The Starting Line - Based on a True Story

Written by John Hurdelbrink
Tuesday, 07 November 2006

Although hearing of The Starting Line, I wasn’t all too familiar with their music. Once listening through the CD, I felt that they sounded like a mellow version of New Found Glory. The album is definitely alternative rock, with traces of screaming. All of the songs sound pretty similar, in the sense that I was forgetting which song was which even after listening through the CD multiple times. The only exception to this was Track 6, “Photography”, which is the sole ballad on the CD. Track 8 “Artistic License” is also slower, but not enough to be considered a ballad. Although the majority of the songs sound similar, a few stood out to me, as I kept thinking of them while going from class to class. The first of these is Track 4, “Bedroom Talk”, is probably my favorite song on the whole album. Although the lyrics are not too appropriate, the song itself is catchy and upbeat. I also enjoyed “Stay Where I Can See You”, “The B-List” and “The World”. While the first two have that alternative sound, “The World” is more pop-based, but it is still a good song nonetheless. I have only heard their music from before this CD, but they have definitely become more mature as a group, and therefore are making better music. The album itself sounds very sharp and clear, with no songs sounding poor. Although the songs sound repetitive, they all have their own differences that separate them. Besides, there are several standout songs that make the CD worthwhile. I would recommend the CD to most people, especially those who are fans of alternative rock, like me. Recommended Tracks: Track 4- Bedroom Talk (language) Track 9- Stay Where I Can See You (clean) Track 10- The B-List (clean) Track 11- The World (clean)