Ryan Shupe & the RubberBand showcase their amazing talents on their fifth release to date. An acoustic band with a sound that falls into so many genres that they defy classification, Shupe and the RubberBand do some mighty mean pickin' on their banjos, mandolins, fiddles and similar instruments. I hate to even try classifying their music because it's so unique, but to serve potential listeners, I need to try. Their music is a cross of bluegrass, rock, country and I'd dare to say even zydeco. They have a unique sound that screams places like New Orleans, though they couldn't be based further from that scene (they're in Salt Lake). Plainly said, this is good stuff!

This album features twelve tracks with a bonus track thrown in for good measure. Ryan Shupe writes all of the music and lyrics, and his bandmates collaborate on the arrangements. Everything is really good. There's only one song that I felt was a little choppy in its lyrics, and that was the fifth track "Would You Love Me." It didn't quite tell a story or make sense the way the rest of the tracks did, but the music was incredible. But here's the rundown of all the tracks.

The album gets off to a running and hilarious start with "Banjo Boy," Shupe's lament that his only obstacle to fame and fortune is the fact he's a banjo player. Funny but awesome in the raw power of the music.

"Even Superman" continues the near break-neck speed and speaks about how even Superman has his weaknesses.

"Dream Big" slows down the pace a little bit in a pleasant manner as the album's first ballad. A lovely tribute to the need to continue to dream big even after making a big mistake or having a big fall.

Next comes "Simplify," which is treatise on the need to keep life simple despite the many pressures to do otherwise. Great lyrics and music.

Then comes the only track that I felt could have been a little better lyrics-wise. The music is outstanding, but the lyrics didn't really say anything to me. I couldn't figure out what he meant by "Always trust me/would you love me/If it won't hurt at all/If it won't hurt at all" in the context of the rest of the lyrics. Sorry, just don't get it.

Then came the stellar instrumental piece "Ambush." It ambushes your ears is what it does. Just truly great musicianship.

"New Emotion" makes up for the unsettled feeling of "Would You Love Me" with its clarity. It was very clear Shupe was speaking of the excitement of new love. The interesting thing is the universality of the lyrics. The song could have just as easily applied to the first love one feels for their newborn child as it does of one's first love. Great songwriting.

"The Rain Falls Down" talks about those unfinished and unsettled feelings one has when they're in a situation similar to being stuck out in the rain without an umbrella.
I love "Never Give Up." This should be everyone's anthem. The lyrics speak of staying true to oneself even when there's pressure to do otherwise. I had the feeling he was talking about the music industry in particular, but I suspect a lot of youth and young adults will find much to grasp onto with this one.

"She's Bad for Me" is the lament of a fella knowing he's gotta end a relationship because the feelings just aren't there.

"Oh How I Miss You" is a nice tribute to the one he does find who is worth hanging onto. "Oh how I miss you/Wish I could kiss you/Hug you hold you/It would be bliss to/Look in your eyes see/They mesmerize me/And leave me with nothing to fear." More good stuff.

They save some of the best for last! The title track "Hey Hey Hey" is rollicking piece about wanting to know someone a bit better. The song ends at just about 2 minutes and then the bonus track clicks in. And what a hoot it is! In a hilariously upbeat love song, Shupe croons his love for a good corndog and how no girl he dates is worth keeping unless she likes corndogs too.

This is an excellent album and I'd give it a five except I'm afraid they'll keep getting better. What the hey, they deserve a five. Keep in mind, if you're looking for soothing music, this is not the album for you. If you want some seriously toe-tapping, get up off the floor and go out dancing kind of music, this is stellar stuff.

One more thing. I have a compliment for the production values of the album. I'm now dying to go see these guys live. The balance of the vocal and music was perfect and one could tell that what they were hearing they could expect to hear it the same way live.

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Dacia A. Blodgett-Williams

1. Banjo Boy
2. Even Superman
3. Dream Big
4. Simplify
5. Would You Love Me
6. Ambush
7. New Emotion
8. Rain Falls Down
9. Never Give Up
10. She's Bad For Me
11. Oh How I Miss You
12. Hey Hey Hey