Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review




Anberlin
Never Take Friendship Personal



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 11 tracks: 39 minutes, 22 seconds
Street Date: February 1, 2005


Anberlin made a significant impression on rock music in 2003 with their impressive Tooth & Nail Records debut, Blueprints For The Black Market. Their brand of passionate modern rock with relative songwriting made Anberlin easy to like. Their follow-up, Never Take Friendship Personal, doesn't stray too far from the groundwork they laid with Blueprints, carrying the torch forward.

At first listen at a few cuts on Never Take..., it sounds like the band has stuck to the same formula as they use their catchy, hook-driven rock to serve as a vehicle to further explore the world of relationships. Songs like "A Day Late," a lament over missing a golden opportunity to be with someone they care for, follow the same format musically as their hit "Foreign Language." But further examination reveals its greatest difference, and the charm of Never Take Friendship Personal - its more melodic approach to songwriting. Stephen Christian's vocals have never sounded better and, while his style and delivery is often the same, he does stretch them from time to time. The title track and "The Feel Good Drag" take a more aggressive approach to their signature take on the emo-flavored rock genre (even including a few screams).

Lyrically, Never Take... strays even further from any spirituality their debut possessed. The album's focus is solely relationships, examining different and often unique takes on them. While a hint of spirituality may be found in "Paperthin Hymn" and even the beautifully tragic "(The Symphony of) Blasé," it's barely enough to note. Songs like the dark "The Feel Good Drag" address lust and deceit while "Stationary Stationery" is a more upbeat and catchy letter to an old friend or former flame.

Never Take Friendship Personal is a solid sophomore effort from these experts of catchy, hooky alternative rock. While they may leave your spirit feeling dry by the time the last notes of "Dance, Dance Christa Päffgen" fade out, Anberlin has put together a collection of relevant and fun songs that contemplate human relationships in a uncommon way. Never Take Friendship Personal is a great album to start off what looks to be a great year in music.



- Review date: 1/30/05, written by John DiBiase of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

CD

Buy This CD Online


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Tooth & Nail Records
. Album length: 11 tracks, 39 minutes and 22 seconds
. Street Date: February 1, 2005
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Never Take Friendship Personal
  2. Paperthin Hymn
  3. Stationary Stationery
  4. (The Symphony of) Blasé
  5. A Day Late
  6. The Runaways
  7. Time & Confusion
  8. The Feel Good Drag
  9. Audrey, Start The Revolution!
  10. A Heavy Hearted Work Of Staggering Genius
  11. Dance, Dance Christa Päffgen
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, September 19, 2025
ALBUMS
Sho Baraka Midnight of a Good Culture (independent)
Dave Barnes The Songs That Got Away (independent)
Influence Music One True God (independent)
LO Worship Songs For the Anxious Heart [Integrity]
Mainstream Worship Dwelling Place [DREAM Worship]
Lauren Mann Heaven - EP (independent)
Mat & Savanna Just How Strong You Are (independent)
Jackie Hill Perry Blameless [Reach]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - EP [DREAM]
Zach Williams Jesus Loves [Provident]
Paul Wright GOD SONGS (independent)

SINGLES
1K Phew MOVE IT! (feat. Forrest Frank and 1K Pson) - Single [Reach]
Anike That's God (feat. Porsha Love) - Single [Reach]
Frankie Orella Like This - Single (independent)
Nate Parrish That's Just Life - Single (independent)
Poor Old Lu A Forest - Single (independent)
Rosemont Dust - Single (independent)
John Waller & WallerCo & Eric Lee Brumley Surprise Me - Single [DREAM]

Next Friday, September 26, 2025
ALBUMS
Glae Black Cloud - EP [Broken Curfew Records]
Michael Gabriel Monroe Some Things I've Been Learning About God [Provident]
Kevin Schlereth Settle In (independent)
Chris Tomlin The King Is Still The King [Capitol CMG]
Voluntary Mortification Mortem Cultus - EP (independent)

SINGLES
The Rogers Family He's Still God - Single [Horizon]
Terrian Testimony - Single [Gotee]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images