O.A.R. Album: “Wanderer”

Great CD. It was an impulse buy that really paid off. The reviewer that called OAR the "Dave Matthews Band of the Midwest" got my interest enough to buy it. However, they have a sound that's truly their own. A great mix of Folk and Reggae, I love every song on the CD (except maybe "Black Rock", the only mediocre song on the album.) I highly recommend this to everybody, it has an appeal that's almost universal. I like it, my wife likes it, even my kids like it. However, my dog is indifferent. Plus it's a great conversation piece, you can be one of those guys who talk about music nobody's ever heard of.

O.A.R.'s album The Wanderer was made basically on their own, before any labels started to take a look at them. Despite what you might hear, O.A.R has a very unique sound that uses elements of reggae, rock, and funk with uptempo rythyms that occasionally employ bongos or conga drums to make a collective noise that drive the songs, bounces along and encourages you to do the same. The lyrics, admittedly, are not the most creative (that would change on their future releases) but they are still good and very positive, which to me was a breath of fresh from a lot of crap clogging the airwaves. Marc's voice is also a positive, as he can booth croon and groove along with a true rock n roll rasp. The album flows well but (unlike another popular myth about O.A.R.) you can tell between the songs. Some of the best are (well I could list the whole album but I'll try not to) Missing Pieces, Crazy Game of Poker (the only song that got any airplay, but it's definitely awesome), Conquering Fools, Toy Store, About Mr. Brown. This album is perfect for partying or simply chilling by yourself. It suits all occasions and all tastes. I reccomend O.A.R. to all fans of Sublime, DMB, Guster, Dispatch, but basically fans of WELL-DONE rock n roll. So what are you waiting for? You've listened to me enough go let the MUSIC talk to you instead.

I am going to have to disagree with the other reviewer who labeled OAR "punked-out ska." That just isn't the case. The one thing that really got me hooked on OAR was that they aren't just cookie-cutter; they don't throw lyrics at you about how they are amazing and they are so rich and get all the girls. Not only do their lyrics have meaning to them, but they're catchy and the beats are quite unique also. Although The Wanderer is not my favorite OAR album (I'd recommend Any Time Now, Souls Aflame, Risen, and then The Wanderer, in that order) it has some really amazing songs on it and is worth the money if you're looking to listen to something that will really get you going.

I had my REVOLUTION a little over a year ago and have never let up. I was hanging out in downtown Dallas when we walked in front of a bar when OAR was playing. We heard it from the outside and just had to get in, we were able to weazel our way inside and all 5 of us were amazed. Unfourtunately we got in at the end of the show but we heard "Crazy Game of Poker" which is a classic. These guys are legit, I have been playing their CD's NON-STOP for a year now. I put away my binder of other CD's in my closet and the 3 OAR cd's are the only ones I touch. I cant really explain their sound other than its nothing like youve ever heard. I will ALWAYS be able to listen to this band, they never get old, unlike most of today's music. I have seen them in concert 3 times now and going in FEB. again when they come to Dallas. This is a pure music as you will find anywhere!!!

The only comparison between the two is that they both tend to have long drawn out melodies. Whoever invented that analogy should be shot in the face. O.A.R. is amazing. If you actually know the band you will know that this entire C.D. was written and recorded while the band was still in HIGH SCHOOL! Blow your mind at all? Give the CD a listen and you'll be amazed. Don't judge on what you've read or the 30 second samples. Quite frankly if you have any interest in ska or reggae or jam bands, or just happy feel good musict actually listen to the band and I assure you will you will love it. Once you hear the CD, go see them live, they put on an amazing show