The Artist: Lifehouse

The CD: Who We Are

Best track: First Time

Favorite track: Storm

The Good:  Lifehouse is one of the top bands alive, that is a fact, in Who We Are, they show their versatility and command of their Pop/Rock/Alternative style.  Each song is brilliantly crafted by lead singer Jason Wade. Lyrics are deep and powerful as Wade's unique songwriting ability shows his depth as a lyricist.  Songs are crafted with ability similar to a common day...dare I say it...Bob Dylan.  Lines like In silence you stare at the world, your eyes screaming to be heard and I'll walk you through the graveyard of my mind, show you a love that I buried alive touch the soul and scream of deeper meanings.  Songs like "First Time" and "The Joke" convey a powerful post-grunge sound while other melodies such as "Broken" and the beautifully acoustic "Storm" show a sensitivity to the power of their music.

The Bad:  Not all music can be completely original.  A couple songs sound too alike and seems to reveal some strain in the creative department.  Lyrics are deep, maybe too deep for some people.  There is a spiritual undertone in most songs, something that can be oft-putting to some.

The Result:  If you don't like the Goo Goo Dolls, you won't like Lifehouse. Pretty basic, Wade and the Goo Goo head-man John Reznick, don't sound too disimilar, and musically they differ very slightly.  While Lifehouse has been accused of stealing the fan-base of those like Reznick and co, the listener will have to decide for his or herself. If you accept it and run with it, this is among the deeper musical experiences out there.

4 out of 5