Photo from musicfeeds.com.au

By Rebecca Brooks
Staff Writer

We the Kings are best known for their hit single “Check Yes Juliet,” which debuted in 2007 as a single off their eponymous debut album.

I have known of the band for quite some time now, but do not avidly follow them as a fan. Despite this, I still found their album quite enjoyable upon my first listen.

Their newest album, “Strange Love” delivers a very diverse sound throughout its entirety. The album encompasses sounds that range from slower, more melodic songs that appeal to the soul to faster songs that are more drum and guitar driven.

Each song sounds different than the rest, appealing to a variety of different music tastes. Everyone can find at least one song that they enjoy on this album because of its wide range of sounds, while still remaining a true alternative/indie album.

The opening track, “Love Again,” gives the album a lot of promise to be exceptional. Being my personal favorite track off the album, it is very guitar driven and rhythmically fast, automatically grabbing your attention and holding it throughout the entire song.

The next track, “Howl at the Moon,” provides a different, yet still alternative sound. It is lighter in nature than “Love Again,” giving more of a pop rock vibe that could definitely garner some radio play.

As the album continues on, things start to slow down a bit, reaching more somber, melancholic songs.

The song “Xo,” featuring Elena Coats, proves to be a highlight for the style off the album, Elena and lead singer Travis Clark’s voices complimenting one another.

“Jenny’s Song” is another track that is notable for its slow, acoustic feel. I personally loved how the song showed off Clark’s vocal talent, which the other tracks did a less than stellar job of showcasing.

The tenth track off the album, “Runaway,” was also  an enjoyable ballad, encompassing less alternative instruments such as the piano and violin. As a violinist myself, I particularly enjoyed this song, even finding myself eager to learn how to play the violin part on my own.

Overall, while I am not a big fan of the alternative/indie rock scene, We the Kings did a great job of making their album enjoyable for all, no matter what their particular niche in music is.

Though it may have come out on the same day as Adele’s album, which may cause it to be overshadowed, I think everyone should give this album a chance and listen to it. I don’t think anyone will be disappointed.