch a ride on a train to get to California 37, I hope to myself that “This Will Be My Year.” The catchy chorus and poppy instrumentals are a nice way to start this album right as it sounds very optimistic, but in truth I prefer the lyrics, the history lesson and the tale that unfolds a lot more. The first single is next, and is not just a mere “Drive By” on the broadcast highway; It is especially hooky and modern-sounding, absolutely primed for radio overplay, but not one of my favorites I will admit. Track three is one of those ballads that border on a lullaby, which sure “Feels Good At First” but also the second time, third, and sounds like it would be fine on a Matt Nathanson album.                                                                                               Scars not only make for better conversation, but also make for more thought-provoking or emotionally enriching music. This song is also very catchy, and has a strummed riff that proves these “Bruises” gave this sister some soul. This next song is a standout for its nod to mariachi, and reminds me of a track off of 21^st Century Breakdown; because while that record was very cohesive, that song stood out as my favorite. It is more of an audio peacekeeper, and not as engaging (soundwise), as the aforementioned, but lyrically more engrossing as you laugh and learn of “50 Ways to Say Goodbye.”                                                                      The whistlin’ hook is a good match for the acoustic strumming and piano, but “Even Bieber ain't forever” is probably one of the best lines ever, after waiting for a long enough time “You Can Finally Meet My Mom.” The next song is one that we can “Sing Together” at a campire, while we learn that this “Mermaid” has a two-step, and can tell a good story. The title track’s hip hop flavor spiced with some horns make the most of the two minutes and twelve seconds as “I was looking for some heaven/There's no need to look no more/California 37/Took me right to heaven's door.”  The second last song confirms to the band’s statement “We Were Born For This” whether it is the well of emotion regarding the first half, or the song followed by the energy supporting the bridge, and or the little bagpipe boy toward the end. I can say that “When The Fog Rolls In” you can find the guiding light surrounding a supreme being that many would have no fear in proclaiming his glory. I really don’t like to preach, so I will have this song do all that for me; they don’t explicitly state anything of the subject, but the sound lends your thoughts to believe so. Favorites: This is Gonna Be My Year, 50 Ways To Say Goodbye, Mermaid, California 37, and We Were Born For This.