Saves the Day is a band from New Jersey.
They have released three full-length albums and a surprisingly good acoustic EP.
Their latest effort, Stay What You Are, is by far the best music they’ve ever put out.
My first impression when I heard the album was, “These guys have grown up.”
Apparently all of the touring they’ve done over the last few years has produced a tight band. Every song on Stay What You Are is strong – every one of them!
“At Your Funeral” is the first song on the CD, and it starts slowly and sadly, then it kicks in – the lyrics seem like they are about someone who has a drug problem.
When I bounced that idea off a friend, he sarcastically said that those guys aren’t cool enough to know anyone on drugs.
I disagree (although knowing someone on drugs is definitely NOT a cool thing, my friend was throwing off on the fact that the band members are so young, I think .).
A few songs talk about blood and anger, but “Nightingale” evens it out because the lyrics are so sweet – it’s definitely a love song, and the lyrics sound like they are about a dream.
“This is Not an Exit” is such a mature song and it makes me think of growing up.
And “Freakish” is a sing-along inspirer – the singer totally shows off his voice and hits some high notes without sounding like that guy from Steelheart (remember them?).
Stay What You Are rocks.
The songs are diverse and interesting.
The melodies are catchy and the lyrics well-crafted.
It’s like this guy’s singing Rimbaud (perhaps that’s an over-statement, but the singer is one heck of a writer).
So, if you’re sick of the radio and have a hankering for some really good pop music (I shy away from the term “emo,” but lots of emo kids love Saves the Day too), check out “Stay What You Are.”
Visit Saves the Day’s web site at www.savestheday.com to listen to the album for free and see what you think.

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