The Critics Corner | Albums

The Bad & The Better The bad remains a mystery, but third release showcases an even better synth-pop flavor
WATIC
Hayley Holmes Album name: The Bad & The Better
Label: Razor & Tie
Release date: May 27, 2014
My rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review written by: Luanne Lim
Get ready for The Ready Set’s recent release The Bad & the Better! After a long four years since the release of the full-length I’m Alive, I’m Dreaming (and two years after the release of the single “Give Me Your Hand (Best Song Ever)”) The Ready Set releases his third studio album, The Bad & the Better. The synth-pop act, off-stage known as Jordan Witzigreuter, continues to keep listeners bobbing their heads and dancing with eleven fresh tracks.

Beginning the album is the second released single, “Higher.” The track provides a good feel for the remaining tracks. To me, the beat reminded me of songs featured on Dance, Dance Revolution games. “Higher,” like the previous single and last song of the album, “Give Me Your Hand,” is just one of those songs that have this certain rhythm to them that make them very addicting to listen to.

“Are We Happy Now?” and “Luxury” both share a similar theme in the lyrics. Both tracks seem to reflect a message of appreciating the little things. The lyrics reflect the message that objects and material things can only bring a limited amount of happiness. “Are We Happy Now?” repeats the statement, “I get everything that I want, then I’m over it. Remind me what I got so I don’t forget.” In addition to the little things, the track “Luxury” points out that all one really needs is one thing: LOVE. Similar to “Higher” and “Give Me Your Hand,” “Luxury” just has that feel-good, catchy tune to it, making them my personal favorites from the album.

Confident girls have a special place on The Bad & the Better. The songs “Freakin Me Out” and “Carry Me Home” seem to be about girls who can hold their own. “Freakin Me Out” has a girl making the first move at a party instead of a guy. “Carry Me Home” seems to tell a story from the perspective of the boy in what would be categorized as a “complicated” relationship. Like the usual “guy walks into a bar” openings, this song begins with the guy walking into a bar and seeing his “ex-best girl.” Thinking he can get her back, he approaches her only to get rejected in a very blunt and sassy way that makes for an excellent chorus.

Along with complicated relationships, there is the “Bitter and the Sweetness” of relationships. As the title states, both bitter and sweet situations are what keep lasting relationships. The track is not as fast-paced as the opening songs, but it is just as catchy.

Like the previous track, “Don’t You Need Me” and “Bleeding” do not carry the same tempo as the opening songs. Both are the aftermath of not having the right amount of “bitter and sweetness” in a relationship. “Don’t You Need Me” sees the narrator as the heartbroken one while “Bleeding” is vice-versa. Though I, personally, associate The Ready Set with more upbeat, fast-tempo songs, it is nice to listen to slower, ballad-like songs. The three tracks are well-written, though I wish there was more variety in the chorus of “Don’t You Need Me.”

Self-acceptance is the central message of both “Fangz” and “Castaway.” “Fangz” has a rather unique and unusual beat to it. While “Fangz” reveals a more independent take on accepting and being proud of who you are, “Castaway” takes the more united approach.  “Castaway” is the only track on this record to have guest vocals (rapper, Jake Miller).

The Ready Set’s third album is a very upbeat, summery album. In my opinion, The Bad & the Better couldn’t have been released at a better time. With summer just around the corner, The Bad & the Better is the perfect album to blast during long summer drives or to dance along to at pool parties. Though it was available for pre-order, the album officially drops on May 27.

Want to hear the new songs performed live? Be sure to catch The Ready Set at this summer’s Vans Warped Tour!
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