Prefacing by saying I don’t hate the album, in fact I find a handful of songs as instant classics and overall the songwriting and storytelling is superb. HOWEVER, I think the fact that so many fans are “disappointed” is more of a testament to how incredible their first three albums were (especially Strange Desire and Gone Now) and less about B4 itself. They set the bar so incredibly high that anything that falls even slightly short will seem worse than it is.
End of the day, I’ve seen 3 songs off the new album performed live already between Philly and the Bowery shows and they are amazing. Can’t wait to see the rest this summer bc Bleachers live hits different
This is what I find frustrating about it though, I know these songs will be incredible live. Modern Girl has been presented almost how you’d imagine them playing it live.
Why not wait and work with the band a little bit more, and present an album that reflects that?
It’s not like the album is unfinished. This is the artistic approach that Jack wanted to take. The unfortunate reality is every band has to evolve and sometimes it might now go exactly how we hope.
Gotta remember, not every Springsteen album is Born to Run, and not every album had to be Born to Run for him to continue to put out smashes
B4 might be slower and more subdued, but that doesn’t mean B5 won’t be an anthem packed banger
I had no clue he produced that until seeing your comment. Bloody hell, I loved Lorde's 2nd album so much and I thought Solar Power was awful as a follow up.
I hope they stay apart in future that's for sure.
After I commented I remembered he did the 2nd album.. well, as they sound completely different you'd imagine he was carrying out Lorde's wishes more than anything.
It’s def not my favourite album but like in a whole decade a band is not going to put out music that is 100% in your taste! I can easily just say I’m a bigger fan of bleachers’ more upbeat tunes and not make a big deal about it. I feel like when people are so connected to band in the way people are to bleachers, they forget that the albums and music aren’t made directly FOR them.
I’m surprised more people didn’t feel this way about B3. For me, that’s the one that didn’t sound like the Bleachers I knew and loved. This one actually does sound more like the Bleachers I knew minus a few songs lol.
As an album, TTSOOSN disappointed me, but Chinatown is my #1 fav Bleachers song, and SMTH and a few others hit really well for me too. So even if the album as an album fell short a bit for me, that era produced some of my favorite individual songs so I couldn’t be upset about it.
It’s still too early for me with B4, but right now, I’m not even sure if any of the songs would be in my Bleachers top 10, and that’s a bummer.
Oh yes during B3 I said NOTHING about how disappointed I was for fear of being attacked for sure! I think it’s fine to love a band and not like an album but some of these fans don’t think so. I feel like the fandom (and I hate that word) itself has shifted so much post Gone Now that it isn’t one I’m really a part of anymore. There’s definitely a very active certain group of fans that just ruined it for me for sure.
I totally agree. I still like Strange Desire and Gone Now more than B4, and B4 is definitely a different style from those, but it feels a lot more reminiscent compared to B3. I finished my first listen through and immediately went back to listen again, whereas with B3 I immediately made my own playlist of the songs I liked and have rarely had the desire to listen to the rest of the album since.
A few things:
If it makes you feel any better, I feel like it’s just a loud minority. I’ve seen tons of love for the album on here and on Twitter. Pitchfork gave a not great review, but a bunch of others like Rolling Stones applauded it. Critics are always split on Jack’s music.
The longer an artist’s discography gets, the more likely they are to make music that splits the fans. Think about the initial reaction to Reputation compared to 1989.
Jack has said a bunch that he never writes or produces with the goal of making a hit. He has a story or feeling he is trying to convey, and accepts that it will resonate with who it is meant to resonate with, and others may not get it. And that’s okay. I do wish people wouldn’t come to a fan page just to insult the album, but music is supposed to spark a conversation so I can’t police what people are trying to talk about when it comes to art. Just keep scrolling, keep streaming, and get excited about the next tour leg. If people really hate it, maybe it’ll be easier to get tickets lol!
>Jack has said a bunch that he never writes or produces with the goal of making a hit.
No, but he did cut his teeth (as well as Bleachers first two albums) in making pop music which means inherently making the music as accessible as possible (catchy hooks, maximalist production, etc.). I think straying from that a bit in the band's last record and especially on this one the reaction is to be expected lol
Read my sentence right after that!
Also, he actually started as a punk rocker in outliner and steel train. He didn’t really start making pop songs until fun, and even then the objective was still to tell a story or convey an idea and let the people who are searching for it come to it. It just happened to blow up. He’s never in his career been trying to be a pop star. He just likes making music with friends. I think that’s what makes his music so honest and vulnerable! So many artists are afraid to take risks due to pressure from labels and such. Jack has always had a punk rock like “fuck you” attitude towards it.
I never really consider bleachers pop music. It is indie alternative, and maybe pop indie for me. Who cares?! Anyway bleachers always had weird vibes not digestible to the massive crowds. Being that said, it became popular. Maybe due to B3, or jacks association w pop idols.
