We Don't Need To Whisper

Before writing a review, I thought I'd take a few weeks to listen to this album. Having commented on the last two blink-182 albums quite soon after their releases, I wanted to hold back, so that my review was more balanced, and not suffering from the whole anticipation excitement. Having done this, I am delighted to say that this album STILL gives me the chills it did when I played Valkyrie Missile for the first time. I've never heard a song so perfect for the opening of an album, and indeed the opening of a new musical era for Tom Delonge and his fans. It has the best build up and pace to it, that you cannot help but lie there in awe when you're listening to it.

I think it speaks quality for every song on the record, that you wish there were more tracks on it. Each song is crafted to perfection, and I can quite confidently say that there are some timeless gems on here. Valkyrie Missile is probably my favourite song as you can probably tell, but other amazing tracks are Do It For Me Now, It Hurts and Start The Machine. The Adventure too is a great point, perhaps only harmed by the fact that because it was leaked so long ago, it doesn't hold the same wow factor as it once did.

AVA's music is a universe away from blink-182, and it's only Delonge's voice (which by the way is at an all-time best) that maintains that link. If I had to criticise it, it would be that some of the songs suffer from over-repetition of lyrics, but this is a minor gripe and I'm clutching at straws.

They say you should always leave the audience wanting more, and Delonge has done this to perfection. Quite simply, this album eclipses many of blink-182's songs, as you can tell how much work has gone into constructing songs level upon level. When I listen back to the blink-182 Greatest Hits album now, I find that only the later tracks like Always and Not Now hold my interest. Many of the others feel lacking in depth (musically & lyrically), and I think it's testiment to We Don't Need To Whisper's quality that I can say this, having lived and breathed blink-182 for a good long time now. Plus-44 have a tough act to follow, yet with a confident optimism (the AVA effect?!) I have a feeling they won't disappoint either! Easily the stand-out album of 2006 so far.

I remember when i was in my lounge watching the TV and the sound was on mute. Angels And Airwaves 'The Adventure' came up, but the sound was off because my parents were talking. As the video went on, i thought "This looks like a good song", so i turned the volume up and was blown away.
My parents bought me the album for my 18th birthday in February and I have not stopped listening to it since. I haven't even used my iPod for so long because this CD is on ALL THE TIME in my car. It is just fantastic. My favourite tracks are 'A Little's Enough', 'Start the Machine' and 'The War'. Buy this now.

To be perfectly honest, i was never a fan of anything DeLonge had done previously, i am far too into metal for that. but this really is different. Instantly drawing comparisons with the likes of U2 and the cure, this album goes further. some may have slated tom's new direction as self obsessive rambling, but he may truely be onto something here. Upon first listen to this album, there were moments that actualy made me so overcome with the emotions that it conjured. this really is an incredibly emotional record, and instills the listener with sense of hope for the future. Fans of DeLonge's previous works may not like this too much, but i encourage as many as possible to at least give this a listen. Check out The Adventure, The War and Do it for me now. Highly recomended.