lambchops's Full Review: Great Divide by Semisonic
Well before the world found solace at the end of a night in the song Closing Time, Semisonic was already making great music. Few people knew of the already accomplished band of Minneapolis natives when their major label debut Great Divide was released by MCA in 1996.
Semisonic rose out of the ashes of the disbanded Trip Shakespeare in 1995. They initially were awarded little attention, most of which case as a result of their formal ties and a very early indie EP Pleasure. But when Dan Wilson (vocals, guitar, songwriter), John Munson (bass, vocals), and Jacob Slichter (drums) regrouped to record their major label debut Great Divide, the band’s fortune had changed for the better.
The band found that their traditional rock mixed with some electronic elements and peppered with a keen sense of melody hit a nerve. Not in a huge way, but certainly in an important way. Semisonic created rich, textured, and musically intelligent songs throughout the twelve offerings. It’s difficult not to identify with some part of the band and their music be you a fan of rock or a fan of pop. Great Divide is a lovely combination of the two generally very fluid genres.
Semisonic followed this release with two more. The brilliant Feeling Strangely Fine (1998) is all too under appreciated while All About Chemistry (2001) deserves a slot in any rock/pop collection. But, let’s return to where it all begin. Let us return to the twelve songs that allowed the mid westerners critical praise and later commercial success. Great Divide is a wonderful place to start any exploration of Semisonic.
Great Divide starts out funky and fresh (funky fresh?) with F.N.T.. I can’t help but adore the hook-laden song. Wilson’s voice is upbeat, cheery, and refreshing to say the very least. The song is wonderfully representative of the direction of the rest of the album, but also a bit different. The guitars are rock and roll despite the pop leanings of the vocals and actual melody. Amazing track, even the first time it hits your ears.
The band continues with ease and grace and memorable melodies with If I Run. It’s impossible to not tap your toes to this joyful, remarkable song. The album really never falters. All of the songs that follow are at least in part based on the formulas of the first two songs.
Delicious is understated, driving, and undeniably appealing even if it’s not quite on par with the first two tracks. What follows is the kind of song I most appreciate from Semisonic. Down in Flames is pensive, emotional, and musically perfect. It begins softly, though after the first verse increases in tempo and drive. The band really outdid themselves with Down in Flames.
An acoustic guitar marks the start of the title track, Across the Great Divide. Wilson’s vocals are amazing while musical elements (including drums, organ, and guitar) surround him with carefully crafted ease. Once again, Semisonic has managed to really outdo themselves. Don’t miss out on this unassuming masterpiece.
Temptation is one of my least favorite songs on Great Divide. It seems a bit forced, though it’s not bad per se. Just not great as is the case with most of what Semisonic assembles. Even Wilson seems uncomfortable. Fortunately the band regroups somewhat with the rock and roll and pop epic The Prize. The song does seem a bit melodramatic but on the whole is completely entertaining.
No One Else could be a decent track, but the delicate melody mixed with electronic noise proves a bit boring when extended over a few minutes. The stark piano notes are inspired…aside from that on par with the rest of the record. Brand New Baby is a hipper, more upbeat song. When Semisonic aspires these musical heights they usually succeed. Brand New Baby ranks among the album’s best.
An unexpected harmonica introduces Falling. Once again, it’s difficult not to hum along to and tap you foot along with the ridiculously catchy melody. And that harmonica, vocals, and guitars continue in brilliant fashion throughout the entire amazing song. In Another Life isn’t quite as good as the rest of the album. Once again, it seems forced and too melodramatic. Not bad, mind you, just not flawless.
Great Divide wraps up with I’ll Feel For You. The album could have gone on for twenty tracks and I would have been happy (for once). Sad, soothing, and exquisite the track is an appropriate exclamation point on this overall radiant album. Great Divide isn’t perfect, but it certainly does near the point of flawlessness.
Semisonic’s music is most certainly on par with that of Better Than Ezra, Matthew Sweet and Wallflowers. They are more talented than Collective Soul, Goo Goo Dolls and Third Eye Blind. For fans of any one of the six acts I just mentioned, any one of their albums would be a great find. Don’t think that Closing Time is representative of all of their work or that Semisonic is simply a one-hit-wonder. Their albums and their music prove otherwise beyond a shadow of a doubt.
While Great Divide isn’t the band’s best work (that honor goes, in my opinion, to Feeling Strangely Fine) it is lovely and luminous and definitely worth a very strong 4/5 stars. I highly recommend this album and the rest of those from Semisonic to all pop/rock fans and all those people who are already a bit acquainted with Semisonic via a song or two or via Trip Shakespeare. You couldn’t possibly be disappointed.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Track Listing:
1. F.N.T.
2. If I Run
3. Delicious
4. Down in Flames
5. Across the Great Divide
6. Temptation
7. The Prize
8. No One Else
9. Brand New Baby
10. Falling
11. In Another Life
12. I’ll Feel For You
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