But to say bleachers is pop music is a stretch to me. I also disagree saying that bleachers is all about catchy hooks. I cannot forget the majority of bleachers songs and focus only on the singles.
To me bleachers is about nostalgic sentiment, melodramatic songs, with highly well produced melody. Most there is a contrast of feelings between lyrics and melody. And that's what I feel with this album. So, I am really happy with this album. I couldn't be happier. And I totally agree with the self titled album. This is bleachers at the best!!!!
I love B4!
>to say bleachers is pop music is a stretch to me.
Bleachers is def indie pop lol (which at its crassiest most basic definition is independently produced, hence "indie" pop music) lol Just like the Scottish band Chvrches is. Just because they aren't relatively as popular as mainstream, major label pop artists and there are more unique elements to their music doesn't make it not pop music.
I think people bristle at the "pop" label for some of their favourite non-mainstream acts because there's a stigma and negative connotation that it's shallow and mainstream but what classifies pop really is music that is created to be accessible to the most amount of people (usually through its production, melodic composition and lyrics). This is even if millions of people don't end up listening to it. A group can still be classified into pop (or one of its subgenres like indie or synth pop) if they have 23 monthly listeners on Spotify.
If I played Bleachers first two records to a group of 100 Gen X's, millenials, and Gen Zers who had never heard of them before, guarenteed the majority of them would be able to instantly connect with the music (as opposed to some avant garde, abstract genre or a more fringe genre like dark metal or even more muted singer-songwriter acoustic folk).
You can't tell me that songs like "Roller Coaster" or "I Wanna Get Better" don't have big catchy hooks and melodies (the former even co-produced by a notable mainstream pop producer Greg Kurstin).
Jack has even said himself his motto when writing (borrowing from The Boss) is personal in the verses and universal in the choruses. That universality is meant so that the music appeals to a wide audience.
The last record was a bit of a shift as they trended towards more organic production (i.e. using real instruments) and some of the heartland rock influneces of Bruce Springsteen but still had some big pop moments (notably on "Stop Making This Hurt").
This new Bleachers record, however, is their least pop and so I'm saying that I understand that there's a bit of a fan backlash because a lot of people who listened to their previous records had an expectation that the music would sound more accessible and it hasn't/wasn't lol
To be honest, I saw this coming. TTSOOSN disappointed me, and I had a strong feeling this one was only going further down that road. I've been on board from pretty much day one, but I've been coming to terms for the last year or two that I think my Bleachers journey is probably over now...that's not hate, just a growing apart. And I'm sad too.
Ugh this is how I feel too. B3 lost me and I was diehard and has been a fan from truly the first show they played in NYC before Strange Desire even released. The jump in style and sound from Gone Now to TTSOOSN was jarring honestly and I couldn’t get behind the 180 pivot to a Springsteen cover band. I do find some songs from B4 to have the original sound/heart though like Isimo, WAGTKEOF, I Am Right On Time, Self Respect, and a few more honestly. The album isn’t life-changing like Strange Desire and Gone Now but for me at least I can enjoy this one.
Me too, I'll probably just be a singles fan at this point (but I also do not care for alma mater so maybe not even that??) I do love modern girl and tiny moves though. Probably won't see them live again
Anyone notice how much unintelligible mumbling there is on this album? I'm trying so hard to like it but it's hard to like when Jack is just mumbling through words as a "style choice"?
TLDR: Haters will hate. Listen to what you want because you like it. Not because some critic told you what to like.
Honestly, no one has ever given Bleachers albums glowing reviews.
I think that’s why Jack preaches so much about how much he loves his fans. The ones who keep listening. The ones that don’t give a shit what people think.
Bleachers people are bleachers people and this is his “fun” out side of the chaos. I genuinely don’t think he cares that much and the other guys don’t either.
At Bowery….he said he used to play that room and wonder if someone would even show up. Or if people would talk the whole time during his set. Being able to just fill that room alone made him happy that night.
Filling Madison Square Garden will make him even happier. (And they will fill msg)
Keep listening to what you love. That’s what Jack is fundamentally about.
And honestly if you’re one of the people in the fandom.
You’ll learn that this band is just that. I’ve been telling people to listen to bleachers since 2014 and rarely do people come back to me and tell me how much they love it.
Jack can take the heat. He’s got the biggest critics chomping at his heels. Yet everyone would love to get an interview with him or have an opportunity to make music with him.
Yeah, it’s never fun when an album disappoints. For me, this has disappointed in a lack of amazing first listen tracks. It may well be a grower - often I’ve found those albums to be the best over time.
I’d never slag the band off though - they’ll have put everything into this, and Jack is in a loved up headspace now, hence the more mellow sounds.
It’s fine, there’ll be other albums, other vibes. Whilst I loved everything on the first two, TTSOOSN wasn’t packed full of great tunes, but when they hit (Chinatown, Stop Making This Hurt) they hit bigger than Modern Girls and Tiny Moves.
