Everclear is a band that has been toying with the limelight for some time, with modest success. In 2000, Everclear released its fourth and fifth albums within a span of months. The albums were put together as a two-volume concept, with the epic title of Songs From an American Movie.
On Vol. 1: Learning How to Smile, Everclear tries to capture the essence of Americana through the use of nostalgic and reflective lyrics. Often times these words confront lead singer/lyricist Art Alexakis' family traumas.
The music is more complex than on previous efforts, with lush strings accompanying the tribute to Alexakis' daughter, "Annabella."
Learning How to Smile, a calmer album, deals more with the brighter side of life. The song "Wonderful," which months ago could be heard all the time on the radio, is extremely poppy with a repetitive hook of "Na, na, na." Everclear pays homage to the good old days of radio with the glistened-glam of "A.M. Radio."
Unfortunately, Everclear tries to reminisce with a sacrilegious cover of Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl." This song should not be touched, unless by a cover band at a wedding. It is almost as bad as Britney Spears singing the Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." All in all, the album is not a departure from Everclear's old sounds, just slicked over with heavier instrumental accompaniments.
Vol. 2's name fits the bill. The album starts with the rocker "When It All Goes Wrong Again." With the way Alexakis screams the chorus over and over, it is a Good Time for a Bad Attitude. The music of Vol. 2 has a harder edge, set to the tune of crunchy power chords and pounding drums.
Yet, the album still contains formulaic alterna-rock power ballads, like "Out of My Depth" and "The Good Witch of the North." The songs go from soft to loud with the entrance of the chorus.
The last track of the album, "Song From an American Movie Part 2," revisits the themes of the first album -- happiness and love of life. Alexakis works through the mostly grinding rock album to tell us, "Sometimes I am happy just to be alive."
His pain must be resolved, at least until the next Everclear record.
