Plain White Ts "Wonders of The Younger"

            Hey, There Delilah this song was written for you, the band got more recognition, and were stuck in the studio to make more songs just like it too. You know it's truuuuue.                                                                       How they tried, to make one of the greatest follow-up albums in time. Yes, in time.                                           Ohhhh, many people were disappointed, disgruntled and let down, but that is part of the life we know; not always easy to accept. I thought it was good, much better than good; a couple seconds of vocalizing and then the final guitar strum.             
              When they set out to record in the Big Bad World they set out to make an album that was much different than that of their peers; not only better, but one updating sounds from decades past. I thoroughly enjoyed the album, but others didn’t. From the song that tries to recreate that magic of the last album; you will know in 1,2,3,4. The one-two-three blow of the opening trio, the feeling that I get when that girl  looks at me, the quick delivery and harmonica-rock of I Really Want You, and a classic ending.          This album seems to deliver that proclamation even more readily; writing songs with a Beatles-like sensibility, yet keeping their own identity. The first verse of this “Irrational Anthem” has you believe they lost their pep, and they are no longer Wonders of the Younger. Before the second verse kicks in you will be thinking that Every Second Counts in a song.                                                                                                                      I try to avoid it, but this thought keeps on coming back to me like a “Boomerang.” I think of Matthew Thiessen and Relient K whenever I hear those harmonies and vocals; I also like the buoyancy and piano plinking before the second verse.                                                                                                                                    This is a song that magically transports you to a place without history, and might even elevate your mind if you were high. “Welcome To Mystery,” doesn’t make history, but it captures it.                                                      The first single is one of those songs that just bring a smile to your face as you sway to the “Rhythm of Love” I’m surprised that Tim Lopez does not sing lead more.                                                                                                     We can say it is unexpected, but a lullaby written by a hypothetical "Killer" may put you to sleep. In life, the question is how bad do you want it, but here "How bad would I have to be?" The deadliest of marine creatures under the sea (okay, that was not one of the options.) A good song, but you don't have to agree.         If I was at  my “Last Breath” I would proclaim that either 2009’s Relient K album had an influence or it is just coincidence. “Because I'm nothing but good to you/And you're nothing but wrong for me.” Now doesn’t that hurt?                                                                                                                                                                             The opening bass and rhythm silently shout abracadabra, like a “Broken Record.” The cracks are vintage, but it sounds like it was magically crafted to sound modern.                                                                                          “Our Song” is about a poor little puzzle who is a missing peace, and can hardly get sleep, sings to himself hoping she sings along. A little desperate, but you can only take separation from your love for so long: “Trying to kill all my time all day and night time until its our time/If I had it my way I'd be on the highway straight to our driveway."                                                                                                                                                                     This  next songs sounds like another nod to a group of Beatles that like to travel on an astral plane, because an "Airplane" is overdone, but the production work is not; it is just right.                                                              We return to that magical place, any body think of a certain wizard? Anyways, this time we are greeted by a rousing anthem for all the freaks in and outcasts. It has a muted-mariachi vibe which is really cool. AY!! The chorus sounds graphic and a little unsettling, but in the freak-show context it’s just another day at “Cirque Dans La Rue.”                                                                                                                                                                          Tim Lopez sings lead again on this sad lullaby that is an out of body experience; even if all these “Body Parts” are separated on the floor I can feel the beat of my heart as my feet head for the door.                                     The future is unwritten, it’s not set in stone, so it’s best “Make It Up As You Go.” The future can be scary, but if you knew what would happen would you bother trying to change it?                                                                  The title track sounds like it was last in hindsight, but was the last song for a reason. As these fifty odd minutes pass you by, it returns you to a nostalgic state by “Daydreams of castle and sad crystal balls/While your heroes on posters stand guard on your walls.” The “Wonders of The Younger” are yours to hold, as long as you remain yourself; amidst all those things that may seem wonderful, but will ultimately attempt to steal your soul for a little solace.