Album Review: Supernatural – Never Give Up

The next two songs, "Hold On" and "Never Give Up" relay similar themes of sticking it out through the tough times life throws everyone's way, but reflect the album's dichotomy of guitar-centric tunes and more synth-heavy ones in which the guitar provides flourishes and bits of melody to enhance the vocals.

"How" is another of the album's strongest points. With its ultra-phat bass line and hip-hop beat, accented by lush synth lines and additional vocals by Rich Hannon, it has a Linkin Park vibe to it, without any over-the-top rapping or DJ antics. It's also darker lyrically, which provides a contrast to the uplifting message presented in the previous two songs.

The next two songs, "Too Far" and "Encryption," take the album in a more introspective direction. The acoustic guitar-based "Too Far" laments the 1,000 miles between two lovers, while a melancholy slide guitar and string arrangement provide the perfect musical accompaniment for such a message. More upbeat musically than "Too Far," "Encryption" takes a look inside the mind of someone who's lost the one he loves, searching for an identity and a life now that he is alone, but unable to find either one.

Lifting the listener out of the doldrums of the previous two songs is "This Time." Optimistic in its words and melody, the song would make an ideal single and reflects the keen pop sensibility that Wolf and Kraemer possess. "Welcome" is a Beatles-esque anti-war tune that doesn't get overtly political. Though I love the protest songs of the '60s, I also appreciate when a song can get its message across in a subtler manner, and "Welcome" does this perfectly. Plus it's got a fretless bass solo, and as a bassist you certainly won't hear me complain about that!

"Hero" starts off with a No Doubt-style bass/synth combo before launching into its ultra-catchy glory. There's a short-but-sweet break toward the end with a blistering guitar solo as well that helps establish this as the biggest "rocker" on the album, along with the following tune, "Bubble." "Bubble" takes a heavier tone musically…it reminded me of Title of Record-era Filter. Wolf's voice even takes on a similar timbre to Richard Patrick's on this tune.

Closing out Never Give Up is "Down to the Wire." The perfect ending for the album, the song starts off with delicate guitars and somber vocals, leading into gorgeous string and piano parts that bring out the song's bittersweet resolution that sometimes caring about someone isn't enough to make them change, and that there comes a time when you have to let go and move on with your own life.

One thing that really stands out to me on Never Give Up is Wolf and Kraemer's willingness to stand by the songs themselves…there are no unnecessary guitar solos, effects, over-produced vocals, or imposing synth lines that detract from the music and the message. At times the vocals don't keep up with the intensity of the music, but not to a fault. I think Wolf's soft tone fits the music well, and it definitely keeps him from over-singing in places where a throatier vocalist might. All in all, if you like ambient pop music with a taste of electronica and rock, Never Give Up delivers the goods.

Check out Supernatural on the web at www.supernaturalmuzic.com.

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