Review by Amanda Daubert – The dynamic alt-rock duo, The Blue Stones, are set to drop their third studio album Pretty Monster November 4th. Still riding on the success of their sophomore album Hidden Gems, which earned them a JUNO Nomination for Rock Album of the Year, Tarek Jafar and Justin Tessier are ready to build on that success and momentum with this ten-track album. The record plays like a rock and roll autobiography featuring strong emotional lyrics, beautiful cinematic storytelling, and above all else, a great listening experience.
Easing you in slowly with the first track “Healing,” listeners will instantly feel at home with the smooth grooves backing Tareks’ soulful crooning. The tracks’ lyrics beautifully portray the emotional climb from a low point in life, with the declaration of growth and a positive outlook with the lyrics “Cause I’m healing, and it’s gonna feel good again.” And you’ll be feeling good again as you continue right into the first single off the album with “Don’t Miss.” If you’re looking for the perfect walk-out song for any sport, or the track you blast in your car on the way to an important meeting, this is it. If there was such a thing as an internal swagger-meter, listening to this track would send your reading off the charts. The dichotomy of the quiet warning lyrics that flip into the in-your-face promise of success, without apology, can give anyone listening the confidence boost they need to tackle just about anything.
The third track “Cards Are Down,” offers a message of perseverance, with a bit of vulnerability, with lyrics like “Pushing through the pain while I’m in it, because I came here to win it.” The song comes through like a lyrical screenplay, with a clear visual of the lead putting his cards down, feeling the pressure of the moment, but ultimately reaching his goal – a true testament to the writing of this track. “Good Ideas” is your fourth track and second single off the record. The straight-forward lyrics of this track take no interpretation, but one could easily argue that The Blue Stones are not out of good ideas.
Coming in hot is the fifth track “Stay With Me.” This hard hitting song with its strong power chords, crash symbols, and heart-pounding kick drum, paired with enticing vocals, is the epitome of sexy rock and roll. Making your way into the sixth track, and third single, is “What’s It Takes To Be Happy?” This song plays out like a daydream of a future rock star, navigating a balance between wanting success and happiness, while also not wanting to give a sh*t. The nonchalant ease of the lyrics are perfectly matched by the laid-back guitar and drums that effortlessly support this incredible hit.
Turning the energy back up in the seventh track we have “Let Me Out.” With a kicked up tempo we get a glimpse into the breaking point of a relationship illustrated with the lyrics “Can’t take any more of this, I thought you were forever now you’re hit or miss.” Next, breezing in with a laid-back groove is the eighth track “No Angels,” which features a relaxed delivery and super smooth guitar solo just after the two-minute mark.
The ninth track, “Camera Roll,” is a broken hearted song for the modern age. The most emotionally charged song of the album, this soul-bearing track is not only beautifully written, but also gracefully composed, and exceptionally executed. Rounding out the album we arrive at the tenth and final track, “Put Your Dreams On Me.” For long-time fans of The Blue Stones this song feels like the love-child of Black Holes, Hidden Gems, and Pretty Monster. An equally new but familiar track that perfectly concludes another incredible album.
Get your first listen of Pretty Monster out everywhere November 4th, and don’t miss The Blue Stones on tour starting November 3rd with their album release party in their hometown of Windsor, Ontario, making their way through Canada, wrapping up in Vancouver on November 25th.
Track Listing:
1 – Healing
2 – Don’t Miss
3 – Cards Are Down
4 – Good Ideas
5 – Stay With Me
6 – What’s It Take To Be Happy?
7 – Let Me Out
8 – No Angels
9 – Camera Roll
10 – Put Your Dreams On Me
