This is an incredible group. All of the songs are written by the lead singer, Joe
Hedges. He is one of the deepest, most honest song-writers there are. One thing I hate is when songwriters write songs that
express emotions that they don't even experience (like Metallica... no offense, metallica fans). Seriously, you could pick
any song on this album and it could be a number one single. I echoe the beginning line of a Ben Folds Five DVD, "If you've
heard these guys, you're a fan. If you haven't, you're about to be." They have more CD's, but their label MCA went under and
so did they. They're awaiting a new record deal right now. Go to http://www.julyforkings.com. They have a new CD that's REALLY
good called Nostalgia. This album is called "Swim" because they changed their name from Swim to July For Kings because there
were lots of other bands in the US that carried the same name, Swim.
Here's the song reviews Intro/Believe 4/5
- Great kickoff to an awesome CD. They recorded a version of it on one of their independent releases that sounded better during
some parts.
Normal Life 5/5!!!!!! - wow.... WOW WOW WOW!!!!!! This is one of the best songs ever. If I made a soundtrack
to my life, this would be the first track. Apart from the unbelievable catchy music, the lyrics capture everything about the
human soul's desire to just have a comfortable life. Sounds like it could be a cheesy song, but IT IS NOT. Look into this
one first.
Girlfriend 4/5 - The older recording was MUCH better. Still a great song, but there used to be a really
cool little guitar riff in the background that they took out on this album that made me love this song
Bed of Ashes
5/5 - One of their most aggressive songs ever. Great recording, tight riffs, awesome vocals, definitely worth a listen
Champagne
- 5/5 - Really catchy love song. Creative guitar riffs and honest lyrics
New Black Car - 5/5 - About Joe's girlfriend
getting a new black Jetta. Neat song! "Are you listenin' to the radio? Are you driving down the city road? Are you alone in
your new black car?"
Start Again - 3/5 - eh... Most people love this one, it wasn't my favorite one on the album though.
It kind of sounds awkward to me when Joe drops f-bombs. I thought it sounded too much like "Hey Man Nice Shot" by Filter.
Other than that, great aggressive track.
Without Wings - 4/5 - AWESOME chorus. nuff said
Meteor Flower - 5/5!!!!!!!!!
Oh my freaking holy crapness!!! Right up there with Normal Life. This was a girlfriend and I's song the whole time we were
together. Beautiful, catchy, honest, inspiring, I LOVE THIS FREAKING SONG!!!! I don't usually like the mushy stuff like this
but this is one of my favorite songs of my entire life. SERIOUSLY - listen to this one!!!!
And Gommorah - 5/5 Once
again, I think the old recording is better on this one. The new version on this album kind of tries to hard to be radio-worthy.
It's about an old high-school girlfriend that cheated on Joe and it really catches the turmoil he was going through.
Anything
But Beautiful - 4/5 This one belongs more towards the beginning of this CD, I think. It's a re-recording from the independent
version. Pretty cool song. Not a whole lot else to say about it.
Washed Away - 5 OUT OF FREAKING 5 - Probably the
most emotional song on the album. Joe's dad died when he was younger and this song was written when he was 18 or 19 (I think).
It's about all the pain and sorrow that he felt and how much he misses his dad. It's kind of hard to understand it that way
when you listen to the song, unless you know the back story. I'll admit I got pretty misty-eyed when I heard this the first
time. He almost never plays it live because it's pretty hard for him to get through.
This is one of the best CD's I've heard in a while. Hopefully, the group will get a major record
deal (they deserve it). Read the other reviews for specifics.
I tracked down this CD after hearing "Normal Life" on the radio.. and I'm glad I took
the chance and bought the CD. I feel the music is very soulful and positive. Makes me feel good and sing out loud no matter
what mood I started out in! I hope these guys keep making music!!!
This is one of the best cd's I have purchased in a while, and one of the better "new"
R & R bands. Hailing from my home town, they are very impressive with a wide range of sounds with the same basic R &
R style. Excellent vocals and guitar work all the way through. Best song? "New Black Car" or "Without Wings". You won't
regret buying this one.
My Favourite Album Ever, March 1, 2004 Reviewer: A music fan This is a great album and the sad thing
is i dont even think the band have got a record deal at the moment. they are amazing though and the song girlfriend is far
superior to its cover version by some guy off a u.s show called the bachelor. if u like this sort of music then you'll love
swim, its an album filled with passion and great melodies. buy it. of listen to the tracks in full at the bands own website
before u decide. great music. xxxx
One of the best I own.... Awesome band, awesome music, December 27, 2005
