Grace Hotel
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Album Reviews

While their self titled debut introduced the world to Ryan Smith and Cadet's brand of surf-influenced pop rock, The Observatory displays a surprising amount of growth in both songwriting and lyrics. The album on a whole is an above average bow to the pop/rock sound made popular by bands like Coldplay, Supertones and Nickleback, but the first track, "Nobody," is by far one of the best songs I've heard all year. The drive and emotion displayed both vocally and musically has not been matched for a long time, especially in the Christian music world. Unfortuatly, it leaves something to be desired from the other 11 tracks. True, most of the chorus are catchy, they move away from the more agressive sound of "Nobody" to a calmer, melodic rock tone on songs like "Change My Name," "Call Me" and "Cry To you." Lyrically, the album speaks to standing up for friendships, holding eachother accountable and standing firm in our faith. More for the first track than anything else, I give this album an B+.

~ tsrocks

I don't know how many of you listened to Cadet's first album, or even know who this young band is, but it's time to listen up. Wholly different from their initial attempt, this album is simply remarkable. Songs like "blame", "Call me" and "Stuck in a Song" make me want to get up and dance, while "Change my Name" drives me to my knees and demands repentance. Despite all the other projects that are coming out this month, Cadet's "The Observatory" is surely one not to pass up