SECONDHAND SERENADE – A NAKED TWIST IN MY STORY

Secondhand Serenade – A Naked Twist In My Story
Review by Taylor Pittman

After touring with Boyce Avenue during the USA leg of their 2012 tour, Secondhand Serenade has released A Naked Twist In My Story, an altered version of his 2008 release A Twist In My Story. Completely stripped down of instrumentals, the acoustic album packs more emotion than ever before. The track listing mirrors the exact listing of the previous release with the exception of a bonus song, which is sure to keep fans anxious for his next full-length. Although each song is altered to produce a unique record, fans will not be disappointed and may even be claiming the re-imagined songs as their new favorites.

“Like a Knife” opens up the album on a more uplifting note than the 2008 release. The chorus is still able to explode off of the verses even without the use of drums. However, it is the combination of this lighter tone with the same strong emotion that makes the song unique and a great opener.

The album continues with 2 of its most popular songs, “Fall for You” and “Maybe.” Both songs originally rely on heavy instrument usage to create distinct choruses. Secondhand Serenade still accomplishes this by using a piano to maintain a steady rhythm and then combining it with the guitar in order to spark each chorus for “Fall For You.” It’s the same case for “Maybe” with the exception of a focus on violins to build up the chorus.

“Stranger” continues the album and is quite arguably the most romantic song of the record. He constantly comments on the beauty of his subject, which automatically makes it romantic. But it is the increased speed and the ukulele that makes it a song that could only be described as lovely.

For certain songs, vocal emphasis takes the place of explosive instruments. Both “Your Call” and “Goodbye” originally contain endings that rely on heavy instruments to express emotion. In the new release, the exchange of power instruments for lighter ones gives the vocals a chance to still convey the passion Secondhand Serenade is known for.

While some songs contain minor changes like the slower pace of “A Twist In My Story” and the use of a ukulele in “Pretend,” others that have a heavier sound throughout the entire song like “Stay Close, Don’t Go” and “Suppose” commonly transition to a piano based rhythm that relies on either vocals or another instrument to help emphasize the chorus and convey the same emotion.

“Belong To,” the only song not originally from the 2008 release, gives a solid finish to the album with a powerful chorus that is emphasized by the steady piano rhythm. If the song is any indication of new material from Secondhand Serenade, fans are sure to not be disappointed.

With hardly any instruments to distract from the emotional lyrics and the passion that resonates in each song, A Naked Twist In My Story is just like the title implies: an album at its most vulnerable state that still accomplishes to convey emotion and truth.

Overall Rating: 4/5
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