Every day for about three months, I have seen the words "You Are OK" flash across my phone screen pretty much every time I get onto Instagram. This is because one of my favorite bands, 'The Maine', finally came out with a new album after close to two years. After releasing three singles, the full album came out on March 29. And I can honestly say, the name they gave the album is perfect for it.
This album is truly for those of us that know what it's like to feel broken, anxious, afraid. It's for those of us that can't always explain why we feel this way, especially when it seems that everything is going well. The beauty in this album is that it is a reminder that pain isn't something beautiful. Pain is ugly, angry, and determined to tear down the ones it gets its hands on. 'The Maine' isn't the first to demonstrate this in their music, but this is the first time pain in music has truly resonated in me.
I can't quite explain the way this album makes me feel. I want to lie on my bed and stare at the ceiling and just listen, but at the same time, I can't help but sing along and dance as well. Listening to the music itself, not all of the songs seem to be something sad or painful. But the lyrics begin and, if you listen closely, you recognize them. Not because you've heard the song before, but because you've thought the words before.
1. "My Best Habit"
2. "Numb Without You"
3. "Broken Parts"
4. "Heaven, We're Already Here"
5. "Slip The Noose"
6. "Flowers On The Grave"
7. "I Feel It All Over"
8. "Forevermore"
9. "One Sunset"
10. "Tears Won't Cry (ShinjU)"
I'm still not sure how they did it. I don't know how they managed to take some of my worst moments and make them into something that sounds upbeat and yet still so honest. All I can do is listen, and sing along, and urge others who have struggled to listen too.
