Twenty One Pilots “Vessel” Review
Twenty One Pilots have a special place in my heart. I found them completely by accident and will always cherish the day that I did. I’ve seen them grow from a band that played to a basement of 10 kids, to selling out the House of Blues. To say these guys are inspirations is an understatement. The music these guys make is so far above almost anything I’ve ever heard, and I don’t see that opinion changing any time soon.
1. Ode To Sleep
Good Ole Ode to Sleep. One of the most interesting songs you will ever hear, it blends an eerie slow toned drone into an upbeat, catchy chorus that really sounds so unique. It sets the mood of the album perfectly and shows just how diverse this band is. This is one of many examples on the album that you have to listen through many times to catch all of the lyrics, but they are fantastic. Though I prefer the original mix of this song, this is a very solid track.
2. Holding onto You
You can’t look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t like this song, it’s just so good. This song got them up on their feet and showed the world what this band has to offer. The perfect blend of singing and rapping, mixed with the smooth, catchy beat makes a winning combination. This song gives any new listener the best taste of what this bad has to offer.
3. Migraine
Be prepared to have this tune stuck in your head for hours. Migraine was first heard on the ‘Three Songs’ EP and was the first new song released after being signed to Fueled By Ramen. (Note: ‘Three Songs’ also contained remastered versions of Ode To Sleep and Guns for Hands, but Migraine was the only song of the three that was truly a new song.) This is one of the most uptempo songs on the albums and is just so damn fun to listen to, while also being one the best lyrical songs on the album. Definitely check this one out.
4. House of Gold
I like to call this song the ‘Crowd Pleaser’. Everyone loves at concerts when Tyler gets his Uke out (Fun fact: Tyler’s Uke is named Chicago) and starts to play House of Gold. It’s just such a genuine song that really shows how a simple song can mean so much. Though it has become one of songs I listen to least, it’s still great.
5. Car Radio
The true story of a boys stolen radio and his struggle to fight the silence and the thoughts in his head, how do you write a more real song than this? This song really showcases one of the main reasons I adore this band; they play songs that may come off as ridiculous at times, but they couldn’t be more genuine if they tried. Tyler has a a way of writing songs like no other musician I have ever hear. The song starts up slow and breaks into a crazy, high paced explosion of a song that just makes you wanna go insane. If you never dance to this song or simply find yourself going a bit crazy, you’re doing it wrong.
6. Semi-Automatic
Semi-Automatic has one of the best flows on the entire album. Though I say it for a lot of the songs, it catches you and gets you tapping your feet. The song starts of with a steady tempo beat, speeds up, slows down, and speeds up again. The song is all over the place, but in the best way possible. I wish there would have been another rap verse implemented into the song, but it’s still a great song overall.
7. Screen
Another Uke song, this song is one of my favorites to hear live. The beat Josh plays on the drums grooves the song and gives it an extra bit of beauty. The lyrics on this track are some of my favorite on the album, another really honest song. ‘I do not know why I would go in front of you and hide my soul, Cause you’re the only one who knows it,
Yea you’re the only one who knows it’ This is a really great track.
8. The Run and Go
This is hands down the most fun song on the album. It reminds me a lot of one of their older songs, “Glowing Eyes”. I’d say this is the weakest lyrical song on the album, but it’s not about that. This, to me, is a song for the sake of having a good time. The chorus instantly gets you singing along and you’ll be whistling it for days to come. Love it.
9. Fake You Out
I would say the best word to describe this song is exciting. The reason I say that is there are so many big build ups into loud, high-tempo drops that it really gets you excited and you just want to blast this as loud as possible. Lyrically, the song is great. The rap verse on this tune is my absolute favorite on the entire album. Definitely one of my favorite tracks on the album.
10. Guns For Hands
Easily one of Twenty One Pilots most iconic songs, it is another one I would show to any person trying to get an idea of their sound. The familiar alternative rock beat blended with the rap verse at the bridge really just flows perfectly. The meaning of this songs is really powerful and if you ever see them perform this live, you can tell this has a lot of meaning to Tyler. Great Song.
11. Trees
This is easily the best of the remastered songs on the album. With the dropped auto-tune and Tyler’s voice sounding at it’s best, you can’t help but love this song. You can’t truly experience this song to it’s fullest though unless you see it live. The way they perform this is like nothing I have ever seen at a concert before. Josh’s drumming on the tracking really shines and give the song the perfect groove to give it as much emotion as possible. Mix all of this in with an absolutely breathtaking finish, it’s one of those songs that you really can’t understand until you just listen to it. Perfect.
12. Truce
As an album closer, Truce does it’s job well. It’s the shortest track on the album, but I think that’s what makes it so wonderful. It closes out a high paced, crazy album with one of the most sincere songs you will ever hear. The slow piano and Tyler’s angelic voice really make this song beautiful. I almost wish they would have made it a 6-7 min long ballad, but there is beauty in the simplicity. It’s just a wonderful way to close out a brilliant album.
Favorite Song
Trees
Final Thoughts
I can’t express how much I respect these guys. They worked their asses off to get where they are and deserve every bit of a fan base they are gaining. Do yourself a favor and see these guys live. It will be the best concert experience you will ever have. Though I can’t say it’s a perfect album, it’s damn close. I’m so proud of these guys and I can’t wait to see what else they guys put out. Kudos.
Rating
9.5/10
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