Many may have not known glam/alternative rock band Semi Precious Weapons a few years ago, but that all changed once they accompanied pop star Lady Gaga on the North American leg of her successful Monster Ball Tour which is still making its way around the country. Following the notoriety and exposure, the band released their second studio album, You Love You, with Interscope Records on June 29, 2010. The album blurs the line separating pop and rock in order to provide an experience that most have not encountered before, but that is what sets this project apart from the others.
The over the top, ten track album begins with the self-titled song that does a great job summing up the band and introducing them to their new found audience. The track can be classified as a rock song, but it is done in a whole new way, with the attitude provided by the extravagant lead singer. The lyrics are fun, not to be taken too seriously, and give the song a young, carefree vibe that works. One of the most interesting songs comes from the loud “Put A Diamond In It”. The track has a catchy chorus that simply repeats the song title, but it will have you singing along. The song sounds like it comes in pieces, where the singer asks the listener if they want to have his baby during one portion. Crazy and over the top best describe this great track that showcases the band’s signature sound. The album continues on a positive note with “Magnetic Baby”, a song that seems to be an empowerment anthem for the lead singer. The vocals and instrumentals may be extreme, but the lyrics present here actually carry a deeper meaning than the tracks that preceded it. The sounds may be the same, but I feel that the band is showing a different side with the release of this track, which also shows up on their debut.
The pace of the album comes down quite a bit for the slower “Statues of Ourselves”. The track gives the singer a chance to really show what his vocals can do and they are impressive and support the fact that the band wants to be a great success. Profanity is found throughout, but it does not take away from the lighter vibe that the song gives the project, a much needed and surprising change of sound. “Sticky With Champagne” is a great, sexually charged song, however, the version of the track featured on the album falls flat when compared to the live performances that I have witnessed firsthand. The album version just does not have the energy that I heard before; the tempo is not as fast which I think hurts the finished product. Great, fun lyrics, but just did not reach its full potential which was disappointing for me. A love song is taken to a different extreme once “I Could Die” begins to play. The track contains a darker undertone than most traditional songs dealing with relationships, but it is produced in a successful way here. The amazing guitar and drum musicianship gives the song more life which is really needed for any true rock album. Contrasting elements of love and death come together for a strong metaphor that works. A softer side of the band comes out in “Leave Your Pretty To Me”, a track that would be classified as the ballad of the album. It is nice to see that the band can pull of a heartfelt, meaningful song that does not deal with sex or contain any profanity. As the song played I felt that I was now listen to a band that will go far in their career, a band that need to be taken seriously because their talent shines bright. The longest track on the album, “Rock N Roll Never Looked So Beautiful”, is a song that starts off slow, but picks up once the chorus is heard. The song carries some sexual innuendos showcasing the life of a rock star, but I could not really get into it. There were pieces of the song that blew me away, but it did not come together the way that it should have. The short album closes with “Look At Me”, another mellow track that brings the album to a successful, slow finish that is enjoyable after wearing many hard rock performances. In my opinion, this track is just a little too slow; the lyrics do not carry a strong meaning that was present on some other songs. The song is good, but I just don’t think it should have been saved for the end.
You Love You is a different type of project than what you would normally find on the music shelves today, but that does not take away from the greatness that the album provides. Even though it may only be the band’s second album, first to be released through a major record label, it feels as if they already have the correct formula down. The album balances hard rock/glam performances with beautiful, soft ballads that create a cohesive, enjoyable listen. The singer may be unique and over the top, but the vocals that come out of the speakers as some that will garner much attention and praise. For giving a new, unique sound with good vocals and memorable, catchy tracks, the album receives a solid 83%.
Tracks to Hear: "Put A Diamond In It", "Magnetic Baby", and "Leave Your Pretty To Me"
02 Put A Diamond In It by RyanClough
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