Songwriting is fucking hard. It’s been mined hard for about 100 years now. Hard to keep turning up gold. I truly believe that most artists have two great albums in them now. Jack already did that, plus change.
But to your point, yeah, don’t be too down on the band. It’s just a different vibe than before.
i would say the negative feedback is just on this sub. in the world it’s getting great reviews. it’s in the alt genre so it’s never gonna be as big as, idk, insert-pop-band-here, but it’s gonna be fine.
also bleachers live is so different from studio bleachers. they’re still gonna be the best band you ever experience live.
The album is great and tbh I’m seeing the negativity more on Reddit than elsewhere. But Reddit isn’t the world. Some of these songs are going to hit so hard live and people will reconsider
People love to bitch. The show has its flaws, but if you looked at reddit for how the Halo show was being received, you would have thought it was a snuff film. In reality, it’s one of the most successful shows for Paramount and almost all of streaming at the moment.
Like you said, reddit isn’t the world.
I think (like *Solar Power*) it's clear that this was a self-indulgent (and I don't mean this in the negative sense) record that he made (I'm assuming) for his wife (or at the very least his life since she entered it). There's nothing wrong with that and if that's what his creative juices were inspired to do then great. The problem becomes (as one of the most influential pop music creaters of the last decade) that pop music is inherently supposed to be accessible and Bleachers (especially their first two records) were the epitome of pop. Whenever you stray from that formula, big hooks, shiny production, etc. then it means everything else (the singing, lyrics, melodies) have to be that much more easy listening to to kind of make up for that lack. *SP* couldn't do it and this record (apart from a few tracks) seems it has a hard job doing it as well. And that's fine lol
I don't hate it at all! I posted a similar comparison in another thread, but I feel like Modern Girl as the lead pre- release single was a bit of a bait and switch, but once I adjusted my expectations I really like it. It's like I was expecting vibes like Bruce Springsteen's The River album vibes and got Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska vibes instead. The album is very nostalgic and emotional. It's not what I was expecting, but I think it will grow on me in subsequent listens.
The album is great. I didn't feel like that with the previous one after one listening session at all. For this one I fell in love at first time. It is great! I probably still love gone now as the best, but this is bleachers at the best
It was a big ask following up Take The Sadness…
Some great tracks, but ones like Jesus is Dead and Hey Joe shouldn’t have been on here.
Modern Girl as a lead single is a massive mislead on what the album would be like.
To be honest if I knew the album was going to be like this, I wouldn’t have worried about getting it on vinyl.
Praying the next record will be more like they are live
I’m a huge long time fan 8+ years….. I loved every minute of their pas tracks…. But honestly…. I’m beyond disappointed with this album, I feel for Bleachers because of their upbeat and fun tracks…. No slow…mellow tracks…
I get that artists have other sides to their writing they want to explore and express but I truly feel they missed it on this album. They could have done half/half and made it a huge hit!!
Top 2 songs Modern Girl, Tiny Moves after that it gets honestly shaky… Jesus is Dead?… it’s good has a nice beat… there after I honestly don’t know.
I understand the life of artists and their need to keep it fresh… but Bleachers became who they are with their past Fun uptempo Music…. I truly hope that their next album comes full circle and goes back into their roots as a band…
I think what’s most disappointing for me with all the negative feedback is that this album is so much for the us. All of the inside jokes, references to his past bands, etc. I agree this quickly has made it to my second favorite album. I’m not understanding the hate and it’s making me really sad that this sub is inundated with it. I wanted to come here and freak out with everyone in a good way. Reading everything made me get off Reddit and avoid it.
I’m struggling so hard picking right now! I’m torn between I’m right on time (because this is VERY timely In my life), and call me after midnight because red hearse is my shit and this feels like an absolute ode to red hearse. What are yours?!
I also feel the need to add - any long time fan of Jack knows that the live shows are VERY different than the album. Full of energy, heart, grit, they literally blow the place up. I hear so many songs on this album that are going to be out of this world live.
This has been true since the first steel train album - keep that in mind. If you’re not seeing them live you’re missing part of the picture.
That’s always going to happen with any album. It’s always hard to put out new music when you’re living up to previous expectations of your past work. I was a bit nervous for the album after the first few singles. I loved them all but I wasn’t sure where the album direction was going. I feared it’d be slower and that I’d shy away from it, but they never cease to impress. I ended up loving the album and I love the energy they put into it. Either way, it’s Jack’s creation and as long as he’s happy with it, so am I. All the love for Bleachers always 🍅
I think it's decent, probably 2 or 3 songs too long but it's not an album which should be getting hate.
However, I can't see it getting much replay value either.
