Blurryface

RATING: 9/10

Landing number one on the billboard 200, a first for this band, twenty one Pilots’ newest album, Blurryface, was released early on May 17th.

Blurryface is the 3rd studio album by Tyler and Josh. This duo is known best for the combination of a unique sound and “real” lyrics. The band was started in Cincinnati, and was picked up by a record label after releasing Regional at best. With the record label behind them, they released two albums, a self-titled twenty-one pilots and  Vessel. The former has very moving songs with a dark sound. While the latter has more of an upbeat type of energy that was even more popular.

Track by Track Review:

Heavydirtysoul: While there are parts of the song that may at first scare off some listeners, several aspects of the  song, such as the chorus, are very catchy and strong worded. 8/10

Stressed Out: Although the beat can be a little off for some listeners, the lyrical content and especially the clever innuendos make up for it and are very similar to the band’s first album. 10/10

Ride: The combination of deeper-meaning lyrics and a very energetic beat, creates a very unique song that must be listened to. 10/10

Fairly Local: This is one of the songs that will very likely make a bad first impression on all listeners. But with each listen, you will grow an appreciation for the song’s lyrics and chorus. 8/10

Tear In My Heart: Very similar to the indie-pop that was praised on Vessel, this song shows  Tyler’s love for his wife. A very notable metaphor is how he compares his wife to a butcher with a knife, and exclaims “carve me further”, how he likes how she has changed him for the better. 10/10

Lane Boy: For many, this song will be one that is skipped for how it sounds. While the lyrics are very meaningful in that they explain their desire to produce whatever music they want regardless of genre or criticism, the sound appeals to only a certain type of listener. One good word of advice from it was “Don’t trust a perfect person and don’t trust a song that’s flawless.” 5/10

The Judge: From the moment the song begins to play, the ukulele reminds die hard fans of previous albums. not only is this catchy, but it once again, has a deeper meaning. 9/10

Doubt: Another song with several innuendos,  this one is different from any other song released from the album. But this one is very catchy and will appeal to many. some notable lyrics are “Although I doubt you, im not good without you”. 9/10

Polarize: A very upbeat song with a very catchy chorus. This one also is evidence of how Tyler and Josh tried to experiment with the bass throughout the album. 7/10

We Don’t Believe What’s On TV: Once again the beloved ukulele is brought back and that with the fast tempo and plenty of Tyler’s shouts, all come together to make a song that begs to be danced to. 9/10

Message Man: While this song sounds amazing, once again a deeper meaning exists. Tyler argues that not everyone will like their songs and that’s okay, but those that understand the lyrics will. “These lyrics aren’t for everyone, only few understand.” 9/10

Hometown: As both members of the band come from Cincinnati, this is a shoutout to their “hometown”. As you listen to this you can already hear it filling the stadiums there. 10/10

Not Today: This song explains tyler’s feelings that he is sometimes unsure about his efforts in trying to help those who are hurting when he hears criticism. He also clarifies that their sound is ironic in saying, “This one’s a contradiction because of how happy it sounds, But the lyrics are so down” 9/10

Goner: This final song is a very moving and emotional piano ballad. Especially in his screams, you can hear the pain that Tyler (the main singer) has gone through. A “finale” full of drums and guitars is enough to give chills to deaf. 10/10

Many listeners will agree with Brooklyne Miller (11) when she says, “Surprisingly, this album is filled with amazing songs, but lane boy is definitely not one of them.” Yet some few, after a first listen, will agree with Kurt To (11) when he argues that “There are some good songs, but I find that the band’s sound is getting more generic as it is now more mainstream.”

One notable occurrence that happens to most listeners is explained by Bryce Thomas (10) when he says, “Well, at first i did not like the way they sounded, but the songs only get better as you listen to them more.” With each listen, the lyrics stick out more, and you realize the true meanings. As you do that, many relate to what is told and form a kind of connection to the music. This is why this band has helped countless individuals get over issues such as Suicide and Self-image problems.

With a tour just kicked off, twenty one pilots will energize crowds across the world, as they have done before. The number one ranking on several charts is evidence that this album will be the one that catapults this duo to national and international popularity.