Royal Republic - Weekend Man
Released February 26th, 2016
Adam Grahn, Hannes Irengård, Jonas Almén, Per Andreasson
Genre: Alternative rock
Intro
Royal Republic back again with their album Weekend Man. Just looking at the tracks on this album, I definitely do not like this album as much as their debut We Are the Royal. This album isn't worth throwing away because there are some songs that are just super great and enjoyable, but most of these songs are your generic standard Royal Republic alternative rock songs. What do I think of them? How much can I tolerate the genericness of this album? Let's find out.
Thoughts & Feelings?
This album makes me feel like I don't know who I am anymore. Like I look in the mirror and I can't figure out who I am or why I'm here or anything. I'm just sort of confused. There are some moments in the day where I feel normal and happy, but then most of the time I'm just filled with anxiety and look in the mirror again and see a completely new person. I don't know man, don't ask me to elaborate further.
Shoutout to Elise because I'm pretty sure she hates any Royal Republic album besides the first one, and I don't really blame her. I'm not in the same boat, I think the other albums have some value just because there are some songs that I just absolutely love- just never is an album as complete as the debut one was. There are always holes in these albums and we'll get into them below. I'm gonna have quite a few passes on this album.
Something you might be surprised with is my love for the slow songs on this album. Normally you guys know me- I hate slow songs I think they're boring, I like the fast exciting fast paced action punk rock songs. Unfortunately, that does not exist on this album. What DOES exist however are a few songs that make me just want to cry because of how beautiful they are. I HIGHLY recommend checking out the medal songs because those are gonna be the slow songs. Mind you the both slow songs that I really enjoy are very similar but both are fucking great. Give them a listen.
Smash or Pass?
Here I Come (There You Go) - Smash. This song for some reason reminds me of the tone I used to use on my guitar when I was first starting. This song is a pretty standard alternative rock song, especially by Royal Republic. Obviously this song isn't going to win any awards but it's still an enjoyable listen. I definitely prefer the 2nd half of this song where things get unique and bouncy catchy.
Walk! - Pass. I mean.. it's by no means a bad song. I just don't really enjoy this song. I like the concept of this song, it definitely sounds interesting but it doesn't sound particularly good. I think maybe the boys tried a little too hard with this song. It just isn't catchy enough for me. Some weird ass elements in this song too.
When I See You Dance With Another - Smash. This song is alright. I can definitely enjoy it. It has a lot of elements that I really like. The guitar is pretty funky and I enjoy that a lot. The chorus is really catchy so I enjoy that. The guitar lick after the chorus is pretty fucking awesome too.
People Say That I'm Over The Top - Pass. I'm not crazy into this song. I don't really know why, the kickass guitar riff at the beginning should have me so invested but I think it's just the vocals and general structure of this song that puts me off. Maybe it's the chorus that I just can't stand. I really don't know I just don't like this song. It's too weird for me and I don't know why.
Kung Fu Lovin' - SMASH. I really like this song. It's both funny, catchy, enjoyable, and smooth. It's absolutely enjoyable to listen to. THIS is the Royal Republic that I enjoy listening too. Casual songs that sound complete and are fucking hilarious. "You're a roundhouse kick to my heart" is such a funny fucking line. Easily the best song of the album SO FAR. This won't get a medal just cause I know what songs I like here but this is a great 4th or 5th place. Good song and highly enjoyable.
Weekend-Man - SMASH. This is a great song. This is a pretty jammy rock song that I used to listen to on Friday after work to get me hyped up for the weekend. This song is generally pretty catchy and groovy so I completely vibe with it. It has some nuances that I like a lot, but generally it's just a good catchy song.
My Way - Pass. Not really my type of song to be honest. I don't really know I think it's just the vocals throw me off. It's another one of these generic songs that I'm not crazy about. Again- it's not a bad song I'm just not about it. Honestly this sounds like a Foo Fighters song to be honest.
Follow The Sun - SMMAASSSHHHH. This is one of the slow songs that I fucking LOVE. I absolutely adore this song. It's so easy to relax to and super enjoyable. This is easily the 2nd best song on this album. It's not as good as Any Given Sunday (spoilers), but it's very good. At some points this feels like a bit of a generic alt rock song but it's just so relaxing and enjoyable. I love the way it gradually builds up through the song. Easily #2 for me.
Uh Huh - PASS. This song fucking sucks. I can't see a single thing that I am able to enjoy about this song. It just sounds... awful. I really can't describe it this song just fucking sucks. It annoys me and gets on my nerves in a terrible way.
Any Given Sunday - SMMAAAAASSSHHHHHHHHHH. I fucking LOVE this song. Easily the best on the album for me. This song is basically the exact same as Follow The Sun except done better. It's so smooth and chill. I absolutely love this fucking song and everything about it. It's crazy cause I NEVER like these slow groove songs but this one is just so fucking good. I love the background vocals on this one. This song gives me straight up David Bowie / Billy Idol vibes. Great song.
Baby - SMMMMMAAASSHHHHH. Easily the #3 song on this album. This is your standard alt rock jammy wammy vibe. This is a great song and I love it a lot. Super catchy, unique, and memorable. I love the nuances, I love the guitar, I love the song structure, I love the vocals, this is what a GOOD Royal Republic song sounds like.
High Times - Pass.This is another song that is just generic and I don't care much for. The guitar is pretty cool so I like that but other than that I'm just not into it. Same shit different song, it's generic but not a bad song.
American Dream - Pass. This song is just so fucking boring and slow. You'd think they'd have figured out how to make an enjoyable easy going song from Any Given Sunday and Follow The Sun, but this song just fucking sucks. Maybe it's the vocals that just make me disappointed but I don't really know, man. Pretty bad imo.
Getting Along - Pass. This is the most popular song on the album. Can you believe it? I cannot because I don't really care about this song. I just kind of find it a little annoying and I'm not into the structure of the song. I mean I could enjoy this song, but I just don't. Whatever anyway let's get this album over with I know we're in the low times.
Playball - Pass. Same shit different song. Generic, doesn't sound that great, just move on with my life because I'm done with this album. The vocals are especially shit in this one. Stop trying to sing that high and loud, sorry.
Conclusion
As is the case with most mid tier albums, this album has it's moments but ultimately falls flat. Royal Republic isn't the same band as they were back in 2014. That's okay though, this album isn't bad it's just not great. Like I said, the medal songs are amazing but other than that the songs are just okay or simply generic.
RANK: C+
What do you guys think? Do you enjoy these slow songs for once or what? Let me know in your comments tomorrow, happy Wednesday.
- Sharky
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