Perceptions (by This Beautiful Republic)

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Artist: This Beautiful Republic
Album: Perceptions
Label: ForeFront
Released: August 19, 2008

Review

I was not overly impressed with This Beautiful Republic’s (TBR) debut album, “Even Heroes Need A Parachute”, when I first heard it. It sounded just like thousands of other bands out there. But there is something about TBR’s music that grows on you. It could be Ben’s captivating vocals, or maybe it’s just a result of their passion for what they do. Fact is… it just comes out right. So when I heard about their up-coming album, “Perceptions”, I was both excited and yet anxious because it’s hard to top it off what you have done so well in the past.

Musically speaking, “Perceptions” sounds similar to their debut album, plus several improvements. There are several songs that are more aggressive with some screaming, and some hard rock tunes. “No Turning Back”, “Last Second Chance”, and “Surrender Saved My Life” are a few of them. On the other hand you have songs like “Learning to Fall”, “For The Life Of Me”, and “Beautifully Broken” which are slower pop/rock songs that ought to be playing on the radio for awhile. The band does an excellent job at expressing their feelings through the music.

Unlike their previous effort, now the lyrics are down to a personal level. It focuses on the individual and human struggles, without ever leaving off hope. “Perceptions” kicks off with “Pain” that slowly builds up to be an awesome opening, and follows with “Surrender Saved My Life” which is accompanied by an orchestra. “Learning to Fall” is a beautiful pop/rock song that talks about God’s rescue after the fall. Other songs that lyrically stand out are “Stay With You Tonight” that reminds us we are not alone, and “For The Life Of Me” that talks about God’s saving grace… “for the life of me I can’t explain the reason you died and the reason you came”. Even though most of the lyrics offer some spiritual content, the band managed to stay away from clichés and cheesy songs which are common within “christian” music.

It’s evident that TBR has grown quite a bit this past year. Their music is tighter, harder, and more aggressive; with lyrics down to a personal level. “Perceptions” is an album worth buying for each and every song.

*Perceptions (by This Beautiful Republic) was added on January 5th, 2010

Reviewed by Dan
Daniel is a music lover, a designer and web developer. He current resides in Philly, but he is always on the move.