"Smile Kid" by We The Kings Review

image from Amazon

Artist/Band: We The Kings
Album: Smile Kid
Release Date: 12/08/09
Tracks: 11 (-1 for not being able to play on Lala.com)
Runtime: 41:07


Track Breakdown:


1) "She Takes Me High" - Entertaining, sweet and romantic, while still carrying the same pop-punk sound that's worked so well for them thus far. Unfortunately I felt like something big was missing from this song, particularly from the chorus. Maybe it lacked feeling, maybe soul, maybe just one pitch off. But it gets 3 *'s out of 5, perfectly listenable to, not worth skipping over, but not worth skipping to.


2) "Promise The Stars" - Follows a very similar format to the previous track, especially with lyrical contradictions amongst a very sweet and sensitive theme. Unfortunately the pitches are all over the place and feels like I'm listening to the Chipmunks at time. I don't think this is what anyone who listens to We The King is looking for. 2 *'s.


3) "Heaven Can Wait" - The first single of the album, and definitely worthy of it's spotlighting. Definitely better than the previous two tracks, but I felt just a slight change in tone and enunciation in the chorus would have taken this up a whole level. 4 *'s, which is pretty impressive and will catch your attention, but is just barely missing the mark.


4) "The Story of Your Life" - Yes. This had better become the second single of the album, because this definitely rocks the party that rocks the body. It's peppy, yet depressingly relatable. It's going to entice the troubled teenage masses and give everyone hope that tomorrow will be another chance. 5 *'s.


5) "Rain Falls Down" - I feel as though everything I just typed about "The Story Of Your Life" was put into lyrics, and now I hate it. It's a decent song, but the lyrics definitely felt too spoonfed and forced. There's no emotional build or allowance to let me form an opinion or feeling about a situationi. 2 *'s.


6) "Summer Love" - It was hard to relate to this song in late December, but this is a track worth downloading on it's own, just to stock up for Summertime feelgood songs. It's very masterfully crafted and makes me wish for sun and frolic. 5 *'s.


7) "In-N-Out (Animal Style)" - I'm very let down by everything in this song. Look at the title. How is this not about sex! Alright there are parts that are obviously sexual, but with a title as great as this, I was expecting the second coming of The Bloodhound Gang's "The Bad Touch". Very let down. 1*.


8) "Spin" - Pretty decent is all I can really say. It seemed a bit like filler in the grander spectrum of things, but wasn't awful. Got me pumped up a bit. A generous 3 *'s.


9) "Anna Maria (All We Need)" - A great romantic-comedy soundtrack. You can totally picture with crystal-clear visualization a happy young couple dancing and running and playing on a beach. 4 1/2 *'s.


10) "We'll Be A Dream" feat. Demi Lovato - N/A. Not available on Lala.com. Find out for yourself.


11) "What You Do To Me" - This song has a lot more rock vibe to it and it's a fantastic close to the album. It's main focus is being a tributing ode to the sufferers of unrequited love. 5 *'s.


My Highlights:
"The Story Of Your Life", "Summer Love" and "What You Do To Me" are all amazing tunes. If you liked songs from their last album like Skyway Avenue, Secret Valentine, and Check Yes Juliet, these songs are great additions to your music library.


Overall Rating:
The average of the ratings come to about 3 1/2 *'s out of 5, or about 7 out of 10. As of late with my music reviews I award myself the power to give or take half a star from an album on big-picture analysis, but this feels about right for the album. This is full of hits and if you're into the genre at all in 2010, then this would be a great CD to purchase. It's worth the money.