Everclear began their career back in 1993 with their debut release, "World of Noise." That album was nothing spectacular, but it did manage to bring aboard enough support for a sophomore release. In fact, Everclear currently has four albums in their discography, with their latest being an outcast in the year 2000. While Everclear is not a band who can engulf listeners for a full length album listen, they seem well equipped at producing popular singles. For example, their third album release was heavy with popular singles, however, as a whole package the album wasn't amazing, in any sense of the word. I must admit that I own that particular release, but aside from that album Everclear is not a name that you'll run across in my collection. In my opinion, if you've heard one Everclear song then you have heard them all. They have pounced on establishing one sound and instead of evolving it they have embedded themselves with this not-so-appealing reputation.

Their new release is nothing out of the ordinary. "Slow Motion Daydream" contains 12 tracks; 43:02 of music. However, a problem lies within and throughout. I honestly believe that the typical listener will not be able to establish when and where a new song begins. The overall sound from track to track is incredibly similar, but this IS Everclear that we are discussing. So, my reevaluation of the album would leave me at this conclusion. "Slow Motion Daydream" contains 1 track; the never ending track that finally ends forty three minutes later.

"Slow Motion Daydream" is not the worst album that has ever been released and it is what you would expect out of the band, but in my opinion that is not necessarily great. The band reminds me of the Goo Goo Dolls, in a sense. While their sound is on the opposite end of the scale they share the one distinction that bands fear; the fact that they have been caught in a rut for their entire career and have not been able to escape their own sound. While many bands have traveled that path I find it a shame that these two bands have been there, done that. Everclear, alongside the Goo Goo Dolls, seem to have an endless amount of potential, but their depth, or lack thereof, manages to keep their feet on the ground. "Slow Motion Daydream" is more of the same. An album that could have been so much more than it actually is, but you could make that claim for their career.

This new effort has a few bright spots, but according to my earlier evaluation the bright spots are merely the inclusion of a good verse here and there. Personally, I wouldn't expect any groundbreaking singles to be released from this album, but I could easily be wrong. It wouldn't be the first time, or the last. This album is listenable, but it isn't appealing. After my first complete listen I cased the CD up and put it aside. I had no desire to listen to another forty plus minutes of the same thing over and over and over and...You get the point.

It may seem as though I am complete skeptic towards Everclear, but I am not sure that I would agree. Like I mentioned above, as I listen to their music I can honestly hear limitless potential, but none of which is acted upon. The band remains to release album after album with literally no exploration in sound. It may be resultant of a fear that they have of loosing their fan base with a major sound evolution, but c'mon guys give your listeners something remotely different than your last CD. Of course, not each song on the album is an exact replication of the previous, but it is difficult to know when the track list has shifted itself onto a new number.

The goods? Well they are few and far between. A handful of tracks are mildly well done, but I just can't seem to be able to get by the track to track similarities. Some songs are more or less catchy than the others, but NO track on the album is screaming single. To be honest, I couldn't find one legitimate positive aspect within the album; however, the list of negatives has grown quite large.

The not-so-goods? Well to start, the album as a whole is nowhere near solid. The album struggles along, chugging at times to reach the endpoint. Each song is upbeat, but for the most part the entire alum is on the boring side. The album has little to no replay ability and will be lucky if it seems my player again. I may pull this out if I am ever on the brink of killing myself, but until then it will sit nestled among the other discs collecting dust. Well the last sentiment was a bit harsh, but my point is that this album has nothing to offer other than maybe background music.

The album is not annoying or poorly recorded; instead the album is just more of what has been on their plate for 10 years now. "Slow Motion Daydream" is not an album that will appeal to everyone and is not an album that I would recommend to anyone. If you have an old album lying around then you may want to dust it off and throw it in, for buying this would only leave you with an empty feeling; the feeling you get when you unexpectedly loose a twenty dollar bill. This album isn't worth your time or effort to listen. The review may sound like a complete over exaggeration and for those who think that I say to you, "Go ahead and buy it." As for me, I am labeling this with 1 planet for lack of depth, replay ability, and a monotonous overall sound.

Track Listing:
01. How To Win Friends And Influence People
02. Blackjack
03. I Want To Die A Beautiful Death
04. Volvo Driving Soccer Mom
05. Science Fiction
06. New Blue Champion
07. TV Show
08. Chrysanthemum
09. Sunshine
10. A Beautiful Life
11. The New York Times
12. Bonus (Untitled)

Ramz Rating: 1 out of 5 Planets


Talk about Everclear - Slow Motion Daydream>>
 

Buy It at Amazon.com