Disco de The Calling: “Camino Palmero”

The Calling's "Camino Palmero" is so overwhelmingly well-orchestrated that it shocks me the album hasn't been given much spotlight (considering what N*Sync gets...). Ironically, the album was purchased completely outta the blue, never having heard one song and getting a recommendation from a friend who had heard them previously. The purchase has been one of the best albums I have bought over the year.

With an incredible display of musical and lyrical talent, The Calling creates an album that can rock you as much as relax you. No, the album is by no means in comparison to Korn or Linkin Park's style of rock -- this is real rock, played with guitars, drums and bass. No DJ scratching, no cross-genre mixing.

"Wherever You Will Go", the album's first single, is a beautiful display of a heartfelt lyric mixed with infectious guitar and drum beats. One of the album's strongest cuts, this ballad shows the band's honesty in their words and expressing their ideas -- along with the lead singer's incredible bravado. More harder songs, focusing on a more rhythmic beat than slow-dancing, include "Final Answer" and the album's opening cut, "Unstoppable". The first cut remains one of the best songs lyrically -- describing the harshness of wanting someone, knowing the beautiful things that could happen by being with that person if you could be.

However, "Camino Palmero"'s strongest point lies in one of their other ballads, "Could It Be Any Harder". Musically speaking, the orchestration of vocals and instruments are absolutely incredible, creating an infectious array of sounds that relax the listener. Lyrically, the gorgeous layout of honest emotions are displayed with brutal intensity and lovely harmony.

Overall, The Calling has proved that it can withstand the pickiness of the public while refusing to be trendy or full of clichés. Their debut album is just as incredible as it is shocking that it is their debut album. Filled with intense lyrics, heartfelt music and amazing, deep vocals, "Camino Palmero" truly ignites the listener. An album definitely worth purchasing.

I was surprised when I first saw the video for the catchy song "Wherever You Will Go." The pretty-boy-looking lead singer, Alex Band, who looks like he should be in a 'boy band', certainly doesn't sing like one. He's probably about 18 or 19 years old, but he looks more like 16! However, he sings like he's at least 25. His voice is deep, textured, and angsty--but not angry. Not that I have anything against sounding angry; but it is kind of refreshing that Alex Band is definitely not one of the many Fred Durst or Chester Bennington wannabes around now. Neither is this band a Limp Bizkit or Linkin Park knockoff.

Instead, The Calling (not to be remotely confused with the venerable hard rock/new wave band The Call) is a good, young hard rock/pop band. It essentially consists of the two founding members, and co-songwriters, Alex Band and guitarist Aaron Kamin; the other members are incidental. Some compare them to Lifehouse, but after listening to The Calling's debut CD, CAMINO PALMERO, in its entirety, I must beg to differ. Based upon the evidence of Lifehouse's "Hanging By A Moment," I think it's fair to say that The Calling are to Lifehouse what Hootie And The Blowfish were to Pearl Jam; some vocal similarities, but the music and lyrics are happier, and definitely taken down a notch or two in the volume department. As a result, I think that The Calling is more like Matchbox Twenty; indeed, Alex Band sounds quite a bit like Rob Thomas!

Besides the big hit "Wherever You Will Go" ("If I could, then I would/I'll go wherever you will go"), I also like "Final Answer" (no "Millionaire" jokes, please) and "Could It Be Any Harder" (no dirty jokes, please). Unfortunately, The Calling apparently suffers from the same malady as Hootie & The Blowfish and Matchbox Twenty: sameness. By song #7 ("We're Forgiven," not an overtly Christian song as the title would imply), I was already tiring of their sound. By the 11th and final track ("Stigmatized"), I had decided which two or three songs on the entire CD I would play next time. Hopefully, their second release will see them branching out a bit. Bands who survive the test of time usually do. After all, where's good ol' Hootie nowadays?

Still, this is a good debut, and it does merit some recognition. I certainly don't regret having bought it, although I'm glad I didn't pay too much for it! MODERATELY RECOMMENDED

This band is my second favourite behind Lifehouse. The Calling seemingly came out of nowhere at the end of 2001 with their 1st CD released called 'Camino Palmero'. This is a album of refreshing genious. All songs are packed with messages for today's youth, of hope, love, friendship, honour and trust. The hit songs of this CD, 'Wherever You Will Go' and 'Could It be Any Harder' are probably the two best sounding songs musically and lyrically. This young band are well on their way to becoming famous. Move over Matchbox 20, this group of Californian young men have their heads screwed rightly and the songs are sung amazingly. The lyrics of each song are set out to mean something, its the interpretation of us listeners to figure it out.

