The Fray - 'How To Save A Life'
The effect a song can have on you is quite interesting really isn't it? Oi you! Come back and hear me out! Take '(Is This The Way To) Amarillo' ...everyone loves that at the disco because it's jolly and Peter Kay thinks it's good and whatever he says is LAW, right? With that in mind, I think it's worth pointing out that despite the musical jolly-fest, the lyrics are actually pretty sad - "I've been weeping like a willow" - sniff! SO something like 'How To Save A Life' - with its very heartfelt lyrics - runs the risk of being overlooked because of the spiralling, glorious sound.
Of course, this is fine, because we all seem to appreciate their strums, bangs and vocals. But it might be why some see it as just another 'average', 'mediocre' or just plain 'MEH!' ballad.
Yes, it is a ballad, and they have been done A LOT. But this isn't just any ballad; it's one of those dramatic, goose-bump inducing ballads. They've even butched it up with some electric guitars and an emotive, all-consuming pop rock chorus to keep everyone happy.
And super tunefulness aside, it's when you listen to the lyrics that you truly get a sense of what is going on in this guy's head..."And I would have stayed up with you all night, had I known how to save a life"...anyone else get shivers? So by adding an even deeper dimension to what we lazy listeners pick up on, The Fray have given us a very 3-dimensional, super dooper tune that seems to be getting your seal of approval so far...and mine, come to think about it.
Released: February 19th
(Sophie W)
Comments
Its very 'american' type of song isnt it. I bet their radio stations play it even more than here.
I can't pass proper judgement as it speaks to much of a past tramatic event (the song just relates to that person). But i can't figure out that, if i didnt have that, if i would like the song or be intensly irritated by it, ala 'how you remind me'.
Hmmm. what does everyone else think.
I adore this song...and i have to say that even though it sounds like it only relates to one person it seems really heartfelt to me and i think many people could relate to it
But thats just my opinion =)
This song is crap.
Somebody needed to say it.
love this song!
its so sad and moving
the video is great too!
its my fave song at the mo
i love it =]
This is a great song, and was great live =]
Hope they release more of their album as it's great!
hya.............we well lv the fray xxxxx
I heard the band on radio one last month and I'm sure they did Rehab.
Did I imagine this or is there a recording of them doing this song live.
Yes, it is a crap song! Weak, forgettable melody...'heartfelt' in the James Blunt sense of the word (NOT in other words)...OTT and uncovincing vocals...sounds like one big drawn out whine about nothing! Sooner it disappears along with The Fray, the better!