A recent review of my debut full length album Dressed Up Like Dreams brought to my attention something that even myself neglected to notice...
yes, this album was supposed to be my debut full-length,
but the truth is, it's really not.
If you've been a fan of my music for any span of time over a few months then you know that half of the songs on this album have already been released on past EPs of mine.
The review stated that the album drags on, and the songs don't really mix well together. The truth is, I completely agree. I mean, yeah, I'm proud of the cd, it's a good compilation of some of my favorite songs of mine... however, it's definitely not an album of songs written to live and breathe together as somewhat of a soundtrack. A true album should fit perfectly together and flow from start to finish.
The album was put together for a number of reasons. The main one was simply to have a collection of songs available on a cd of mine that would actually be available in stores (because many people tell me that they can't, or don't like to, shop online). And now that I think of it, that's an alright reason to release an album, but it's definitely not the best reason to.
The truth is, when you look at it, some of the songs on this album are over two years old. I've grown quite a lot musically in the past two years. I will never claim to have unsurmountable talent or wisdom when it comes to writing music, however I do believe my "musical horizons" have definitely expanded. I used to try and write and somewhat stay in a safe little box, never really straying from my normal writing style. These days, I'm at a point where I'm actually trying to stray away from writing the same song over and over again. I mean, there's definitely nothing to worry about, the new songs and demos I have so far are definitely recognizable as Backseat Goodbye songs. I'm still writing them for the same reason, because I truly love bringing new music into the world.
One thing I always notice in reviews of my cds, is that everyone says I have this "potential". A potential to do something great with my music, and for some reason I'm onto something, but I just haven't found all of it quite yet. Well, the truth is, I think I've found it.
None of this may make any sense to anyone but me, but I just wanted to say this:
In 2009, I'm going to be writing and recording a new full length album, and I'm giving my word that it will not let any of my fans, critics, or myself down. I'm not saying I'm going to give you a genre-altering masterpiece, or anything like that, however, I will be dedicating myself to write and record the absolute best collection of songs my mind and body can create.
And all of this is definitely something I'm sharing wayyyyy beforehand, because as of now I have no set plans for when I'm going to actually sit down to write and record this album (granted I already have a bunch of demos ready to sort through for it), but I just wanted to let you all that care enough to read when I post seemingly meaningless rants like this know that I'm not going to let you down at all with this next album.
You will be the first to know when I'm getting ready to actually fully write this new album and record it.
Until then, you can be your own judge on Dressed Up Like Dreams, it's available on iTunes, at my online store, and at select Hot Topic stores nationwide.
- Chad
P.S. - You can see the album review I'm referring to HERE, and I want to make sure to note, that I like the review, and really appreciate Bradley taking the time to review the album.
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5 comments:
i really really like all of the songs on dressed up like dreams. however, i cant say that ive ever listened to it as an album before. i guess i just sorta combined it with my assortment of other songs i had collected by you. thats definitly not a bad thing though. and to be honest, i didnt mind that some of them were a lil old because they are extremely good songs. and all the new songs you put on there instantly became favorites of mine.
even though you arent the best musician the world has seen, i never get sick of your creations =] but i guess something new every once in a while wouldnt hurt. i cant wait to hear what youve been working on. im really excited about all the progress you have been making with getting your music sold publicly and whatnot.
keep it up =]
I just thought I should let you know you're my greatest inspiration.
i would agree with the review a litte it does get a little boring, but i still enjoy many of the songs all the same.
and you reading that review and taking all of that critism and advice to actually push harder to make a new album even BETTER than dressed up like dreams is truly inspirational. which is what i love about you as an artist.
i'm so excited.
i've always wanted is artists took the time to read reviews about their work. it's interesting that you look at the criticism as a way to improve yourself. i found the review a little bit ironic, though. i mean, the critic was saying that your album drags on and some of the songs bleed together. he kept repeating himself and the review seemed to drag on.
i'm not going to say that you're my favorite musician, but i think you are a good musician, have a good head on your shoulders, and know where you're going. so keep doing what you're doing.
I agree that the songs don't "go together" like I guess most should, but that does not take away from the fact that it's still a great album with amazing songs
On a side note, it is now the New Year, Chad. And although you didn't blog every single day of 2008 like you hoped you would when you started this, I would still say that this was an adventure spending the year with you like this and getting to know you better as a person. I definitely hope you continue this throughout '09, and have fun:)
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