The Calling's debut album, Camino Palmero is amazing. It displays so much talent for a new band. Alex Band's voice is amazing. They kinda resemble Lifehouse, so if you like Lifehouse... chances are you'll LOVE The Calling.

This is one of the best albums I've bought in years. I can listen to the whole thing all the way through, over and over again. The lyrics in the songs are real and touching too. I'll give ya a review of the songs I like best.

The first single "Wherever You Will Go" talks about someone you love dying... it almost seems like it'd be from the person who died's perspective "So lately, been wondering, who will be there to take my place? When I'm gone, you'll need love to light the shadows on your face"

"Stigmatized" talks about an obsessive love "I feel the blood rushing through my veins when I hear your voice driving me insane, hour after hour, day after day, every lonely night that I sit and pray"

"Adrienne" talks about someone using you "I thought I knew you, once again you used me, I should have left you, long before you used me up" , it's an excellent break up song

"Could It Be Any Harder" talks about someone dying before you had the chance to tell them that you love them and goodbye "Could it be any harder to say goodbye without you? Could it be any harder to watch you go, to face what's true. If I only had one more day"

"We're Forgiven" talks about how the world is a horrible place and we should all help each other and not judge one another, "who am I to judge what's been sent from above?"

"Just That Good" talks about how money can't buy happiness, "Everyone I know and see is falling, is crawling after something maybe, a bigger house, faster car, never knowing who they are. They're lonely"

"Nothing's Changed" talks about being an outcast and being ignored, "An outcast coming home, opinions stay the same

Even with all the touching lyrics, this album doesn't leave you feeling sad.

I definitely reccommend this album for anyone. It's not vulgar, it doesn't have any negative vibes and it has at least one song everyone can relate to.

Note: I heard the first single from a syndicated show and I fell in love. It wasn't until the radio introduced me to The Calling and the entire song that I realized what it was. But now I know that strange song coming from the TV.

1. "Unstoppable": Has a good rock beginning with strong guitars. Then a quiet guitar parts during the verses. An almost pleading chorus, but it sounds good. Note for the entire CD: I absolutely LOVE Alex's (the lead singer) voice! It is very rich and textured, so you'll hear me talk about his voice a lot.

2. "Nothing's Changed": The beginning almost sounds like it's going to lead into a very hard sounding song. But all those guitar riffs do nothing but lead into a quieter edge chorus (does that make sense?)

3. "Wherever You Will Go": My personal favorite song on the entire album. It has beautiful wording and music to equally rock out and also slow dance to. It's a very moving song about anything that is giving you a hard time. *Personal message found in it for this reviewer.*

4. "Could it Be Any Harder": A sentimental lead with little clicks and dings. When Alex reaches those high notes, he almost sounds like Dave Matthews. After the first chorus, the pace picks up a bit with some drums.

5. "Final Answer": Another personal message song. You will find that out a lot in this album. I like the strumming guitar parts during the verses. Then they rock out during the choruses, which is cool.

6. "Adrienne": A personal song written by the band. It's a sweet melody dedicated to a cheatin' ex-lover. An excellent way to get back at them or just tell them how you feel, I totally recommend it!

7. "We're Forgiven": Most of these songs are about love, but they don't exactly 'blurt it out'. Kinda slow, but not really. I don't know what the chorus sounds like, it's like a song that's already been released (maybe Matchbox Twenty.)

8. "Things Don't Always Turn Out that Way": Good toe-tapping beginning, but sounds a bit 80-ish. A whispered Alex gives the verses then gets more confidence and gets louder. Again, sounds like another song, I don't know what.

9. "Just That Good": A quiet acoustic guitar beginning, then a quiet Alex joins in. Then it gets louder with all band instruments included. The message is confused and 'I-don't-get-it' tone.

10. "Thank You": A rocking out guitar riffs with lyrics to add. Interesting feeling to it. Not exactly rocking out but not quiet enough for a ballad.

11. "Stigmatized": An acoustic guitar part at the beginning. Again, Alex joins in, in the same matter. A good quiet tune to chill to.

Overall review: 4 stars: The band really soars with writing, instrumental playing, and singing. Little did I know that they played in a town about 100 miles away from where I live. If I knew about The Calling then, I would have gone! But if you're looking for a new sound in rock, Alex Band would be your man.