Coming across Train's new album, "Drops of Jupiter," the average listener might not be entirely familiar with the band. But after discovering that the group is responsible for the hit "Meet Virginia," a spark of recognition shows. Realization, however, that the new album's sound is a far cry from the top 10 hit that ruled the air waves two summers ago, might garner mixed reactions of disappointment and appreciation of change.
In its first work since 1998's self-titled album, Train not only has expanded its repertoire, but also has broadened its sound. The band now exhibits the confidence it deserved after going platinum. Train comes off with a solid collection of catchy songs that are sure to please its mainly pop audience.
The band, as demonstrated in "Virginia" and again in its new album, is master of pop-rock hooks and catchy lyrics. Songs such as "She's On Fire" and "It's About You" are so spirited and infectious that it's impossible to listen without tapping your feet. Along with frontman Patrick Monahan's low-key image and indistinct voice, the band settles comfortably into a mix of contemporaries such as Third Eye Blind, Matchbox Twenty and Vertical Horizon.
This mainstream effect is advanced by the addition of producer Brendan O'Brien. O'Brien, who also produced albums by Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots during grunge's glory days, continues the bandwagon approach with "Drops of Jupiter."
Meticulously following the formula for sure success, the band experiments little and takes no great risks in its production of addictive pop-rock radio-friendly tracks. Writing lyrics with airplay in mind is a comfortable strategy for artists who boast top 10 hits. The problem with this, however, that it encourages the homogeneous presence that smothers the current music scene.
Train follows this trend to the point that its formula, in some cases, becomes obvious. Songs such as "Respect" and "Something More" run out of steam early, relying on forced rhymes and bloated chorus lines. This filler is transparent and the tracks end up losing most of the flair the band works so hard to produce.
This is not to say that "Drops of Jupiter" is a bad album. It overflows with catchy tunes and appealing lyrics, the gem being the title track and first single off of the album. It is impossible to remain unmoved by this anthem-like piece, which relies primarily on piano and strings. A deviation from the rest of the album, "Drops of Jupiter" is one of its more memorable tracks.
The new album also demonstrates the power of the band's songwriting. It seems that while the album lacks variation in form and structure, lyrical freedom abounds. This force is especially evident in the Monahan-penned "Let it Roll." The song, written as a letter to his mother who passed away last year, serves as a touching dedication and is an instance in which the band breaks out of its mold.
Regardless of its typically pop sound, the band, writing each of the 11 songs on the album, carries with it a wide variety of emotion, from the happily upbeat "She's On Fire" to the melancholy longing in "Getaway." It is refreshing to look into liner notes and see that the work is the artist's own. It is this genuine expression in the band's own songs that may be Train's biggest selling point.
The band's sound may be both imitative and imitated, or it may blend a little too well into the popular music scene. But at least by listening to Train's lyrics, the listener gets a real sense of who this band is, which is more than can be said for many. And, with continuing music trends in its favor, this Train proves to be destined for a number of stops down the track.
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