Saying Sorry is a pretty solid track, and is definitely one of the most accessible songs on the disc. Unlike Ohio Is For Lovers from the last disc, the screaming vocals are limited for this single, giving it potential to open up the band to new fans. Likewise, the disc's opening track, This Is Who We Are, offers listeners another solid opportunity to enjoy the band with strong music, decent lyrics, and vocals that aren't half bad.
There are no inherently terrible songs on this disc. Light Sleeper, Language Lessons (Five Words Or Less) and I Am On Your Side are just a few of the songs that show off a little growth from the last disc to this one. The music seems a little more polished, the vocals are mildly better, and the lyrics show a little optimism from time to time as well.
The big problems for this disc, however, are twofold. First, while there is growth in all aspects of the songs, the growth is marginal. Some people may not even notice the difference from disc to disc. Hawthorne is a band that has potential in the studio, but it does not seem as though it's being used to it's fullest yet. It's always a disappointment to hear a band who could do some great things but gets stuck doing the same old, same old thing like 10,000 other bands out there.
The other, more prominent problem with If Only You Were Lonely is the fact that the songs tend to drone on. Again, potential is being thrown out the window and being replaced by songs that begin to sound the same before you even make it through the entire disc once. The entire disc could easily be separated into two or three long tracks rather than twelve shorter ones. There's a lack of creativity here that makes it almost shocking to believe that there's people out there who so passionately defend this music.
Overall, If Only You Were Lonely is, to some extent, a good disc. Like any good sophomore disc, it shows improvement and growth over the previous disc. Unfortunately, these improvements are only partial and don't address the biggest issues that Hawthorne has with their music. Basically, this is a disc that you'll enjoy if you're already a fan. If you're not, don't expect this disc to change your mind.