The Gaslight Anthem
Get Hurt Album Review
Island Records
Released August 12, 2014
Genre: Punk Rock, Rock n’ Roll, Bar Band
As their careers progress, bands change depending on the direction that they want to go, but that doesn’t mean that they get worse. The Gaslight Anthem is no exception. On “Get Hurt,” the New Brunswick, New Jersey, rock ‘n roll/punk band’s newest release, the group decided to shake things up a bit; drifting to some extent the livelier sound they have used in the past. Lead singer and songwriter Brian Fallon stepped away from the third person storytelling songs that his band is known for in favor of first person perspectives particularly focused on heartbreak and its effects, inspired in great part by his recent divorce from his wife of ten years. This resulted in a darker record with songs that contrast the lighter releases in the past. Instrumentally, the band has for the most part retained its hard rock ‘n roll sound anchored primarily by heavy guitars and beating drums (though maybe less so than on previous albums) backing Fallon’s raspy voice. Expressing emotions ranging from angry to regretful to occasionally even optimistic, Fallon sings over various instrumental arrangements which primarily utilize power chords and pounding drumming, as in “Stay Vicious,” but also include instruments that don’t frequent many hard rock records such as the occasional soft acoustic guitar used on “Break Your Heart,” slide guitar found on “Sweet Morphine,” and even a harmonica on “Mama’s Boys.” Even with this gloomy theme, The Gaslight Anthem managed to make a good record with songs that hold you in and keep you listening.
One highlight from the album, “1,000 Years,” opens with quick assertive power chords and a confident, head-nod-inducing drum beat that even the quietest listener will tap his foot to. The guitar quiets down for the verse and strays from power chords to hit the high strings and the drums from the hard hitting, giving off a bouncy yet regretful feel as Fallon sings with a tinge of sadness in his voice. As they reach the chorus, the band explodes back into full sound, with guitar chords and a lead guitar melody next to the returning confident drums, topped by gruff-voiced Fallon singing high volume. As a whole, the song proves that the Gaslight Anthem still rocks.
In a different way, contrasting the hard rock nature of “1,000 Years” and the other fast rock ‘n roll songs on the record, another highlight of the album is the beautifully haunting folk ballad “Break your Heart.” The song starts out with a lonely acoustic guitar that complements Fallon’s regretful tone as he croons about his former lover, a “second hand love,” and how she would be heartbroken if she knew the suffering he endured. As the song progresses, the only other instruments introduced include the perfect mix of hand drums, the periodic electric guitar note, and backup vocals, all which add depth to the sound and push “Break Your Heart” to be one of the best songs on the whole album.
In my opinion, the lowest point on the record is the title track, “Get Hurt,” a song that could be best described as bland and a bit whiney. The hardest part about writing an album about heartbreak is staying true to your emotions without sounding overly-moody, and Fallon let one slip on this song. I can honestly say that when I heard this as the first single for the album, I was worried that the Gaslight Anthem that I knew and loved was going soft on me, but after listening to the rest of the album, I satisfyingly found my worries were unnecessary.
Overall, this isn’t the Gaslight Anthem that you heard on “The ’59 Sound,” but they’re still dishing out good tunes. The record is lyrically solid and stays away from being too down-tempo, a tricky task due to the subject matter. Even almost all of the deceptively slow songs end up as fast or at least loud by the end, as evidenced by “Mama’s Boys” and “Selected Poems.” “Get Hurt” is an album that you can drive to, speakers up and windows down, with a smile. It’s an album that you can throw on for all occasions from homework to weightlifting. Morning or night, it’s a worthwhile listen, so if your criterion is just a solid rock album with a little bit of heartbreak and a little bit of angst, or even just a good album in general, give “Get Hurt” a try.
Of courses, I can only share my own opinion, and don’t take my word for it. Listen to “Get Hurt” yourself and form your own.
Favorite Tracks: 1,000 Years, Break Your Heart, Dark Places, Rollin’ and Tumblin’
Least Favorite Tracks: Get Hurt, Underneath the Ground
