Loney, Dear, Dear John

Ever since I first heard “Airport Surroundings” on NPR’s All Songs Considered back in December, I have not been able to get Loney, Dear out of my head. I waited patiently for almost two months to be able to have that particular song and others from the new album, Dear John, on my iPod and to be able to blast it as I walk through my college campus.

The long-anticipated day has come, and I now listen to the entire album at my pleasure. What was the first song I listened to over and over again when I first got my hands on Loney, Dear’s new album? That’s right: “Airport Surroundings.” I think that this is the best song on the album; it’s got a catchy beat set to Emil Svanängen’s beautiful yet mysterious voice and thoughtful lyrics, as when he sings, “I’ve got a hole in my head and a hole in my heart.” It’s soft enough to be background music at any party or playing at your favorite coffee shop, yet catchy enough to blast at any dance party or club and get people moving.

I find it smart, by the way, that this song is the opening track of the new album; it catches any listener’s attention and keeps them listening. The album continues, but not as well as the opening track, I feel. By the third track, Svanängen slows things down with “I was only going out,” a charming little song about apologies and forgiveness.

I honestly got lost a little throughout the next few songs. It feels like the catchiness of the first track wears off by now and the album desperately needs help to keep listeners tuned in. Just as I’m about to lose hope, the opening of “Summers” begins, and I’m immediately back. This track is definitely my second favorite on the album and reminds me a lot of Loney, Dear’s previous single “I am John,” which is a definitely a good thing. That track is just what the album needed to keep us hooked until the end.

“Violent” is another good song that will slowly creep onto my favorites list, and I really loved that the album ended with the quiet melody of “Dear John.” I think it’s the perfect finishing touch the album needed, ending the album on a quiet, soft, thoughtful note.

Overall, I’d definitely recommend this album and cannot wait to see Loney, Dear on their current tour. To be completely honest, I think I was a little disappointed with the album, but at the same time I was also very satisfied. I had very high expectations, and although they weren’t met, they rarely are.

I think Dear John‘s great also because it plays to all kinds of moods and feelings that listeners experience, much like previous Loney, Dear albums. I can picture myself blasting some of the songs with the windows rolled down and friends in the car singing along, but I can also turn it on as I am going to sleep. It’s another Loney, Dear masterpiece, and I expect great things from them as hype around the album hopefully rises.