Sticky sweet pop melodies, explosive pop-punk chord progressions, "sensitive guy" lyrics. Yep, this should all sound pretty darn familiar if you're a rock fan circa the early 21st century, as there's been an endless stream of bands (for years by this point) that meet all the prerequisites of the aforementioned checklist. And on their 2007 release, Cities, there are certain moments that you can definitely add Anberlin to this list. Thankfully, they don't specialize in that annoying frat-boy-esque shtick that some pop-punk bands do; instead, Anberlin can be quite an ambitious bunch that go the emo route. While songs such as the album opening "Godspeed" sounds like your average pop-punk band of the moment, tracks such as the acoustic guitar-driven "The Unwinding Cable Car" is emo at its most naked (and includes some pretty darn impressive vocal harmonies). But for the most part, the tunes sound like a hopeful trying to win over the judges in the latest episode of Rockstar, especially on such tracks as "Adelaide" and "Hello Alone." Nothing too groundbreaking here, but nothing cringe-worthy, either. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
This is the wierdest review ever. I dont even think he listened to the album, cuz its not anything like he describes it at all. I wouldn't classify Anberlin as pop punk at all or emo. I would say more rock than anything else. Wierd... About the only thing he got right was saying melodic, cuz thats the perfect word to describe Anberlin.
Why pick on Anberlin? This is the only negative review I've seen on Pandora. Godspeed is "your average pop-punk band of the moment"??? This guy obviously has a bone to pick with these guys. What kind of music does Greg Prato like? Maybe he's the snooty emo fan-type who thinks that anything that is good enough to reach mainstream popularity is no longer worth listening to - like those who take pride that bands they like aren't popular. If they aren't popular, maybe they're not that good, Greg
i would definitely say this album is a lot better than the review here. Anberlin is one of my favorite bands, and they really deserve better. so please listen to them =)
This album got a less then good review. Nothing ground breaking? Like, every song on this album is amazing! Anberlin has only been getting better, son.
I also hated how the reporter said emo. If you actually listen to the lyrics, he's trying to encourage someone actually. There's nothing emo about it, fool.
so please don't be fooled by the terrible review of Cities listed here.
The record is amazing and Anberlin are a group of very talented musicians with great big hearts. Do yourself a big favor and buy their records.