Resound Radio | Album Reviews

Smile, It's the End of the World

Hawk Nelson | November 1st, 2006

Being somewhat new to the scene of Christian music, Hawk Nelson seems to have no problem at all when it comes to capturing adoring fans and producing great music. Although the band did not skyrocket with the release of their first album Letters to the President, their fame is definitely continuing to rise. Hawk Nelson, a power pop/punk rock band whose members are native to Canada, is currently signed with Tooth & Nail Records. Not only does Smile, It's the End of the World present more variety in styles, but also two new band members. Jason Dunn and Daniel Biro still assume their positions as lead vocals/keys and bass guitar, respectively. However, Jonathon Steingard has taken the role of lead guitar while Aaron Tosti shows off on the drum set.

Smile, It's the End of the World kicks off with “The One Thing I Have Left,” an up-beat song featuring catchy guitar riffs and strong vocals that speak of the realization of just how imperfect we as humans really are. The second verse portrays this fairly well, And I swear we were born to let you down / We scream but never make a sound / We point but don't know which direction / We are America right now. Next in line on the album are two more rockin' songs with more laid-back messages directed toward young audiences, “The Show” and “Bring 'Em Out” (the latter was performed by Hawk Nelson in the party scene of the movie Yours, Mine & Ours). “Everything You Ever Wanted” and “Zero” are the kind of songs that give you chills each time you give them a listen. Inspirational lyrics such as, Then I woke up to no one / Just a picture of Jesus / In a house left in pieces from “Everything You Ever Wanted,” backed with subtle distorted rhythms seem to search you until you can relate. “Head on Collision” features soothing guitar pick patterns in the verses with some keys mixed in and then cranks up a bit for the chorus. “Hello,” one of Hawk Nelson's more recognized tracks, gives viewers a taste of just how creative this band is. The second verse contains a line in French and there is a kazoo solo following the bridge of this crowd-pleaser. The rest of the tracks on this sophomore album definitely display the improving talents of Hawk Nelson by providing high-energy rhythms and great harmonies. However, the majority of the tracks seem to sound a bit repetitive. Good talent, but each track generally has the same tone.

Taken as a whole, Smile, It's the End of the World is a fun album with sweet guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and laid-back as well as meaningful lyrics. Every album has its “flaws,” and every listener has different opinions as to what those “flaws” are. However, one should not judge a product before experiencing it first. So get out there and soak in the sounds of Hawk Nelson. This is definitely an album to be invested upon by fans of FM Static, Stellar Kart, Everyday Sunday, or The All-American Rejects.

Reviewed by Jenna Rothhaar on November 10th, 2007

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