The Silver Lining

A long expected album from Soul Asylum

Since its formation in 1983 the alternative rock band Soul Asylum has suffered some changes and lost one member. Initially the band included guitarist and vocalist Dave Pirner, guitarist and backing vocalist Dan Murphy, bassist Karl Mueller and drummer Pat Morley. Last summer Karl Mueller died of throat cancer, which was a grand loss for the band. Soul Asylum, best known for their Grammy Award winning single Runaway Train, has released their previous full-length album Candy From A Stranger back in 1998 and after that there have only been the collections of previously written songs. This year Soul Asylum has finally presented the audience with a new creation The Silver Lining. Emotionally the album is not homogeneous, irony and bitterness in lyrics go hand in hand with positive mood. As for the sounding Soul Asylum has returned to their old manner of playing yet obviously Pirner’s rich voice sounds more mature and there is more philosophy in the music. Despite of the tough times connected with the bassist’s illness, The Silver Lining offers fine catchy melodies and optimistic songs that have been long expected from Soul Asylum.

Silver Lining exceeds all expectations

Dave Pirner’s full vocals have definitely changed to the better for on many moments of The Silver Lining he sings really impressively. The opener Stand Up And Be Strong has a positive mood and calls those who have suffered a loss to find strength to move on. The memorable tune adds to its persuasiveness and speaks for the fact that the band commemorates the lost friend. The topic of war is raised on Lately, the song telling of a soldier who is longing to get home to his young family. It is an up-tempo and upbeat song full of hope for the better life. Irony and even sarcasm appear on All Is Well, a controversial combination of a pleasant melody and unkind lyrics. A sentimetal ballad Success Is Not So Sweet is one of the standouts among the mid-tempo works on The Silver Lining. The lyrics here are deeply meditative and present a look at the decisions taken before, whereas the front man’s voice conveys the emotions to the right effect. The closer Slowly Rising with remarkably witty lyrics demonstates Soul Asylum’s skills to combine tempos and styles within one song. On the whole The Silver Lining exceeds all expectations and in many respects is better than the previous album.

Silver Lining is a really enjoyable rock album

The last eight years have not been easy for Soul Asylum but in the end they have managed to create an album that is going to mark the continuation of their existence and the beginning of working in a changed team composition. Having used the basic traits of their earlier sounding the members of the band are pleasing both the longtime fans and those who know the band for that time creations. Still there is enough new on The Silver Lining: more optimism, improved instrumental background and more feeling vocals. Soul Asylum might not be using many audio effects or improvising on The Silver Lining just doing what the band has always been doing. Guitars and drums give the basic melody and Pirner’s vocals take up the leading role on the songs be it a ballad or an up-tempo rock composition. Some of their works are quite thought provoking, some are emotionalizing life stories. Independent of the type of a song one can always feel that the whole band enjoys its work and is ready to share this joy with the audiences all the time. With all its honesty and plainness The Silver Lining is a really enjoyable rock album.