Disco de Anberlin: “Never Take Friendship Personal”

Wow, blown away by this album in every way possible. This is one of those albums where I listen to the entire thing without skipping one song and wishing it wouldn't end. I liked Blueprints For The Black market but it was one of those albums where I liked it but not enough to really listen to it all the time. With this one, no question the best of 2005. Honestly if you liked Blueprints then buy this right now. If you like this type of music in general than just buy this right now.

Oh, and some idiot on here posted saying that "Emo sucks" and I just wanted to give my opinion on that. "Emo" means "Emotional", so doesn't that mean that all music qualifies as Emo? Without emotion, there would be no music, correct? Music is an emotionally driven art. I hate when people use that term.

anberlin is back and better than ever. this is a great sophmore release. amazingly beautiful vocals, and different styles make each song individually great. their singer has one of the best voices ive ever heard. if you like the non-whiny emo like armor for sleep or new hopesfall, get this. you wont let it out of your cd player

The sophomore release of any band can make or break that bands' reputation. After nearly two years of touring with the success that their first album brought them, Anberlin stepped into the studio, as a four-piece, to record their second album: "Never Take Friendship Personal." In an industry where bands come and go, Anberlin's second effort proved that they are here to stay for a while.The album is so energy-packed that I could go through and highlight aspects of each song. However, to save you the time of reading what would be a two page rant, I will attempt to encompass the whole album in a few paragraphs.

Never Take Friendship Personal (NTFP), is a very big step up in Anberlin's progression as a group. From the first song, the lyrical progression and musical progression is very evident. The songs tend to have more variety in the guitars, drums, and vocals than their previous album. This record really does have so much music packed into it that it takes a few times through the CD to really absorb all of sounds, for lack of a better word. Also, Anberlin pulls in a little help on this album from Ryan Clark, lead singer of Demon Hunter, Seth Roberts, lead singer of Watashi Wa, Phil Sneed, lead singer of Story of The Year, and Mike Weiss, guitarist for Me Without You.

The progression from song to song on this album is outstanding as well. Produced by Aaron Sprinkle (MxPx, Pedro the Lion, Demon Hunter), the quality of sound really does the songs justice. Songs such as Never Take Friendship Personal and The Feel Good Drag will remind previous Anberlin fans of "Readyfuels" or "Glass to the Arson" off of Anberlin's first album, Blueprints for the Black Market (BPFTBM). Songs like "Audrey, Start the Revolution" and "A Day Late" contain very catchy choruses that will leave the listener singing the tune for hours later. My favorite track on the album, "The Symphony of Blasé" will remind Anberlin fans of "Naïve Orleans" from BPFTBM. My only criticism of this album is that for the song "Stationary Stationery", it seems that Anberlin tends to dip into the "pop/punk" mode. When used to their previous style, this song just doesn't seem to fit the same style or sound as the others. But, it is still a good song at that and a very high, low note for the album.

This CD is worth EVERY penny that a store or website would make you pay for it. This CD is a true step-up from BPFTBM and is a pure joy to listen to over, and over, and over...etc. In a time of mediocrity in bands, Anberlin really stands out from the crowd with this effort. With this album, they will gain the recognition that they deserve. I give the album two thumbs up. If I had two more thumbs, they'd get them too.

I decided to pick this up after seeing it in Amazon's Best of 2005 List. I am so glad I took a chance on this band, one I had never even heard of before. The first thing that jumps out is how lyrically tight the songs are, intellegent and poetic. Lyrics shine on songs like "Paperthin Hymn" and "dance, dance Christa Paffgen". "The Runaways" is a great song with one of the catchiest hooks in a rock song I've heard all year. I've heard other bands in this genre, and Anberlin definately stands out as one of the best.

I bought Blueprints for the Black Market on a whim and fell in love with their sound. When I saw they came out with a second, I wanted it, but I'm always skeptical about 2nd albums. I'm always afraid it's not going to be as good as the first. I was wrong thankfully. I'm reminded why I like them so much. This is such a great step in the right direction for them. Who wouldn't want to have 11 more songs to listen to?! Also, buy Forever Changed if you like Anberlin. You won't be dissapointed with them either.