Opaline bumps their discography up to 3 total releases with their last release in 1998. It features 11 tracks totaling 45 minutes of music. In these 45 minutes of music you will see a display that is both immersive and impressive. Dishwalla seems to have the perfect grip on the "softer" rock genre.

Opaline begins your journey with the album title track Opaline. It's a slow rolling, gloomy yet spirited song that is full of twists and turns. While trying to remain at a slow pace the band chose to mix things up with some
vocal effects as well as offering to you the flexibility of the lead singer; J.R. Richards. Richards shows his true talent as he declares impressive range and the ability to make his voice fit perfectly into the Dishwalla instrumental style. Angels Or Devils is my favorite track in the compilation. It is a slow mover that lacks original style, yet can easily be
classified as an amazing song. The song is well balanced, offering Dishwalla lyrics at their best. I could probably go on and on about this track, but I am going leave it to you to experience this tune. Somewhere In The Middle,
the albums single, is next up. This song picks up quickly; sounding off one of the more upbeat tracks on the album (reminds you of Collective Soul in a way). Although this songs sound isn't unfamiliar to the music scene it is a
softer sounding rock song that remains solid throughout. Every Little Thing follows the hit single. Some may agree that Every Little Thing should be the single and I would be one to agree. The track incorporates several nice techniques to captivate listeners. For example, the mood is dark, but the vocals are "enlightening" and easily understood. This is a lyrical gem.

The track When Morning Comes is next on the list. The band continues the slow gloomy mood that was established from the get go, but builds more character
from track to track. Each track is a slow progression from the last; however, all tracks are unique in sound. This track fits that mold to perfection. Home is yet another lyrical gem on the album. I often find it more satisfying to be able to relate to the band through their lyrics and
home is a great track to do so. The instruments are caught in the shadow of this track, as Richards finds himself busy relaying in the limelight. Today,
Tonight may be the weakest track out of the total eleven possible. The song seems to mimic the others too closely and lost my attention quickly. It's a well thought out song, but it's a bit redundant. Mad Life blasts out of the
gate moving at a faster pace than any of the tracks on the album. The song tends to remind me of that 1995 hit song; Counting Blue Cars. For that I tend to like this track less than I would have if it wouldn't have had that
feel, but all in all it is a good track. The lyrics are once again well written and the singer fulfills everything and more than what is asked of him.

CandleBum features a gentle sounding piano that is overrun by the drifting voice of Richards. The song is slow to wind up, but once all the instruments are added the song finds its full potential. Candlebum tends to
get a bit repetitive, but the overall sound is nice. It's a track to show the diversity in style. Nashville Skyline is the tenth track on the album. Its not an all out rocker, but the glaring guitars and shouting vocal style allow your imagination to run wild. Drawn out wouldn't be my choice as an album closer, but its there and we (the listeners) have to deal with it. It's too dark to be a closer, almost signifying that this may be the last album from the group. The song itself is a plain-jane type of song that will
most likely see the skip button on your player several times. There isn't much new to say about it, it's a dud.

Track List:
01 (04:10) Opaline
02 (04:03) Angels or Devils
03 (03:42) Somewhere in the Middle
04 (04:26) Every Little Thing
05 (04:00) When Morning Comes
06 (04:52) Home
07 (03:03) Today, Tonight
08 (03:54) Mad Life
09 (04:01) Candlebum
10 (04:40) Nashville Skyline
11 (04:01) Drawn Out

Ramz Rating:  4 out of 5 Planets


Talk about Dishwalla - Opaline>>
 

Buy It at amazon.com