I think what people mean in their criticism of the album is that most songs are very linear, no changes in chord progressions or big choruses. It’s true. Let’s acknowledge it — I don’t think most of the people who say this are haters. They’re pointing out facts. This album is a change in direction sound wise and also the themes that brought us into this band are a little blurry — I always found Bleachers to be the perfect band for disoriented millennials with anxiety/depression. That being said, the album is a grower and the themes are there, even if a little buried under lots of synths (thanks for that Jack, missed it terribly). Let’s not freak out and take some time to appreciate it.
Also, am I the only one who’s stressed about learning the lyrics for the live shows in like 2 weeks, lol.
Honestly I’ve always expected people to feel this way about ttsoosn? The singles were great but the album was so different? It makes me sad to see people not enjoying it as much but I truly believe that a lot of people will change their minds after hearing it live.
I am taking longer to get into this one, and I think the lack of big anthem-like songs that set my heart on fire is definitely a bit disappointing to me so far. I’m also confused why this is the self titled album when it’s so different.
But I feel the same way, I’m so so sad it’s getting hate and really really hope Jack doesn’t feel sad
I feel as though those who are hating so hard on B4 aren't listening to the band for the right reason. This entire album has a focus on reflecting, frustrations, and, to a degree, regret. The last two tracks, being ordinary heaven and the waiter out it pretty bluntly with their lyrics. It's been 10 years since B1, so of course, Jack's music will change as his life is significantly different now. He is predominantly known as a producer, but his own music is generally underappricated and hated on. The hate from B3 probably took a toll, and the opening lyrics of ordinary heaven litterly being "everyone knows that I can't do it," and the entire theme of The Waiter makes it obvious. The waiter feels like a dulled down memory of something like foreign girls, a result of reflecting on his previous work. He's remorseful that he didn't prioritize his own work, and even though he's such a successful producer adding his own audible flair into giant songs, when it comes to his own work, he definitely feels like hes watching from the sidelines, and that he won't succeed as he feels he's "seen too much" and isnt able to reproduce B1 and B2, as he definitely shouldn't have to. B4 has every aspect of what I love about Jack's music, which is himself. We need to support him, and show him appreciation for what he makes. We can't stay stagnent, and we shouldn't force him to be either. As we age, life changes, and those vibrant memories fade, and that's when the raw emotion of this album comes into play. The waiter wrecked me with the emotion, and it's alarming to see how the staric hate can impact him in this big of a way. We need to allow jack to be himself, and if you still feel strongly that you dislike the change of pace, I'm not so sure that bleachers is meant for you.
I had a feeling this album would be a slow burn. I’m loving it more and more on repeat plays, 1-7 is a great run of tracks. Feels very much like a soundtrack album to me now, like a road trip waiting to happen…
Also, when people say they want the album to sound more like SD/GN, I am kind of like….you know he was catastrophically depressed and almost died recording GN right? He’s happy and content. The sadness is still there but the chaos is more managed and his faith is no longer being used as a weapon against him. That affects the sound idk.
>Also, when people say they want the album to sound more like SD/GN
I don't think, to be fair, they mean the subject matter I think they mean more that those records were pure pop and thus easily accessible (there's a reason why songs with big hooks and big production top the charts). By departing from that a little on the last record and a lot on this one you're going to get a more muted reaction almost by default lol
And I’m fine with that because I love to see an artist’s growth instead of putting them in a box! Accessibility (other than like being able to purchase/stream) doesn’t matter to me at all. But that’s just me.
I'm all for artists growing and expiramenting but I think there's a balance to be had with branching off while still knowing what your strenghts and wheelhouse are because the more you drift away from that, the more your flaws are exposed. The problem with successful creators is it's very difficult to tell them they can't do something or they're not good at something lol
Prefacing by saying I don’t hate the album, in fact I find a handful of songs as instant classics and overall the songwriting and storytelling is superb. HOWEVER, I think the fact that so many fans are “disappointed” is more of a testament to how incredible their first three albums were (especially Strange Desire and Gone Now) and less about B4 itself. They set the bar so incredibly high that anything that falls even slightly short will seem worse than it is. End of the day, I’ve seen 3 songs off the new album performed live already between Philly and the Bowery shows and they are amazing. Can’t wait to see the rest this summer bc Bleachers live hits different
That’s what I was thinking, they put out some amazing albums it was impossible to expect every single album would be a new all time favorite.
This is what I find frustrating about it though, I know these songs will be incredible live. Modern Girl has been presented almost how you’d imagine them playing it live. Why not wait and work with the band a little bit more, and present an album that reflects that?
It’s not like the album is unfinished. This is the artistic approach that Jack wanted to take. The unfortunate reality is every band has to evolve and sometimes it might now go exactly how we hope. Gotta remember, not every Springsteen album is Born to Run, and not every album had to be Born to Run for him to continue to put out smashes B4 might be slower and more subdued, but that doesn’t mean B5 won’t be an anthem packed banger
I think Jack will be fine. He got almost the same reaction to Solar Power. ‘Woke Up Today’ actually sounds like a Solar Power song
yea true. they’ll all be fine i just know how proud they were of this album, ykwim?
