I'm not sure if Tinted Windows can be described as a traditional "super group". But it is the bizarre, at least on paper, combination of Fountains Of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger, Smashing Pumpkins' James Iha, Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick, and vocalist Taylor Hanson. Yes, of THAT Hanson.
It may look like an odd family on paper, but damn does it work. What we get on Tinted Windows are 11 catchy power pop gems. "Whoa-whoas" and hooks galore seep out of every crevice on the record.
The sugary pop goodness rivals anything we've heard from Schlesingers own FofW. In fact, songs like "Take Me Back" and "Dead Serious" remind me of prime Material Issue.
It doesn't branch out far from there. "Back With You" is down tempo, verging on power ballad status. A country rock groove permeates throughout "Cha Cha". But everything quickly comes back to the ear candy.
No, the songs are not particularly deep in meaning. Really though, sometimes you just need a highly enjoyable and catchy record. Is it a crime just to have some fun?
Best tracks: "Take Me Back", "Without Love"
Track listing for Tinted Windows:
- Kind of a Girl
- Messing With My Head
- Dead Serious
- Can't Get a Read On You
- Back With You
- Without Love
- Cha Cha
- We Got Something
- Nothing To Me
- Doncha Wanna
- Take Me Back
8.0/10
5 praise/complaints:
love this album
I've heard most of the album on YouTube and think it's going to be a fun album to listen to. Not too overthought, but it sure beats the crap on the charts today. Every week I check the releases with bated breath, hoping something worth the 3.5 minutes/song will appear, and am sadly disappointed. That was, until the weeks leading up to April 21, when the pre-order for Tinted Windows was posted on iTunes. But now I go and the album itself is gone? Did you buy the album in Canada? I'm wondering if the label releasing it out here decided not to or something? Good review, very fair.
The band HAS stated that their intention was to make catchy music with a focus on fun instead of depth. They definitely accomplished their goal. Seems like a great power pop, pressure-free outlet for all parties involved!
Hi! I'm from Toronto, and I've been trying to get my hands on a copy of Tinted Windows' CD. Has it been released in Canada, and if so where can I find it in Toronto since HMV didn't even know who the band was.
I can't find it at HMV either. But it is available on Amazon.ca
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