Blue October Album: “Approaching Normal”

This album is well worth the purchase. There really seems to be something for every kind of Blue October fan out there. Those who like the harder sound of " James " and " Drilled a Wire Through my Cheek," will love the rage felt in " Dirt Room" and " The End." Fans who lean more towards songs like " Calling You " might like " My Never " or " Should Be Loved." Some of my favorite songs form Justin and company are the ones that deal with Justin's personal life and struggles. " HRSA" and " Independently Happy" are two of my favorite songs to turn up while I scream at the top of my lungs. Some of the more personal songs on this record seem to be " Weight of the World, " " Say It," and " Blue Does."

Most fans have heard "Weight of the World" from the live release, " Argue with a Tree." The studio version sounds amazing and the background noise of ambulances and hotel staff knocking at the door really set the scene for the song nicely. Some of the other tracks were also heard live during Justin's " 5591" tour, and "My Never" was played during the Breaking Dawn Tour.

All Blue October fans must add this album to their collection. If you haven't heard of Blue October then I also suggest you check out the other releases :

The Answers, Consent to Treatment, History For Sale, Argue with a Tree, and Foiled.

Approaching Normal...

Blue October starts the year out with a bang. With their tour kicking off the new year for their brand new album Approaching Normal. Justin does it again with his unique lyrics and vocals, shedding light on all those who are enshrouded in darkness with the trials of life. Making you appreciate all the joys in life. His raw passion and emotion he pours into his music allows the listeners to really get the message he's trying to convey. If you listen closely and study the all of his albums you'll see he's telling a story. A story about everyone's life. Along side his amazing vocals he has an amazing band providing all the emotional vibes pouring out of the instruments. Contrary to their older stuff this album has a more upbeat vibe to it.

Blue October starts the album off with an older song revamped...Weight of the World. In earlier productions the song had a down and depressed feel. They have now upped the songs tempo to reveal the anger involved with the lyrics. A different side to the same story

Second they introduce a new song by the title of Say It. All about the one-sided relationships and how when your significate other won't heed to your words you have to vent yourself to other people who really get you. And by the time they realize it it's already too late.

Third on the list is the new single Dirt Room. Already getting tons of request on the radio Dirt Room is about the people who have taken advantage of you your entire life and you are finally taking action, getting back at them for all they've tried to get out of you.

Number 4 is a bit softer in tune. Been Down is another song about the frivolous relationships and how no matter how hard you try you just can't seem to get what you really want.

My Never is another soft song about how you fall in love with the "best friend" just knowing that it will never work. But wishing the whole time you wish they could only see the things that you see.

Should Be Loved is something everyone goes through. No matter what it pertains to we all have the feeling at least once that someone no longer feels the same way as you or they used to about you.

Kangaroo Cry is Blue October's first political song about the war overseas. Not known for putting out songs about politics Justin still speaks to the heart of our nation and really captures what we're all thinking and how we really feel about the war and all our loved ones who are fighting for us right now.

Picking Up Pieces is covers all aspects of life and how you fail so many times and yet keep going at it. Love, Life, and all the things in between.

Jump Rope. The title alone is luring in and of its self. This song Justin has dedicated to his little girl Blue. It's one of their upbeat songs. Also contrary to the normal Blue October style. This song is the uplifting, upbeat song telling you to keep your chin up and keep going no matter what because that's what life is all about.

Blue Skies is also about Justin's daughter and how she has brought him happiness since she has entered his life. But anyone can relate to this as he has worded this song to be able to be betrayed in any way you see fit.

Blue Does is the last song Justin has written on the album about his daughter. Blue Does tells the story about how Blue has changed Justin's thinking about life and what it means to him. But as with all his songs it's up to the listener to portray the meaning behind this song.

The End is the last song on the explicit version of the album and it is wrought with emotion. Justin pours his soul into the lyrics of this song describing the feelings of someone who has been cheated on by that significate other and how it has broken down their mind and how they are unable to think of anything else. Taking action into their own hands they do something drastic.

If you buy the edited version of the album you won't get the raw emotion of The End but into the very different emotions of Graceful Dancing. Graceful Dancing is all about how you must get over problems and do the best you can at what you are able to do.

Either version of the album is worth getting whether you want the raw emotions or the controlled. This is definitely an album worth putting in the collection. You won't be dissappointed by this album. Songs for everyday life.

This album is everything I was hoping for. It provides a variety of style just like their previous albums. A must have for any Blue October fan.

I can honestly say that real music is still alive. I am a bit older now and I thought the music died sometime around 1992, but then came Blue October. If you want to listen to a passionate, talented group this is the one for you. When you listen to this CD or any other Blue October CD you will know! This is not some contrieved - slapped together - get it out in time stuff that is usually released today. Now, thats not dissing the 98% of the artist out today, they have catchy tunes and they just do what they do, but if you want to here real passion, emotion, and talent then do not hesitate in buying this CD. WARNING - when this CD arrives or your download is finished uploading 'Jump Rope' and 'Say It' will be stuck in your head for days and that's just fine by me!!!!

I got this CD the day it came out. I can honestly tell you that there has not been a day that has gone by that I have not listened to it. I have a 12 year old daughter, who loves this CD, in fact she has choosen My Never as her dance song. Which in turn made 2 others who loved what they heard go out and buy this CD. You will not be disapointed with it I promise you.