When most people think of the Counting Crows, they just think of the 90s classic, “Mr. Jones” or their 2004 hit from Shrek, “Accidentally in Love.” That’s pretty much it. The Counting Crows have been one of the more influential bands in the last two decades. With their strong debut, “August and Everything After,” and their much gloomier album, “Recovering the Satellites,” they’ve had plenty of great songs on those two records alone.
However, they’ve been sorely missing from the top of the charts over the last few years. Since their 2008 studio album, “Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings,” they’ve been mostly M.I.A. minus a less than compelling cover album, “Underwater Sunshine.” Despite the length of time, and whatever it was that they did during that span, it’s exactly what they needed because the Counting Crows new record, “Somewhere Under Wonderland,” is one of the best I’ve heard this year, which is saying a lot.
“Somewhere Under Wonderland,” to me, just screams, “‘Merica”. If I went on a 3,000-mile cross-country road trip, this would be one of the albums I’d be sure to have with
me in my little Hyundai Elantra. Maybe it’s the blatant Bruce Springsteen influences that make me feel so strongly about this album, but whatever it is, it’s incredible.
Kicking off “Somewhere Under
Wonderland,” is “Palisades Park,” a nostalgic nine minute long piano ballad that starts off with an awesome street performer-esque trumpet solo. Remember how I said that there are blatant Bruce Springsteen influences in this album? Well, this is one of the songs I was referring to. This sounds like something Bruce would have released back in his heyday. It fits the Crows perfectly and it’s a beautiful way to start off the album.
Following is “Earthquake Driver,” a blue-collar working man’s dream song. And, again, this song has Bruce Springsteen written all over it. This is the song that I always find myself going back to and jamming to on my way to class. It’s the ultimate get-the-day-started kind of tune.
Though I love “Earthquake Driver” and “Palisades Park,” they, however, fall far short of being the best song on this album because of the fifth tune, “Scarecrow.” This is one of the best songs I’ve heard in a long time. Not just from Counting Crows, but from anyone. This song is absolutely terrific. If the Crows ever
end up releasing a second greatest hits album, “Scarecrow” will surely be on it. People will be crying for this song at live shows. It’s classic Counting Crows.
Before I knew it, I got to the final track, “Possibility Days,” which is another piano ballad. With shades of “A Long December” from the Crows aforementioned sophomore album, this is a much darker song than what a lot of the other songs on “Somewhere Under Wonderland” depict. A very melancholic ending to a terrific effort from the Crows, but nonetheless, I couldn’t have really asked for a better final track.
You must hear “Somewhere Under
Wonderland” at least once before you die. I am so impressed with this album. This is the kind of album that, when I’m 50-years-old and looking back at my good ole college days, I’ll want as the soundtrack for all the good times I’ve had during the best years of my life.
Whether you like country, rock, alternative or whatever it is you listen to, you’ll find something in here to appreciate. I’ve gained a lot of respect for Counting Crows after hearing this record and, hopefully, many others will feel the same way. Don’t miss out on this one.
My rating: 9/10
