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Louder Now-Taking Back Sunday
Smaller label bands have really been getting a lot of attention in the past two years, particularly those on the Victory Records label.  It's always great to see smaller labels succeed.  The problem, however, for these smaller labels is that, once a band gets big enough, there is a definite chance that they will jump to a much larger label.  And, in general, it's a good career move.  One of the biggest examples in recent times of the difference in the small and large labels is the fact that Victory Records is one of the labels which currently does not have it's catalog available on iTunes.  This means artists on the label won't be found in the iTunes music store.  You won't find any of the new releases from Hawthorne Heights, Aiden or Atreyu on iTunes.  And, up until 2006, you couldn't find anything from Taking Back Sunday either.  However, Taking Back Sunday took the jump to a larger label with their new disc, Louder Now.  The band is now promoted by Warner Bros. Records and, of course, gets a bigger promotional level with the jump.  This jump often puts "show kids" up in arms.  They feel as though the band has sold out by searching for a larger fan base.  But forget about that whining and moaning.  What really matters is the music.  If it's good music, the label it's on should not matter.

And let's be clear: Louder Now is chock full of good music.  The lead single, MakeDamnSure, is infectious and is definitely a track that will pique consumer interest in the disc.  And it is far from the only track that will keep listeners interested.  Tracks like My Blue Heaven and Twenty-Twenty Surgery bring a very nice blend of sounds to the table, while keeping in the forefront the vocals that bring pretty solid lyrics to life.

The disc does have it's minor flaws and is by no means a perfect recording.  However, the positives greatly outweigh the negatives on this disc.  For the fans of the band who missed out on their track on the Fantastic 4 Soundtrack, fret no more.  Error: Operator finds it's way on to this disc, and is a welcome addition to the mix.  Though it first appeared a year ago on the soundtrack, the song seems to fit in perfectly with the rest of Louder Now.  It actually bears a slight resemblance to MakeDamnSure, which definitely gives the track some large potential as a single.  Also, tracks like Liar (It Takes One To Know One), Miami and What's It Feel Like To Be A Ghost? keep listeners looking for more throughout the disc.

Overall, Louder Now is an excellent major label debut.  The disc shows improvement over the band's previous two discs in all of the major areas.  The vocals stay in the same frame that has made the band so popular, the lyrics continue to get better, and the music continues to mold itself into whatever the song needs it to be.  Louder Now gives great hope for a long future in the music industry for Taking Back Sunday.
8.75 Out Of 10
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