Monday, January 05, 2009

We Recommend - Family Force 5, 'Dance Or Die'

Happy New Year! As we get set for another year in music (which is looking pretty promising if you ask us!), let's keep glancing back at some standout records of 2008. Another favorite this year was Family Force 5's Dance Or Die -- an album that took the crunk rockers into the dance music scene. If you've ever seen these guys live, you know they're an amazing live band who can entertain like few others. Sure they may seem silly to those who take their music just a bit too seriously, but these guys know what it takes to put on a good show, and they do it with ease. Dance Or Die is a new era for the five and maybe a bit hard of a pill to swallow for those who were attached to their first record. Dance Or Die even introduces a couple of ballads into the mix -- a daring and brave move on the band's part. While it works for them, it does disrupt the album's energy flow, but the tracks have proven to be some of the fans' favorites. And while there isn't an in-your-face spiritual message, the band does take us to higher altitudes via "Radiator" and "D-I-E 4 Y-O-U." There's something about this band's albums that make them extremely replayable for me. Dance Or Die is one I keep spinning long after a fleeting favorite is removed from my car stereo's rotation.

Anyone else have this one? Let us know if you recommend it and what your thoughts are on it!

Family Force 5
Dance Or Die (2008)

Click here for a JFH Staff Review.

Our synopsis: "Fun and funky with an emphasis on dancing to save the human race (?!), Family Force 5's Dance Or Die is no sophomore slump. It's proof these guys will be around for awhile." (Recommended by JFH's John DiBiase)
Perfect For: Dancing, fun, and bold faith ("Radiator")
Song Highlights: "Dance Or Die," "Wake The Dead," "Get Your Back Off The Wall," "Fever," "D-I-E 4 Y-O-U"

So, what are your thoughts on and experiences with the album Dance Or Die? Do you recommend it? If so, why?

Posted by John DiBiase at 5:15:52 AM in JFH's "We Recommend" (108) | Comments (12)

Comments

1. distortion_overdrive said...

I saw them at Winter Wonder Slam, and wow, they put on a great show! In other words (they stole it)

1/5/2009

3. Darius said...

i liked this album at first......but then i was like, oh wow this doesn't feel right, then i was like, it doesn't feel right because this isn't the Family Force Five that i learned to love. So, until they return to their signature style, i'll be listening to "Wired All Wrong". Which is a complete rip off of Family Force 5.

1/6/2009

5. caitlin said...

yeah, i have this cd. it ROCKS!!!! (it pwns, to quote my bro) i got it like the day it came out, and it has not left my stereo since then! i'm desperate to see them live but they're never close enough =( i hate living in a not quite large enough city =(

1/8/2009

7. Emma said...

I love this album, but bold faith?
I'm sorry but I don't hear anything about their faith
( other than Radiator )on this album. I really don't agree with the lyrics to fever either. If I didn't know the bands beliefs from their previous cd It would've never crossed my mind that they are christian guys.

1/9/2009

9. Ben said...

I've listened to this a few times and I'd have to say I'm fairly disappointed. I'm a huge fan of their old sound, but I do like some of the new directions they've taken, especially with the title track. That said, this album doesn't seem to have the same energy as their previous, as they seem more adept at writing songs about absolutely nothing. The lyrics in 'Party Foul' make me cringe, as do all the spelling in 'D-I-E-4-Y-O-U.' They were never brilliant lyricists, but this is just lazy. To add 'Share It With Me' has to be one of the worst ideas for one of their songs, bar none.

This is all my opinion, of course.

1/11/2009

11. David said...

Bought this CD the day it came out! Bought tickets and dragged my friends to their concert where I was in the moshpit jumpin around like a maniac! Their style is Fun! Joyous! And makes you want to be anything but solitary.
The lyrics wouldn't be what I'd describe as "Bold Faith" (other than the previously mentioned "Radiator") but they are uplifting and positive and in NO WAY demoralizing. These guys are Awesome!

3/6/2009