Slice

"Slice" Soars
On "Slice," the latest album by Five for Fighting, John Ondrasik skillfully weaves tales of American life over strong piano melodies, resulting in a stellar album, not just a couple of downloadable songs. After of week of listening, I found five songs to be outstanding. "Chances," the song playing while the credits roll in the movie "The Blind Side," is an ode to taking chances on love and is the highlight of the album (recognized by its strong Adult Contemporary chart performance). "Slice (of American Life) is a mainstream tribute to the days of 60s shared youth with references to the classic "American Pie" over against the individualism of today's "300 million little USA's." (Above the) "Timberline" soars skyward, taking us lyrically to a high perch to gain perspective on life as Ondrasik`s falsetto reaches those same heights on the chorus. "Hollywood" is reminiscent of 80s pop-rock with a synthesizer backing the verses that describe a girl's failed attempt at Hollywood and going on with life. Finally, "Augie Nieto" is a thought-provoking ballad based on the true story of Augie Nieto, founder of Life Fitness, who discovers living after his diagnosis of Lou Gehrig's disease. Only one song does not work. "Hope" lumbers along with a slow, old-time Southern gospel feel, but never really gains traction musically or lyrically, which ends with Ondrasik telling us to "Scream into the abyss" for the coward to get off our lawn. Huh? Fortunately, this is an anomaly on an otherwise amazing collection. The rest of the songs on the album are good, featuring orchestral arrangements such as on "Tuesday," a haunting song about lost love, and "Note to the Unknown Soldier." which thanks those who served their country. "This Dance" features Ondrasik's buoyant piano in a song about taking the opportunities to "dance" because there "only so many chances." In "Love Can't Change the Weather" Ondrasik takes a few cues from the group Chicago with a brass section that distinguishes this song's sound from the rest. Overall, "Slice" secures Ondrasik's place as one of the foremost singer-songwriters of today. The musical and lyrical substance of the songs make listening to this album an experience of discovery, where hidden gems will be discovered in subsequent passes that are not apparent the first time through.

Not what I ordered.
I ordered the new Train CD, but this was sent instead. Never even heard of Slice.

great stuff
this is his best one yet!! i love this artist,he writes beautiful songs.every song on this album sounds great... buy this album you won't regret it:-)

Grew on me fast and permanently.
I got the album two weeks before his show at the City Winery in NYC so I'd know the tunes. As usual (for me), the first listen didn't grab me. "Chances" is clearly a great song, so that was an immediate hit with me. "Slice" seemed a little too poppy (this coming from a guy who likes "Johnny America"), blah blah blah. Well, I saw the show and was just blown away by the guy. It was the first time I had seen him live and it was just him and his piano and guitar (and occasional accompaniment by another guitarist). What a voice, what a songwriter, what a cool guy. That show included some explanations of the new songs he played. I won't attempt to paraphrase. The songs speak for themselves to a large degree. I will say that I continue to be touched by his attention to our soldiers and the events we all need to remember and actually think about. In no time this album grabbed me as his past work has done. His words are just so well-crafted, his voice is so expressive and impressive, his music is so consistently "right" for the emotion being expressed. What can I say? The guy knows what he's doing and has done it again. If you liked his last three albums, you will like this one too. There have been some "edgier" moments on his earlier albums that are absent here (e.g. The Taste from TBFE), but I don't miss them. He's getting better, if that's possible.

Great CD for your car during the drive back home
If you are looking for a CD to have on multiple plays in the car, then this is the CD. I just loved the single on the radio, "Chances", which only gets played a couple of times on WXPN and 104.5 in Philly. If you get this CD, then you can listen it more than just once and pick the lyrics apart. Also, "Slice" and "Story of Your Life" are my new favorites on this album. It relaxes me on the ride back from work and it's soothing when you are during lunch break or heading to dentist appointment. I wasn't able to catch them live at the World Cafe here in Philly but you can check their website for show listings. Also, check out their music video for "Chances" which is pretty cool too. Added bonus is the album booklet with all song lyrics which is a rarity with more popular artists. I am extremely disappointed with the new Regina Spektor CD which is missing the booklet in its eco-friendly 100% recycled cardboard flimsy envelope. Come on you guys!!!!