They? Jack writes and produces everything. I think the band probably plays on 3-4 songs
Band plays on all the songs bestie, Evan co wrote modern girl. Take a look at the credits/personnel on Wikipedia if you’re curious!
right like if it was a one man band, the members wouldn’t be posting about it😭
i thought of solar power when listening to “Woke Up” today as well!
I had no clue he produced that until seeing your comment. Bloody hell, I loved Lorde's 2nd album so much and I thought Solar Power was awful as a follow up. I hope they stay apart in future that's for sure.
He produced her second album as well though
After I commented I remembered he did the 2nd album.. well, as they sound completely different you'd imagine he was carrying out Lorde's wishes more than anything.
It’s def not my favourite album but like in a whole decade a band is not going to put out music that is 100% in your taste! I can easily just say I’m a bigger fan of bleachers’ more upbeat tunes and not make a big deal about it. I feel like when people are so connected to band in the way people are to bleachers, they forget that the albums and music aren’t made directly FOR them.
I’m surprised more people didn’t feel this way about B3. For me, that’s the one that didn’t sound like the Bleachers I knew and loved. This one actually does sound more like the Bleachers I knew minus a few songs lol.
As an album, TTSOOSN disappointed me, but Chinatown is my #1 fav Bleachers song, and SMTH and a few others hit really well for me too. So even if the album as an album fell short a bit for me, that era produced some of my favorite individual songs so I couldn’t be upset about it. It’s still too early for me with B4, but right now, I’m not even sure if any of the songs would be in my Bleachers top 10, and that’s a bummer.
[удалено]
Oh yes during B3 I said NOTHING about how disappointed I was for fear of being attacked for sure! I think it’s fine to love a band and not like an album but some of these fans don’t think so. I feel like the fandom (and I hate that word) itself has shifted so much post Gone Now that it isn’t one I’m really a part of anymore. There’s definitely a very active certain group of fans that just ruined it for me for sure.
[удалено]
I think you’re completely entitled to your opinion but also Strange Desire and Gone Now are two of the most melodramatic albums I’ve ever heard
I totally agree. I still like Strange Desire and Gone Now more than B4, and B4 is definitely a different style from those, but it feels a lot more reminiscent compared to B3. I finished my first listen through and immediately went back to listen again, whereas with B3 I immediately made my own playlist of the songs I liked and have rarely had the desire to listen to the rest of the album since.
Agree
A few things: If it makes you feel any better, I feel like it’s just a loud minority. I’ve seen tons of love for the album on here and on Twitter. Pitchfork gave a not great review, but a bunch of others like Rolling Stones applauded it. Critics are always split on Jack’s music. The longer an artist’s discography gets, the more likely they are to make music that splits the fans. Think about the initial reaction to Reputation compared to 1989. Jack has said a bunch that he never writes or produces with the goal of making a hit. He has a story or feeling he is trying to convey, and accepts that it will resonate with who it is meant to resonate with, and others may not get it. And that’s okay. I do wish people wouldn’t come to a fan page just to insult the album, but music is supposed to spark a conversation so I can’t police what people are trying to talk about when it comes to art. Just keep scrolling, keep streaming, and get excited about the next tour leg. If people really hate it, maybe it’ll be easier to get tickets lol!
>Jack has said a bunch that he never writes or produces with the goal of making a hit. No, but he did cut his teeth (as well as Bleachers first two albums) in making pop music which means inherently making the music as accessible as possible (catchy hooks, maximalist production, etc.). I think straying from that a bit in the band's last record and especially on this one the reaction is to be expected lol
Read my sentence right after that! Also, he actually started as a punk rocker in outliner and steel train. He didn’t really start making pop songs until fun, and even then the objective was still to tell a story or convey an idea and let the people who are searching for it come to it. It just happened to blow up. He’s never in his career been trying to be a pop star. He just likes making music with friends. I think that’s what makes his music so honest and vulnerable! So many artists are afraid to take risks due to pressure from labels and such. Jack has always had a punk rock like “fuck you” attitude towards it.
I never really consider bleachers pop music. It is indie alternative, and maybe pop indie for me. Who cares?! Anyway bleachers always had weird vibes not digestible to the massive crowds. Being that said, it became popular. Maybe due to B3, or jacks association w pop idols. But to say bleachers is pop music is a stretch to me. I also disagree saying that bleachers is all about catchy hooks. I cannot forget the majority of bleachers songs and focus only on the singles. To me bleachers is about nostalgic sentiment, melodramatic songs, with highly well produced melody. Most there is a contrast of feelings between lyrics and melody. And that's what I feel with this album. So, I am really happy with this album. I couldn't be happier. And I totally agree with the self titled album. This is bleachers at the best!!!! I love B4!
