THIRD EYE BLIND – RED STAR (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)

“THIRD EYE BLIND returns with their 12th CD single, their first since 2003’s ‘Crystal Baller’.  The new single is more political and even more deep than previous CD singles but at the same time, lyrically it showcases how vocalist Stephan Jenkins has evolved as a songwriter.  Overall, a solid CD single from the band! ”

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BAND: THIRD EYE BLIND

CD SINGLE: RED STAR

LABEL: MRI

DURATION: 14:10

RELEASE DATE: November 18, 2008

1. Non Dairy Creamer
2. Red Star
3. Why Can’t You Be

It’s been five years since a CD single came from the band THIRD EYE BLIND.

With a new album “URSA MAJOR” to be released in 2009, the band released their 12th CD single “RED STAR” in November 2008 which features three tracks that showcases a political track and a deep relationship track that is executed brilliantly thanks to the songwriting talent of lead vocalist Stephan Jenkins.

And although the band has not released a new single in five years, the band still remained busy as they would celebrate their 10th Year Anniversary and perform throughout the country in 2007. It has been an interesting year for Stephan Jenkins as he was very much involved in the presidential campaign’s promoting Barack Obama.

Then in Sept. 2008, the band would try an experiment online (through Indaba.com) via a contest by releasing the track “Non Dairy Creamer” in individual stems featuring the vocals, backing vocals, guitar, bass, drums, keys and violin and gave people a chance to mix and edit the songs as they wished and the best mixes would be released digitally.

In October, Jenkins would talk about the difficulty of releasing an album at the SanFran MusicTech Summit and went as far as saying that albums are unnecessary in the Digital Age.

And sure enough, the following month, here we are with the latest CD single from the group.  The first track on the CD single “Non Dairy Creamer” features an enjoyable, well-written, politically driven song.

The song looks into the problems in the country.  From student shootings at high schools, to girls that have STD’s and the question asked by Jenkins is “What’s it gonna be?  Are you real to me?  Or are you non-dairy creamer?” building to a moment where the band starts singing “Don’t date Republicans” (or is it “Young Gay Republicans?).

I really dig the music, especially when the drummer, bassist and guitarist start jamming and out of nowhere, Jenkins starts singing M.I.A.’s “Some some some I some I murder, Some I some I let go” (from her hit song “Paper Planes”).   All in all, “Non Dairy Creamer” was a fun track to listen to musically and lyrically.

The title track “Red Star” is more of a polished, commercial track.  It’s actually a very well-done track.  A bit mellow but all in all, a pretty cool love song.

The third track “Why Can’t You Be” is a live track but an interesting track.  The song is acoustic-guitar and percussion driven but the highlight is the lyrics behind the song.  Lyrics that seem to be heartfelt after a breakup or major fight.  This song is classic “THIRD EYE BLIND”.

Overall, this long awaited CD single was definitely well-welcomed.  I enjoy THIRD EYE BLIND’s music and how it balances out with Jenkins well-written lyrics.  Their music is quite profound and each time I hear a song, it’s almost like poetry or a well-written story in a way.

Granted, there are people who are more into the music these days and don’t really pay attention to the lyrics of the songs but with THIRD EYE BLIND, to me, you just can’t help but be happy if you are among the few who gets their music, who gets the lyrics and can really enjoy their music.

“RED STAR” is not exactly a CD single that screams “listen to me, I’m all commercial”.  No, this CD single is like artwork and can truly be enjoyed by those who really just kick back, listen to the music and pay attention to how the lyrics are just woven in and communicates back to you.   All in all, a very cool release and 3EB fans will definitely enjoy it!

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Tags: a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review, RED STAR, THIRD EYE BLIND