After listening to Sleeping With Sirens' album, "Feel", a good 25 to 30 times it's safe to say I really enjoy the album for the most part. I've read other reviews of the album in the past, some of them have nothing but good things to say, some found the album to be a waste of time, and others were targeting fans which has nothing to do with an album review. My opinion of the album had a bit of a happy medium I suppose.
The first time ever listening to the album was not for critiquing but for my own leisure. I was mad for the first 30 seconds or so and I'll admit I caught myself asking "Is Kellin a sell out? Has he gone soft? What the hell happened?" I realized that the new sound was alright but it wasn't an album I owned so when I was recently asked to review it I was more than happy to approach it again.
We're all afraid of change, we love the harder side of Sleeping With Sirens but they were probably scared as hell to try something new. For starters we should take into account the fact that Kellin is a daddy. Yes, his daughter wasn't born yesterday but babies bring huge change and this lighter poppy sound change could be a reflection of the positive impact that having a baby has had on him. Personally I'm really liking the the title track "Feel" as well as tracks "Low", "Take You There". The songs pack a punch, letting you know they're still Sleeping With Sirens and lyrically, Kellin Quinn is at the top of his game. My one complaint that I've discovered I'm not alone on is with the song, "Congratulations" featuring Matty Mullins from Memphis May Fire. The song just doesn't fit with the rest of the album but is fantastic for the gym or a long run. I understand it's a song to celebrate their successes but the song comes off tacky in a way especially when played side by side with another collaboration on the album with rapper MGK, check out "I'll Take You There" and you won't be disappointed.
Overall I really love this album. There are some moments that I'm not a huge fan of but the positive vibes certainly overpower the negative ones. Do I think SWS will forever keep this style and "sound"? No I don't think so but I also can't say that they'll go back to the days if "If You Can't Hang". I like a mix personally, maybe that'll be next. So if you haven't already you should go check out Sleeping With Sirens latest album Feel because it's fuckin' awesome!
*My apologies for any typos, the iPhone is only so perfect. I'll run through this on my computer when I get the chance!
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