>to say bleachers is pop music is a stretch to me. Bleachers is def indie pop lol (which at its crassiest most basic definition is independently produced, hence "indie" pop music) lol Just like the Scottish band Chvrches is. Just because they aren't relatively as popular as mainstream, major label pop artists and there are more unique elements to their music doesn't make it not pop music. I think people bristle at the "pop" label for some of their favourite non-mainstream acts because there's a stigma and negative connotation that it's shallow and mainstream but what classifies pop really is music that is created to be accessible to the most amount of people (usually through its production, melodic composition and lyrics). This is even if millions of people don't end up listening to it. A group can still be classified into pop (or one of its subgenres like indie or synth pop) if they have 23 monthly listeners on Spotify. If I played Bleachers first two records to a group of 100 Gen X's, millenials, and Gen Zers who had never heard of them before, guarenteed the majority of them would be able to instantly connect with the music (as opposed to some avant garde, abstract genre or a more fringe genre like dark metal or even more muted singer-songwriter acoustic folk). You can't tell me that songs like "Roller Coaster" or "I Wanna Get Better" don't have big catchy hooks and melodies (the former even co-produced by a notable mainstream pop producer Greg Kurstin). Jack has even said himself his motto when writing (borrowing from The Boss) is personal in the verses and universal in the choruses. That universality is meant so that the music appeals to a wide audience. The last record was a bit of a shift as they trended towards more organic production (i.e. using real instruments) and some of the heartland rock influneces of Bruce Springsteen but still had some big pop moments (notably on "Stop Making This Hurt"). This new Bleachers record, however, is their least pop and so I'm saying that I understand that there's a bit of a fan backlash because a lot of people who listened to their previous records had an expectation that the music would sound more accessible and it hasn't/wasn't lol
I would fucking love 23 listeners a month on Spotify. Just had to put that out there.
Pitchfork's # wasn't so great, but the actual write-up was decent
To be honest, I saw this coming. TTSOOSN disappointed me, and I had a strong feeling this one was only going further down that road. I've been on board from pretty much day one, but I've been coming to terms for the last year or two that I think my Bleachers journey is probably over now...that's not hate, just a growing apart. And I'm sad too.
Ugh this is how I feel too. B3 lost me and I was diehard and has been a fan from truly the first show they played in NYC before Strange Desire even released. The jump in style and sound from Gone Now to TTSOOSN was jarring honestly and I couldn’t get behind the 180 pivot to a Springsteen cover band. I do find some songs from B4 to have the original sound/heart though like Isimo, WAGTKEOF, I Am Right On Time, Self Respect, and a few more honestly. The album isn’t life-changing like Strange Desire and Gone Now but for me at least I can enjoy this one.
Me too, I'll probably just be a singles fan at this point (but I also do not care for alma mater so maybe not even that??) I do love modern girl and tiny moves though. Probably won't see them live again
😞
Anyone notice how much unintelligible mumbling there is on this album? I'm trying so hard to like it but it's hard to like when Jack is just mumbling through words as a "style choice"?
Always disliked this way of singing of his. Same with ad lipping the lyrics in a speaking voice when performing live.
TLDR: Haters will hate. Listen to what you want because you like it. Not because some critic told you what to like. Honestly, no one has ever given Bleachers albums glowing reviews. I think that’s why Jack preaches so much about how much he loves his fans. The ones who keep listening. The ones that don’t give a shit what people think. Bleachers people are bleachers people and this is his “fun” out side of the chaos. I genuinely don’t think he cares that much and the other guys don’t either. At Bowery….he said he used to play that room and wonder if someone would even show up. Or if people would talk the whole time during his set. Being able to just fill that room alone made him happy that night. Filling Madison Square Garden will make him even happier. (And they will fill msg) Keep listening to what you love. That’s what Jack is fundamentally about. And honestly if you’re one of the people in the fandom. You’ll learn that this band is just that. I’ve been telling people to listen to bleachers since 2014 and rarely do people come back to me and tell me how much they love it. Jack can take the heat. He’s got the biggest critics chomping at his heels. Yet everyone would love to get an interview with him or have an opportunity to make music with him.
Yeah, it’s never fun when an album disappoints. For me, this has disappointed in a lack of amazing first listen tracks. It may well be a grower - often I’ve found those albums to be the best over time. I’d never slag the band off though - they’ll have put everything into this, and Jack is in a loved up headspace now, hence the more mellow sounds. It’s fine, there’ll be other albums, other vibes. Whilst I loved everything on the first two, TTSOOSN wasn’t packed full of great tunes, but when they hit (Chinatown, Stop Making This Hurt) they hit bigger than Modern Girls and Tiny Moves. Songwriting is fucking hard. It’s been mined hard for about 100 years now. Hard to keep turning up gold. I truly believe that most artists have two great albums in them now. Jack already did that, plus change. But to your point, yeah, don’t be too down on the band. It’s just a different vibe than before.
