Angels & Airwaves Album: “We Don't Need To Whisper (+2 Bonus Tracks)”

Being a huge Blink-182 fan, I was one of the few it seems that really liked the last Blink album and the direction the band was heading with their more mature sound. So when the band decided to take an indefinite break, I was very disappointed to say the least, as if they faltered just when it seemed that they were hitting their prime. Then came Tom's much anticipated effort with a new lineup. I have to admit going in with some skepticism, being that I felt pretty strongly that Mark and Travis were too intrical and talented members of a great band to replace so easily since Mark's powerful basslines and Travis' crushing drums were such distinguishing hallmarks of Blink's successful sound. But with all due respect to those two individuals, boy I couldn't have been more wrong. Not only did Tom's new direction pick up right where Blink left off, but it reached a level that I'm not sure Blink could ever gotten to as it would've been too much of a departure from their previous sound. This is simply one of the best albums I have ever heard and blows away any previous albums Blink has ever done. Now I know some are saying that AvA's sound is too reminiscent of U2, The Cure, and other '80's bands to stand on it's own. However, in my humble opinion I couldn't disagree more. While there are similarities to albums such as the Joshua Tree in terms of the scale of the songs, no one today is even coming close to touching the commitment to excellence in writing. Tom and his new mates set out to make an alblum not with just a couple of hit singles and a bunch of filler, but instead wrote every song as if it was to go on an eventual greatest hits album. Each song not only stands alone in it's brillance, but together form an entire concept album full of themes of love, war, loss, hope, and space. There is simply no weak link on this album.

Valkrie's Missile, Do It For Me Now, The Adventure, The Gift, and The War are my favorites, but it's really hard to rank them above the rest because all are excellent. The perfect blend of rock, synth, lyrics, and production, "We Don't Need To Whisper" is an alblum that will stand the test of time and become a cult classic whether or not it reaches the commercial success of an album like the Joshua Tree. Now no review would be complete without a little criticism and if there is one to offer it is this: There are times when Tom's sophomoric/teen-sounding voice doesn't quite fit AvA's more mature sound and lyrics. You almost wonder if he will still sound this way as he approaches middle age. But having accepted this long ago, one can overcome this slight annoyance because of how amazing this alblum is. So don't hesitate to purchase it. It will be one that you will enjoy for years to come. AvA is my new favorite band and after listening to this album, I'm confident you will become a fan too. I already cant wait to see them live and look forward to more AvA in years to come. Way to go boys!

I am not a Blink-182 fan but I saw the "adventure" video on MTV and bought the album. There's a lot of talent here and moving music.

Wow. The first time I heard Angels and Airwaves was on the radio. The song was called "The Adventure", and I didn't think too much about it first, but I did go home and download it on iTunes. As I listened to it more and more, I decided to listen to the other songs and I was amazed. Now they are my favorite band and I was lucky enough to get to see them in concert. Here are some of my ratings:

Lyrics: A+

Sound: A

Consistency: A

The best songs are "The Adventure", "The War", and "It Hurts"

Well it's finally here, the debut album from Tom Delonge's new band Angels and Airwaves (AVA). When the members of Blink 182 informed us over a year ago that they were going on an "indefinite hiatus" we as fans weren't quite sure what to make of it. Those of us who had stuck around with the guys well after the height of their popularity (1999-2001) had been blown away by blink's untitled album, and couldn't wait to see what direction the continued to go in. Unfortunately (and fortunately) we would not find out the answer to that question. However, from the ashes of Blink 182 rises Angels and Airwaves, Tom Delonge's new band of punk rock veterans. A band that promised to change the world one song at a time. Yes many of us were concerned or even rolled our eyes when we heard Tom say that over and over and over. Well, while "We Don't Need to Whisper" may not change the world, it will certainly change Tom's. AVA is undoubtably the greatest musical achievement of Mr. Delonge's decade spanning career. It is at times mind blowing, such as on the opening track Valkyrie Missile, a seven minute lift off before the real trip begins. Other times it will just put a stupid smile on your face that you won't be able to wipe off (see "The Adventure). You may even need sit down and take a deep breath, let it all sink in (A Little's Enough, The War). One thing I'm sure you will be is impressed. AVA combines Tom's infectious Blinkish guitar riffs with a new sound that can only be compared to that of U2. In reality, AVA is an evolved Blink, using the classic elements and building upon them in a way that I certainly never imagined would be possible. Blink 18U2 if you will.

While AVA will always be compared to Blink 182, they certainly shouldn't be. Suprisingly enough, I don't think that would be fair to Blink.

"We Don't Need to Whisper" is absolutely brilliant. You won't find the typical Blink 182 pop songs. This album is a dramatic narrative about love and triumph in some future apocalypse. I know that sounds a little "out there," but Tom's voice is amazing. The lyrics are poignant and the melodies are stirring. In short, you must buy this album.