Train’s new album swaps out normal rock sound for pop

Harold Lopez/PantherNOW

The group who brought you hits like “Drops of Jupiter” and “Hey, Soul Sister” are back with their 10th studio album, “A Girl, a Bottle, a Boat.” While the group is known for more of an alternative sound, they are taking a new direction with this album by exploring the pop world.

Starting off with the fun and catchy “Drink Up” with sounds of a fun spring getaway to Malibu, California under the hot sun, the chorus is like a splash of beach water on your face.

“Play That Song” also got a lot of attention as Train incorporated the melody of “Heart and Soul,” written by Hoagy Carmichael and Frank Loesser. It has elements of folk to it and though they produced very nicely, I think of Nelly Furtado’s “Whoa, Nelly!” when I listen to the track.

“The News”brings us back to the rock band we all love, with the drums kick in the middle of the chorus with the touch of lightning magic. As the album goes deeper, you get more into the teen-pop gushy songs; “Valentine” goes back in time with the bop trend giving me vibes of Meghan Trainor’s debut album, Title.

Overall, the album seems forced into the pop mainstream world. While there are a few standout tracks, namely “Drink Up” and “You Better Believe,” Train needs to come back strong and dig deep in for their roots.

Music Matters is a weekly column that focuses on pop, rock, and alternative music. 

Photo retrieved from Flickr