Album Review: The Fray (Self Titled Second Album)

Nearly four years after they taught us “How to Save a Life,” The Fray is back with their sophomore album.

If you’ve been a die-hard Fray fan since their breakout album debuted in Sept 2005, The Fray’s second album will present more of the same piano driven melodies and ruggedly smooth vocals from lead singer Isaac Slade. The only question is do you want more of the same, or are you searching for something more?

The Fray’s freshman album, “How to Save a Life,” won our hearts with the killer singles “Over My Head (Cable Car)” and “How to Save a Life.” The two singles were the right blend of pain and inspiration that could appeal any music lover, or just someone trying to fill the musical void in their life. The Fray’s emotionally driven lyrics could drill through the most hardened heart, and find that common ground of sorrow in need of a musical outlet.

When The Fray first debuted the newest single off of their sophomore album, it was an instant smash. “You Found Me,” hit the public as the musical bed for the Lost fifth season trailer. I was immediately won over by the song, and yearned for more. Next, up was their recent release of “Never Say Never,” a simple song that still finds a way to tug at your heart and make you want to scream out the lyrics.

Are either “You Found Me” or “Never Say Never” on par with “How to Save a Life” and “Over My Head?”

Not really. They’re great songs that will find their way to the top of your iPod playlist after a few listens. But, they don’t have quite the same instant appeal as the freshman album. That feeling pervades most of the songs on The Fray’s second album. This is an album that will appeal to most Fray fans, and will grab some new fans after listening to the album a few times.

Whereas “Over My Head (Cable Car)” drew its strength from the rift between Isaac Slade and his brother, the same strength just seems to be absent from this latest CD.

Does this mean this that The Fray’s second album isn’t great? Not at all. Several songs will quickly grow on you including: “Syndicate,” “Absolute,” “Where the Story Ends,” and “Enough for Now.” You’ll just wonder why there wasn’t a touch of growth in the musical style and lyrics over the past few years.

The Fray has delivered another solid album with their second CD. Hopefully, the band will try to push their next album beyond the heights of “How to Save a Life,” and prove that no one will know where The Fray’s “Story Ends.”

“The Fray” (Self Titled) Track List:
1. Syndicate (3:30)
2. Absolute (3:47)
3. You Found Me (4:01)
4. Say When (5:01)
5. Never Say Never (4:16)9
6. Where The Story Ends (3:57)
7. Enough For Now (4:14)
8. Ungodly Hour (5:04)
9. We Build Then We Break (3:48)
10. Happiness (5:22)

The Fray - You Found Me acoustic

The Fray - Never Say Never Acoustic