These new dual albums got great reviews from Rolling Stone, which was probably the reason that the albums did so well on the charts. Colin Oberst, the heart and soul of Bright Eyes, and the prime symbol of young adult angst and emotion was placed on the cover of the Magazine’s issue, and the rest is history. As Bright Eyes got popular, I got turned off. These are the kinds of albums you want for yourself and nobody else. When you are alone listening to “First Day of My Life”, the song is much more powerful. However knowing that the album broke through the top ten on the charts, you are far from alone with these hearty ballads of sorrow, and love; the power is just not there. There are probably millions of teenagers listening to the same song, making an attempt at being different and creative. Well I guess I can’t blame Bright Eyes or Rolling Stone for that matter, because these two disks deserved all the praise that Rolling Stone gave them. With unbelievable songwriting, and charmingly poor vocals, the two albums really combine to make a statement. I prefer I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning over A Digital Ash in a Digital Urn, but both can be listened to straight through. Next time you are down, sad, or just in the mood to relax with softer tunes, I suggest these albums from Bright Eyes. Three Stars – the two albums could have been condensed into one, leaving out some less appealing tracks and creating a dense disk of superior songs.
Favorite Song: “At the Bottom of Everything” – I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning.
release date: Tuesday, January 25, 2005