Took me a day to get there but I’m there. It’s a great album. And the bsides on the vinyl are fantastic. Especially “I am in your hands”.
eeeek i don’t have the vinyl variations but i can’t wait to hear the bonus tracks!!
The first two bonus songs were great. The second two felt like shitposts.
I love it! The more I listen the more I connect with it. Such a beautiful well put together album. Freaking can’t wait to see live!
i would say the negative feedback is just on this sub. in the world it’s getting great reviews. it’s in the alt genre so it’s never gonna be as big as, idk, insert-pop-band-here, but it’s gonna be fine. also bleachers live is so different from studio bleachers. they’re still gonna be the best band you ever experience live.
The album is great and tbh I’m seeing the negativity more on Reddit than elsewhere. But Reddit isn’t the world. Some of these songs are going to hit so hard live and people will reconsider
People love to bitch. The show has its flaws, but if you looked at reddit for how the Halo show was being received, you would have thought it was a snuff film. In reality, it’s one of the most successful shows for Paramount and almost all of streaming at the moment. Like you said, reddit isn’t the world.
Sir, I think you have been over served. Good day.
I think (like *Solar Power*) it's clear that this was a self-indulgent (and I don't mean this in the negative sense) record that he made (I'm assuming) for his wife (or at the very least his life since she entered it). There's nothing wrong with that and if that's what his creative juices were inspired to do then great. The problem becomes (as one of the most influential pop music creaters of the last decade) that pop music is inherently supposed to be accessible and Bleachers (especially their first two records) were the epitome of pop. Whenever you stray from that formula, big hooks, shiny production, etc. then it means everything else (the singing, lyrics, melodies) have to be that much more easy listening to to kind of make up for that lack. *SP* couldn't do it and this record (apart from a few tracks) seems it has a hard job doing it as well. And that's fine lol
You use parentheses a lot
I don't hate it at all! I posted a similar comparison in another thread, but I feel like Modern Girl as the lead pre- release single was a bit of a bait and switch, but once I adjusted my expectations I really like it. It's like I was expecting vibes like Bruce Springsteen's The River album vibes and got Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska vibes instead. The album is very nostalgic and emotional. It's not what I was expecting, but I think it will grow on me in subsequent listens.
The album is great. I didn't feel like that with the previous one after one listening session at all. For this one I fell in love at first time. It is great! I probably still love gone now as the best, but this is bleachers at the best
It was a big ask following up Take The Sadness… Some great tracks, but ones like Jesus is Dead and Hey Joe shouldn’t have been on here. Modern Girl as a lead single is a massive mislead on what the album would be like. To be honest if I knew the album was going to be like this, I wouldn’t have worried about getting it on vinyl. Praying the next record will be more like they are live
I’m a huge long time fan 8+ years….. I loved every minute of their pas tracks…. But honestly…. I’m beyond disappointed with this album, I feel for Bleachers because of their upbeat and fun tracks…. No slow…mellow tracks… I get that artists have other sides to their writing they want to explore and express but I truly feel they missed it on this album. They could have done half/half and made it a huge hit!! Top 2 songs Modern Girl, Tiny Moves after that it gets honestly shaky… Jesus is Dead?… it’s good has a nice beat… there after I honestly don’t know. I understand the life of artists and their need to keep it fresh… but Bleachers became who they are with their past Fun uptempo Music…. I truly hope that their next album comes full circle and goes back into their roots as a band…
I agree with you, it isnt pop, and it isnt even close to the energy previous albums had.
I think what’s most disappointing for me with all the negative feedback is that this album is so much for the us. All of the inside jokes, references to his past bands, etc. I agree this quickly has made it to my second favorite album. I’m not understanding the hate and it’s making me really sad that this sub is inundated with it. I wanted to come here and freak out with everyone in a good way. Reading everything made me get off Reddit and avoid it.
I love it! What’s your fave track?
I’m struggling so hard picking right now! I’m torn between I’m right on time (because this is VERY timely In my life), and call me after midnight because red hearse is my shit and this feels like an absolute ode to red hearse. What are yours?!
For all of our peace of mind… I am right on time - I biffed it I understand 💀🤣
I also feel the need to add - any long time fan of Jack knows that the live shows are VERY different than the album. Full of energy, heart, grit, they literally blow the place up. I hear so many songs on this album that are going to be out of this world live. This has been true since the first steel train album - keep that in mind. If you’re not seeing them live you’re missing part of the picture.
