Album Review - Brian Vander Ark

Artist: Brian Vander Ark
Album: Brian Vander Ark
Year Released: 2008

For those of you who know me, it is no secret that I am a Brian Vander Ark fan. For those of you who don't know me, probably don't know who Brian Vander Ark is. So here's a quick history lesson. Vander Ark was the front man and primary songwriter of the band named The Verve Pipe. They had one huge hit with "The Freshmen" and two minor hits in "Photograph" and "Villains". They toured the world, most notably opening up for Kiss in Europe and went to record their follow-up album with big name producer Michael Beinhorn. The album tanked and the band seemed to be falling apart (despite it being a great record). They were able to pull it together for one more album, but then Vander Ark embarked on a solo career. Brian Vander Ark is his third solo release and quite possibly his best. He has perfected his new sound and there is a new found confidence in his voice. On songs such as "Lily White Way" and "We Were Never The Same", Vander Ark displays that he can be charming even while he is ranting on society. His vocals are, as always, among the best in rock today and it truly is a shame that this album won't get more exposure. It's only February, but it will be hard for anyone to top in 2008.

Album Rating: 4.75 (out of 5)
Key Tracks: "Lily White Way", "And Then We Fell", "Optimism's Glow"

Brian Vander Ark Album Rankings
The Verve Pipe - The Verve Pipe
The Verve Pipe - Villains
Brian Vander Ark - Brian Vander Ark
Brian Vander Ark - Angel, Put Your Face On
Brian Vander Ark - Resurrection
The Verve Pipe - Underneath
The Verve Pipe - Pop Smear
The Verve Pipe - I've Suffered A Head Injury

Album Of The Year Tracker
R.E.M. - Accelerate (4.75)
Brian Vander Ark - Brian Vander Ark (4.75)
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend (4.25)
Nada Surf - Lucky (4)
The Raveonettes - Lust Lust Lust (4)
The Black Crowes - Warpaint (3.25)

Sheryl Crow - Detours (TBD)
The Raconteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely (TBD)
Phantom Planet - Raise The Dead (TBD)
Weezer - Weezer (The Red Album) (TBD)
Coldplay - Viva La Vida (TBD)