Though A Great Big World have been on the scene since 2012, they have only just become a household name thanks to the unexpected success of recent single "Say Something", a reworked duet featuring the vocals of Christina Aguilera. After earning their first Billboard Hot 100 hit, the duo now have the momentum to release their official debut album, Is There Anybody Out There?, released last week and expected to make a splash on the charts.
Preceded by the aforementioned hit single, the new album trends the waters of upbeat pop in the vein of Owl City and a throwback 80s effort, with vocals and instrumentals brought to the forefront. From their Glee featured "This Is the New Year" to their ode to bisexuality in "Everyone is Gay", the album can double as a serious radio airplay contender or a guilty pleasure listen. You be the judge.
For the opening punch, A Great Big World presents "Rockstar", a piano-driven throwback to the music of Elton John and the other pop greats of the past. The song is an inspirational anthem about striving to reach dreams and goals, set to an uptempo beat that would make anyone smile. There is a youthful quality of the opening track, setting the tone for the rest of the project.
"Land of Opportunity" comes off as a track that could be featured on an upcoming Sara Barellies album. Nothing wrong with that comparison. With trumpets blaring in the background, the duo produce another "feel good" moment that details moving on gracefully from a broken relationship. "I'm running to a place, where you won't bother me," they merrily sing on the break up anthem.
Vocal performances becomes the highlight of "Already Home", a tender, heartfelt ballad about the joys and pitfalls of love in New York City. The metaphor of the complex nature of affection and the fears of the big city showcases the solid songwriting from the buzzworthy duo. Both artists give a vocal performance deserving of applause as the song becomes one of the album's many bright moments.
The somber vibe quickly changes thanks to the fast-paced "I Really Want It". The song focuses its attention on almost-perfect instrumentals as it becomes a pick me up about living life without any regrets. The duo asks fans to let go of their inhibitions in order to enjoy the day. It keeps the pace and energy of the previous tracks, allowing the album to journey down the right path.
Before the revised duet collaboration with Christina Aguilera, "Say Something" was an already touching solo performance that packed just a strong of punch. There have not been many piano-driven ballads in the top region of the charts (Adele and Mariah Carey come to mind), but the song is a beautifully-written, well sung piece that deserves recognition from beyond the pop genre.
A Great Big World give listeners a message of hope and perseverance with "You'll Be Okay". "Change will come, it's on its way," the duo sings as the instrumentals grow loud and allow the song to soar and get its point across effectively. The songwriting is simple, no complicated metaphors, just the straightforward "it gets better" message that many need to hear. Try not to tear up with this one.
The duo's strive to present a needed call for change in our society comes across with better end results on "This Is An Answer". With a progressive beat and strong vocals, A Great Big World sings there is no difference between two people, that love can exist in every form and shape. Beautiful words play across the four-minute track as the album gets back on its feet after a small stumble.
The pop vibe and loud production disappears as "I Don't Wanna Love Somebody Else" details the difficult in letting go completely of a former flame. Strings accompany the vocals of the duo as lyrics such as "well I don't care if loneliness kills me, I don't wanna love somebody else" paint a depressing picture of sorrow and hope. For any heartbroken lover, this song will definitely cause hurt and pain.
Before the exposure of "Say Something", A Great Big World's biggest claim to fame was the use of "This Is the New Year" on an episode of Glee. Though it does not have as much of a memorable power impact as their current single, the song is another message for starting anew with nice, guitar-driven production and commendable vocal performances. It's a good tune, just not remarkable.
An indie country vibe surrounds "Shorty Don't Wait", a track that tells listeners to keep on moving in life despite the obstacles that may block your path. While the tone of the song does not immediately call for the murdering of the "repeat" button, it does become another strong, meaningful addition to the album. Vocals are on point, songwriting is top notch, there's not much more to ask for.
"Cheer Up!" is the strongest comparison with the music of Owl City. The duo namedrop themselves within creative, imaginative lyrics of looking at a much bigger picture of life. The track is short and sweet, although it is far from the effort's shining moment. The songwriting does get a bit childish, referencing dinosaurs and pink spaceships, but it's nothing that should be ridiculed.
The effort closes out with the reworked version of "Say Something" featuring the gorgeous vocals of pop powerhouse Christina Aguilera. The power and beauty of the recent top five hit lies in its pure simplicity. Lyrics like "I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you" highlight the hurt and despair of losing a loved one. Aguilera dials back her trademark vocals to pair nicely with the duo on the touching, Grammy-worthy ballad.
Is There Anybody Out There? is an album better than anyone could have expected, one that really delivers in terms of musicianship and songwriting. A Great Big World may be viewed as a one-hit wonder right now, but this effort proves they are anything but. From 80s-rock influenced creations to meaningful, eye-opening mid-tempo ballads, the duo has given fans an uplifting, fun experience (with the exception of the heartbreaking "Say Something") that should bring a needed smile. While there are some moments of immaturity, the rest of the solid effort is one worth listening to over and over again. The album receives an 86%.
Tracks to Hear: "Land of Opportunity", "Already Home", I Don't Wanna Love Somebody Else" and "Say Something feat. Christina Aguilera"
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