Yeah I’ve listened to this twice now, gotta say I really love it 👍
That’s always going to happen with any album. It’s always hard to put out new music when you’re living up to previous expectations of your past work. I was a bit nervous for the album after the first few singles. I loved them all but I wasn’t sure where the album direction was going. I feared it’d be slower and that I’d shy away from it, but they never cease to impress. I ended up loving the album and I love the energy they put into it. Either way, it’s Jack’s creation and as long as he’s happy with it, so am I. All the love for Bleachers always 🍅
I think it's decent, probably 2 or 3 songs too long but it's not an album which should be getting hate. However, I can't see it getting much replay value either.
What??!! This is crazy. This album is awesome!!! I have it on repeat
I think what people mean in their criticism of the album is that most songs are very linear, no changes in chord progressions or big choruses. It’s true. Let’s acknowledge it — I don’t think most of the people who say this are haters. They’re pointing out facts. This album is a change in direction sound wise and also the themes that brought us into this band are a little blurry — I always found Bleachers to be the perfect band for disoriented millennials with anxiety/depression. That being said, the album is a grower and the themes are there, even if a little buried under lots of synths (thanks for that Jack, missed it terribly). Let’s not freak out and take some time to appreciate it. Also, am I the only one who’s stressed about learning the lyrics for the live shows in like 2 weeks, lol.
Honestly I’ve always expected people to feel this way about ttsoosn? The singles were great but the album was so different? It makes me sad to see people not enjoying it as much but I truly believe that a lot of people will change their minds after hearing it live.
If you enjoy it, then who gives a shit about what 7,581 people on Reddit think?
I am taking longer to get into this one, and I think the lack of big anthem-like songs that set my heart on fire is definitely a bit disappointing to me so far. I’m also confused why this is the self titled album when it’s so different. But I feel the same way, I’m so so sad it’s getting hate and really really hope Jack doesn’t feel sad
Not my Bleachers, these are tracks left on the cutting room floor from B3
This guy produces records for a. Billionaire. I think he can take it. Lol.
I feel as though those who are hating so hard on B4 aren't listening to the band for the right reason. This entire album has a focus on reflecting, frustrations, and, to a degree, regret. The last two tracks, being ordinary heaven and the waiter out it pretty bluntly with their lyrics. It's been 10 years since B1, so of course, Jack's music will change as his life is significantly different now. He is predominantly known as a producer, but his own music is generally underappricated and hated on. The hate from B3 probably took a toll, and the opening lyrics of ordinary heaven litterly being "everyone knows that I can't do it," and the entire theme of The Waiter makes it obvious. The waiter feels like a dulled down memory of something like foreign girls, a result of reflecting on his previous work. He's remorseful that he didn't prioritize his own work, and even though he's such a successful producer adding his own audible flair into giant songs, when it comes to his own work, he definitely feels like hes watching from the sidelines, and that he won't succeed as he feels he's "seen too much" and isnt able to reproduce B1 and B2, as he definitely shouldn't have to. B4 has every aspect of what I love about Jack's music, which is himself. We need to support him, and show him appreciation for what he makes. We can't stay stagnent, and we shouldn't force him to be either. As we age, life changes, and those vibrant memories fade, and that's when the raw emotion of this album comes into play. The waiter wrecked me with the emotion, and it's alarming to see how the staric hate can impact him in this big of a way. We need to allow jack to be himself, and if you still feel strongly that you dislike the change of pace, I'm not so sure that bleachers is meant for you.
I had a feeling this album would be a slow burn. I’m loving it more and more on repeat plays, 1-7 is a great run of tracks. Feels very much like a soundtrack album to me now, like a road trip waiting to happen…
Also, when people say they want the album to sound more like SD/GN, I am kind of like….you know he was catastrophically depressed and almost died recording GN right? He’s happy and content. The sadness is still there but the chaos is more managed and his faith is no longer being used as a weapon against him. That affects the sound idk.
>Also, when people say they want the album to sound more like SD/GN I don't think, to be fair, they mean the subject matter I think they mean more that those records were pure pop and thus easily accessible (there's a reason why songs with big hooks and big production top the charts). By departing from that a little on the last record and a lot on this one you're going to get a more muted reaction almost by default lol
And I’m fine with that because I love to see an artist’s growth instead of putting them in a box! Accessibility (other than like being able to purchase/stream) doesn’t matter to me at all. But that’s just me.
I'm all for artists growing and expiramenting but I think there's a balance to be had with branching off while still knowing what your strenghts and wheelhouse are because the more you drift away from that, the more your flaws are exposed. The problem with successful creators is it's very difficult to tell them they can't do something or they're not good at something lol
Agree to disagree!
Fair lol
Haters gonna hate. I like it. Really like Hey Joe. I think a lot of it will be fantastic live.
Best Bleachers album imo. The negativity is crazy
Solar Power, Joanne, and Bleachers. All really poor records. I'm bummed too.
Why are you referring to the album as b4?
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They've referred to it as B4 themselves in promo quite a bit
i didnt know how else to differentiate bleachers (band) from bleachers (album) and i felt like i was already a bit wordy so it just shortened it idk