KING

Its summer. If you are like me, you like to enjoy listening to relaxing music at this point of the year. For most this might include Reggae, Alternative, Classic Rock, with a little bit of Hip-Hop as well. Dave Matthews, Sublime, Tom Petty...and of course O.A.R. are always summer time favorites. People seem to be divided on their thoughts on O.A.R. these days. Some people love them, some people say they sold out and hate them, and some people simply stopped listening after Stories of a Stranger came out. Thats all acceptable. My question is - how do you go from liking a group to all of a sudden giving up on them completely? Some people give up on on an artist because of their actions. Just because Chris Brown beats up women, Akon likes underage girls, and Michael Jackson enjoyed touching little boys doesn't reflect on their musical talent. Just beacause a group changes, or in most cases matures with time, doesn't mean they sold out. How long can you hear the same music for? Everything adapts and changes with time - as does music. This brings me to my point. O.A.R. has been a favorite of mine for a while now. I love their older music. I love their newer music. They are incredible live. But some people have given up on them and my point here is not to tell you to go listen to every band you liked before. My point here is not to ressurect O.A.R. and bring back their older fans. My point is to tell you - don't give up on your favorite artists just beause their music starts to change. O.A.R. recently released a new album entitled King. At first listen it sounded different than their older music. However, after listening a few times through, I noticed why it sounded different. It had better production, a fresher sound, and good combination of their older and newer style. In fact, this CD resurrected their older sound. All in all the new CD is great. As a new fan, an old fan, or a LOYAL fan - King is solid all the way through. Give O.A.R. a chance if you haven't been. Attend their concert, they put on a hell of a show.

Notable Songs:

Heaven - Their lead single is catchy and embodies O.A.R.'s newer style.

Taking on the World Today - Lyrically and musically sounds a lot like their old music.

Not For Me - Just great all around song. It gets stuck in your head

Gotta Live - Also very similar to their older music. Great solo's in the song.

Heavy Heart - Great lyrics, great song

Gotta Be Wrong Sometimes - Amazing song, looks to be their next single