REVIEW: Yellowcard "When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes"

What is their to say about a band like Yellowcard that hasn't been said already? For many, the band is the definition of Summer music. Anthems and choruses so big that they swirl around your head like a halo for days on end. The perfect driving in the sunshine record 'Ocean Avenue' which ended up being the soundtrack for so many teenagers upon it's release.

It's hard to mention the band without bringing up the fact that after Paper Walls, most of us accepted the band was done and over. They had told us they weren't but it just seemed impossible. After the misstep with Lights and Sounds, the band ended on a high note with the spectacular Paper Walls. And then they were gone.

Now, just a few short years later a new record is upon us and fittingly so, right before the Summer season kicks in. For me, personally, "When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes" is Ocean Avenue at 22 years old. Sure, I'll never feel the way I did when I heard Ocean Avenue as a young teenager. But this is the closest I will get and it's damn close.

The moment the violin kicks in towards the end of the album's opener "The Sound Of You And Me" your ears instantly know one thing. Yellowcard is back. Following that is one of the earlier released songs, "You and Your Denial" which is a surefire classic for the band and their live sets.

However, if the first two songs don't kick start your obsession with Summer, "With You Around" will bring even the most jaded fans back to their younger years. It's the ideal song for piling in the car, driving down the highway with the windows down and singing every word with your friends. Try shaking the chorus from your brain and laugh at your own feeble attempts when you fail.

Tracks 5 through 8 (Life Of Leaving Home, Hide, and Soundtrack) will no doubt be played to the point of exhaustion as it is a powerful power pop combo that only a seasoned band like Yellowcard can pull off.

While the ballad "Sing For Me" is no doubt a great song, it does stand out on the album as being a bit too slow compared to the rest of the album and may take some younger listens out of the album for a minute. But it is followed by another vintage song in "See Me Smiling" which continues to build and build on the albums strengths.

The ending track "Be The Young" is a perfect closer and for older fans, will feel oddly appropriate given the time and albums passed between Ocean Avenue and this record.

All in all, Yellowcard is a band that took their naysayers and doubtful fans and proved them both wrong. Not only are they back, but they may just be better than ever.