One of my favorite, but defunct, groups of all time is the punk-poppy-dance band The Cab. Last week, on April 29, was the eight-year anniversary of the release of their debut album, “Whisper War.” Personally, this album means a lot to me. The Cab, as well as this album, has had a profound effect on my life, no matter how corny or strange that sounds. This is an album that I have carried with me for a very long time, listening to it at different points in my life. It is not so much that the lyrics or songs mean anything on a literal note, but the personal emotions and memories I have/feel when listening to “Whisper War” is enough for me to have an issue letting go of an album released in 2008 by a band that no longer exists.
So, in honor of one of my absolute favorite records turning eight last week, here are my top five favorite songs off of “Whisper War” by The Cab:
1. "Risky Business"
This song is more of a deep cut off of “Whisper War” and not its most popular, but it is probably my favorite. It is fun, catchy, but also slightly weird in the sense that it transitions from more of a rock vibe to a pop one constantly throughout the song. Fun fact: When I preordered their follow-up album, “Symphony Soldier,” I was able to have lead singer Alex DeLeon hand-write the lyrics to any song of The Cab’s, and I chose this one.
2. "Vegas Skies"
Oh boy. This song instantly brings me back to like, eighth grade, when every girl (or guy) thought she (or he) was emo for loving this song, myself included. As cliché and popular this song was within the scene circa 2008-09, it still holds up well today and can make anyone sing “It’s a looooooooong drive back to Vegas Skiessss…” It is also guaranteed to have been any fan of the scene's Facebook status one day in middle school.
3. "One of THOSE Nights"
This song is arguably what put The Cab on the map back in the day, and is a true banger (go ahead and cringe at my use of the word banger, it is alright). Featuring both Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy and Brendon Urie of Panic! At the Disco, “One of THOSE Nights” can make me dance like crazy while screaming the lyrics. It takes me back to good times in my life, or times where I just needed to hear this song — it puts me instantly in a better mood.
4. "Take My Hand"
This is another one of The Cab’s more popular songs, back when they had a huge following and received recognition in the scene. In fact, most songs off “Whisper War” have some sense of popularity or recognition to them, since it was such an *iconic* record in the late ‘00s. It is a catchy love song that I only associate with positive memories. I remember that it used to be a pump-up song of mine back when I played softball, which always makes me smile. And who could forget that remix with Cassadee Pope?
5. "This City is Contagious"
This is the final song off “Whisper War” and probably my favorite next to “Risky Business.” If I am being honest, though, most of the songs on the record are my favorite — I just love the album collectively, each song included. “This City is Contagious” makes me feel all sappy and sentimental, associating it with both middle school and high school graduation. I listened to this song during both of those time periods in my life, and it makes me think about growing up and leaving a legacy and makes me all mushy and happy inside.
Overall, “Whisper War” was truly a transformative record for me and introduced me to a whole world of music I never knew. It helped shape who I am today, and for that, I am so grateful. As much as I say I have issues with letting go of this record, part of me thinks I do not want to let go. So, now that this list is over, it is time for me to listen to “Whisper War” and remember how much it means to me.
