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The Afters
“Never Going Back to OK”
INO Records
12 tracks @ 41:56
Grade = C
The Afters received a lot of attention, including a 2006 Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year.” The band’s second record sounds great. . .
Vocalist Josh Havens says, “It is definitely a lot more diverse than our last record. There are songs that rock harder than anything we’ve ever done and then there’s songs that are softer and more emotional than we’ve ever done before. I think the selection is much broader. I hope this is one that people will enjoy.”
The brief opening track “The Secret Parade,” recalls Revolver-era Beatles while “Myspace Girl” has some nice harmonies and a 60’s-pop sensibility. Other songs are similar to Sanctus Real.
. . .but lyrically “Never Going Back to OK” is less than filling. For example, in “Forty-Two,” the band raises those important life questions; “will you tell me what this life is all about. . .because we want to be alive,” but doesn’t provide the obvious answer, surrendering one’s life to Jesus.
“Beautiful Words” has some nice sentiments but it’s not about the Bible.
Mainstream radio should jump on Ocean Wide,” a generic love song.
- Rob S.