Go Radio – Close The Distance
Review by Jen Boylen
After more than a year since their debut album and a delay of the release on this record, Go Radio’s sophomore album Close The Distance was much anticipated. I have to be honest, I was surprised when listening to this record, but pleasantly. As front man Jason Lancaster said in an interview with Billboard.com, Close The Distance is “not going to be the same Go Radio that everybody likes, but hopefully our fans will come with us.” And boy am I on board. As a die hard Go Radio fan I may be a little biased but, while different from their norm, Close the Distance is perfection from start to finish.
The opening of “I Won’t Lie” put an instant smile on my face that didn’t fade until this record was over. Jason Lancaster’s voice is impeccable and the intro reminded me of “Lucky Street”, but then as the song continues it’s so much better, and I didn’t think that was possible.
The second song, “Baltimore” may be my favorite off the whole record, that is if having a favorite is even fathomable. I love the intro and the emotion and desperation in Jason’s voice. It’s like a whole new level of Go Radio; still true to them but surpassing anything they’ve done before by miles.
The following two songs are the singles of the album-which, after listening to the whole compilation they seem sort of misleading. A single is supposed to represent what is come from a record right? Don’t get me wrong; “Collide” is great-it sort of plays homage to classic Go Radio songs. Then “Go To Hell” is genius. Verses with a ballad feel and a chorus that is like a punch in the face (in the best of ways). One of the greatest relationship-coping songs the band may have ever written. But, in whole this record is not as upbeat as “Go To Hell”, nor does it resemble old Go Radio tunes like “Collide” does. Regardless, both are solid tracks in my book.
“Close The Distance” starts off with computer generated sounds and guitar then builds line by line. Vocals, piano, drums…layer after layer this song escalates. It’s a song that makes you feel like Go Radio is on your side-using the word ‘we’ through the entire thing. Go Radio seems to have honed that skill, writing beautiful songs while making you feel like they care about you through their music. “Close The Distance” is a perfect example of that.
If you are even a tiny bit familiar with Go Radio, “What If You Don’t” is simple: it’s love song with Jason Lancaster’s pipes and a set of keys. Enough said.
I think the end cap of this record is my favorite out of all thirteen songs. “The Ending” seems like the experiment on this album. But I sort of really love it. Starting off with what sounds like a drum machine, by the first line I have an urge to sing Katy Perry at the top of my lungs (Do you ever feel…LIKE A PLASTIC BAG). But Go Radio snaps me right out of that really quickly. By the time we reach the chorus, the Go Radio we know and love comes through. This song is the perfect mixture of new and old.
“Over Me” is just begging for radio play. With Gavin DeGraw style piano and lyrics that are pretty universal to well, any person on the planet who has ever been in a relationship. It’s definitely one of my favorites on the whole album.
Now, as Close The Distance comes to an end we get a gorgeous and haunting song entitled “Hear Me Out”. Jason Lancaster is known for his unsurpassed talent for song writing and no one would think twice about who penned this track. But, the last song on this record was written by none other than guitar player Alex Reed. Where has he been hiding when it comes to writing? My vote is he writes way more often.
Of course, I could talk about how much I love the bonus tracks on the deluxe edition, but that seems to sort of defeat the purpose of them being ‘bonus’. You’ll just have to go and buy the deluxe edition on your own so you don’t miss out on all the epic-ness hidden at the end of Close The Distance. This is by far one of the best records of the summer, let alone the year. Don’t believe me? Take a listen yourself. It’s already in the top ten on iTunes-so it has to be wicked.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Recommended Tracks: Hear Me Out, Baltimore, Over Me
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