The satirical “This Boy” condemns a wealthy, greedy bachelor ruled by his addictions. A line on “What You Meant” finds life amid a dying romance. Cryptic biblical allusions on “The Fallen” hold religious people accountable for ungodly attitudes and behavior …
… Even so, is that criticism motivated by love, or is the band looking for an excuse to persist in unbelief? That’s a fair question considering other messages on this disc. A mild profanity, fisticuffs and instructions to “drink to the devil” further muddy “The Fallen.” The singer fatalistically calls himself “Evil and a Heathen.” Apparently the “leaving” on “You’re the Reason I’m Leaving” speaks of the singer’s intent to hang himself. Profanity scars the already despondent “Fade Together,” while an angst-ridden guy relies on valium to numb pain on “Outsiders.” “Do You Want To” reeks of sexual desperation, teases a partner and features a line that may admit to a homosexual encounter.
This Scottish band borrows a mélange of pop/rock sounds from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, but the hooks are bathed in melancholy and mired in lyrical hopelessness. There are much better ways for teens to fill the void inside than those prescribed on You Could Have It So Much Better.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
