Listening to The Fray's latest album, Scars and Stories, for the first time, I realized it didn't seem to include as many potential chart-toppers as their previous works. After a few more listens, it became clear the pop-rockers intentionally avoided radio-ready singles, instead choosing to experiment with a variety of new and different sounds for their third full-length effort. While I have to applaud The Fray for expanding their horizons, the final outcome comes across as a musical identity crisis rather than a strong experimental album.
The album starts strong with a love song titled "Heartbeat," which is expected material from The Fray but no less addicting for it. This is thanks mainly to lead singer Isaac Slade, a man equipped with a great range and enviable crooning abilities. After "Heartbeat," however, the next few songs don't live up to the great intro.
The biggest disappointment is the album's sixth track, "1961." As a die-hard fan of alt-rock band Phoenix's "1901," I had high expectations for a song with a similarly year-dedicated title, but unfortunately The Fray's track came up short. The song's course is all too predictable, mimicking the structure of the majority of the band's work. Start with a steady tempo, add piano accompaniment, throw in some short lyrics Slade can draw out into a seemingly infinite number of syllables, and we have ourselves a song by The Fray. The meaning of "1961" - buried in a story about three brothers' journeys across the decades - becomes unclear as Slade's warbling voice and the formulaic blend of instruments overwhelms the listener.
Fortunately, the high-energy "Here We Are" breaks with tradition. While usually associated with smooth vocals and lots of piano accompaniment, The Fray brings a harder-rock vibe to "Here We Are," with intriguing results. Every part of the song is an unexpected delight since the beat changes so frequently - a welcome departure from the predictability of the band's usual fare. Even with the distinct instrumentation, however, "Here We Are" is at its core just another song about two lovers. Arguably, The Fray didn't truly break out of their smooth-alternative genre, but I still respect their fine attempt at an edgier song. Small steps, my friends, small steps.
Scars and Stories may not be as exciting an album as How to Save a Life, but it shows The Fray working hard to break out of the piano-rock sound which has made them famous. The resulting album is a confusing concoction, and it reveals a band struggling to find its voice. Still, there are definitely some highlights which will keep fans content. I believe I've found my new study music, but not an album which will stick with me past finals
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