Rearranging TOSOD: A New Phase of ODD 2.0

So, naturally, once I’ve started the ODD-repeat-listen-loop that is my wearing down of The Other Side of Down, I’ve put together a nice little rearrangement of the tracks.  As always, a “shuffle” on iTunes introduced some surprising playlist possibilities.  Here’s one that I really like (see below).

1.  ”Other Side of Down”

Keep in mind that I think this works as a wonderful introduction to the album, and as a title track, it’s the perfect opening and announcement of this new phase of “pure pop David,” replete with quirky melodies, velvety vocals, and a danceable beat.

GRADE: Vocals = A- | Lyrics = A- | Production = A

2. “Stomping the Roses”

I personally like the second track to provide a stark contrast to the opening, and this rock anthem does just that: first, by giving us a “fed-up with being token nice guy” David actually giving us some ‘tude. What a departure all around from both his persona and his musical style!

GRADE: Vocals = A- | Lyrics = B+ | Production = B

3. “Falling Stars”

Of course, our “token nice guy” can’t help himself. He’s optimistic hope and goodness personified, which means that, after blowing off steam (which amounts to “stomping on roses” – heh), he’s back to wistful longing, captured beautifully in this ballad-with-an-edge. The Voice is lovely, as always, so it sets the tone for the rest of the album.

GRADE: Vocals = A | Lyrics = B+ | Production = A

4.  ”Good Place”

Despite my declaration of “Other Side of Down” as my favorite track, I must give full props to “Good Place.” From its “Crush”-like opening to its emo-tinged rock edge, replete with an intensified bridge (accompanied by military-style syncopated beats), we definitely get a glimpse of The Voice unleashed even as it is contained in the parameters of pop music.  It is by far the strongest track – vocally, lyrically, and production-wise.

GRADE: Vocals = A | Lyrics = A | Production = A

5. “Who I Am”

This is so much of a “That’s So David” song, replete with that crazy “I don’t care if Jeff Fenster is calling” line (how ballsy is this kid? Who’d a thunk it?).  But it’s such a lyrically visual song (“watching the windshield like a movie screen…”).  While the production isn’t as strong as “Good Place,” it works smoothly as a follow-up – once David’s in a “good place,” he can contemplate “who he is.”  And isn’t that “oh-oh-oh-oh” infectious?

GRADE: Vocals = A- | Lyrics = A | Production = B

6. “Look Around”

Speaking of the infectious effect of “oh-oh-oh,” this is a great follow-up song. To think I had dismissed this song, on first listen, as a Britney Spears throwaway electronic/overproduced autotune nightmare, I’m amazed how it can work its ear-worm magic on repeat listens.  Besides, I have to champion its message: “Get up and look around/ look around.”

GRADE: Vocals = B+ | Lyrics = A | Production = B

7. “Elevator”

Of course, after such an electronic quirky song, it must be followed by an organic quirky song, which is what “Elevator” gives us.  I love the guitar and beats on this one.  What a fun ride!

GRADE: Vocals = A- | Lyrics = A- | Production = A

8. “Parachutes and Airplanes”

Thematically and musically, this song is a logical sequel to “Elevator.” What’s with all the “ups and downs” on this album?  Obviously, David is letting us in on his journey post-Idol.

GRADE: Vocals = B+ | Lyrics = A- | Production = A-

9. “Things Are Gonna Get Better”

The productions on this track ruin what is truly an inspiring song.  And, while the lyrics are a bit cliche, I can’t help but wish to hear a cleaner, LIVE version – including a PROPER gospel choir accompanying The Voice in all its improvisational glory.  As such, this song needed to be sandwiched between some strong tracks, and as a follow-up to PAA, it mellows out the mood.

GRADE: Vocals = A | Lyrics = B- | Production = C

10. “Complain”

Of course, the most inspiring track on the album has to be “Complain,” which rescues TAGGB from being a complete cliched mess.  It’s such a mature reflection and an anthem of hope that captures our present moment.  I love the bluesy quality but its throwback sound may keep it from seeming “current.”

GRADE: Vocals = A- | Lyrics = A | Production = B+

11. “Something ‘Bout Love”

As the first single from the album, it’s amazing how SBL really seems out of place from the rest, somehow. At the same time, I still love its hopeful upbeat quest for love – again, it’s very David. Maybe not in a way that reflects David musically but certainly on a personal level, it fits him to a T.  In a way, having this follow “Complain” moves us away from the wise-beyond-his-years David, who cares about suffering in the world, to his more youthful outlook on matters of the heart.  The ending on this song is still to die for.

GRADE: Vocals = A- | Lyrics = A- | Production = B+

12. “My Kind of Perfect”

This song, with its musical and lyrical simplicity, is a perfect ending to David’s sophomore effort, and so I left it as the closing track.  David, holding out hope for “his kind of perfect,” gives us the perfect answer to all those incessant “do you have a girlfriend? have you had your first kiss?” questions.  Just The Voice and his piano, and we’ve got “Heaven.”

GRADE: Vocals = A- | Lyrics = A| Production = A

So, according to my rankings, this is the order of best to worst: 1 – “Good Place”; 2 – “My Kind of Perfect”; 3 – “Other Side of Down”; 4 – “Elevator”;  5 – “Falling Stars”; 6 – “Complain”; 7 – “Parachutes and Airplanes”; 8 – “Something ‘Bout Love”; 9 – “Who I Am”; 10 – “Look Around”; 11 – “Stomping the Roses”; 12 – “Things Are Gonna Get Better.”

Now, “Imaa-aaa-gine aaaalll theeeee pee-eo-pleeee…” buying copies of TOSOD!

Finally, if I’m going to do a survey on our favorite track, there should be one on your least favorite track.

So what say you, SDers and fellow Archies?