After analyzing the hell of this album I’m still left with indecision, but will try to remain slightly pensive throughout the review if possible.
On one hand Christopher Browder is an extremely talented musician, but then again Johnnie Cochran was an extremely talented lawyer. Neither individual has done the world any better. This album literally makes me want to sit on a pencil, with my ear! Let me make this clear; just because I recognize the talent behind Mr. Browder doesn’t mean I need to relive it by hitting the repeat/shuffle button on my CD player. Once through was enough to make an informed opinion here.
Where to begin? Christopher Browder has that same dry-echoed voice that Conner Oberst of Bright Eyes strived so hard to pull off. It’s exceedingly annoying and carries no real musical notation or merit. To make matters worse, the voice doesn’t match the power-pop-punk that he’s writing here. I expected to here some kind of half-ass Depeche Mode synthesized knock off, but instead I’m hearing some heartbreak high school bullshit from somebody in his mid 20’s, which may be worse. I would be embarrassed for him if I attended a show. I suppose you could argue that his style is just… different, and my retort would be, so is Charles Manson. In summary, no parole for Manson and no props for Mansions.
New Best Friends is an uninventive, recycled, afterthought at a music career. This is truly a shame because, just as I prefaced, this kid has some talent. Unfortunately, said talent has been squandered, and utilized in the wrong direction. The song “Talk Talk Talk,” is the only song I can stomach due to a creative opening guitar part. So if you need to sample this music for some irrational reason, start out with the song just mentioned above.
This Fisher Price ® album is recommended for ages 12-16 or any emotastic kids with ex-girlfriend vendettas.