The Album Swap is a regular column in which a staff writer swaps a favorite album with that of a teacher or staff member at Nazareth. This week’s Album Swap features reviews from Staff Writer Anahi Marquez, and Band Director Mike Sliwinski.

Mr. Michael Sliwinski on why he chose “Live on Red Rocks” O. A. R.

I chose O.A.R (Of A Revolution) because they are one of my favorite bands and the one I have seen live the most. I have seen them three times over the last 5 years. I first started listening to them because of their song “This Town” which was the theme song to the College World Series a few years ago. After that, I was hooked! I prefer to listen to any live performance and recording over the studio recordings. The live recordings show us the type of musicians they truly are. Every time they perform on stage, you can tell they leave it all “out on the floor.” O.A.R is a band who I believe is underrated in terms of artistic talent and audience engagement. The solos of all the instruments never sound the same which allows for originality and not the “canned music” that is being produced today. O.A.R is a true jam band who is great to listen to whether it is summer or winter. I plan on seeing them again when they come to Chicago this summer.

Anahi’s Review of “Live on Red Rocks”

When Mr. Sliwinski first chose this album by O.A.R. (Of A Revolution), I remember thinking “who in the world is this?” I had never heard of this band before Mr. Sliwinski introduced them to me. Because of him, I am eternally grateful.

Since the first song on the album, I knew this one would be special. I loved the beginning of the album starting with “Hey Girl.” I loved that song so much because of its message and musicality. It repeated many lyrics, but it had a fun and upbeat chorus. I also enjoyed, in all the songs, the instrumental solos, of saxophones especially. I thought that was what made the album very fun to listen to. I also liked “Love and Memories” because of its catchy chorus. Shockingly, I was able to recognize a song from the album. “Shattered [Turn the Car Around]” was absolutely one of my favorites. Although I thought the album was really amazing, I did have a few complaints about it.

The overall main dislike I had was that the songs tended to be very long. On average, the songs were about five to six minutes long. I found this irritating at times because it seemed to drag on forever. We live in a world where speed is everything, so I guess it’s understandable that I wanted faster or shorter songs. Although most of the time I loved the instrumental solos, there were times where I thought it was unnecessary. In “War Song,” the intro was so long that I thought the lyrics were missing. It also repeated the same rhythms and notes in the song, which made it boring. I did like, however, that the song was dedicated to soldiers.

Overall, I thought the album was very fun, jumpy, and carefree. I got a feeling of rock mixed with jazz. I loved the blend most of the songs had in their lyrics or instrumental parts. I thought there was a good variety of songs. This album by O.A.R. was definitely one I loved and enjoyed listening to. I’d love to listen to more albums from this band. I would give this album a 8/10.

Anahi on why she chose “1989”

To start off, I love Taylor Swift. I truly believe she is one of the greatest singers/song-writers in our generation. She has accomplished so many achievements at such a young age. I think she will truly be remembered even many years after her death. Taylor has five albums, but “1989” was her first pop album. She’s always been a country singer. I think her transition was important to music history because of her success in both genres of music. Taylor has also won many Grammy Awards and other awards in her lifetime. This album of hers was also nominated for Album of the Year. Taylor Swift is also known for her famous and self-written lyrics. I think she does an outstanding job of putting her emotions on paper, then music. I really respect and admire Taylor and her music, and I hope Mr. Sliwinski is able to see her musical abilities like I do.

Mr. Sliwinski’s Review of “1989”

When I think of Taylor Swift, I instantly think of her first success as a singer and songwriter during my high school years. Swift gained prominence during my freshman year of high school. She would talk sing about heartbreak, love stories, teenage boys named Stephen, Tim McGraw, and white horses. Swift, during my junior year of college, started to switch her approach to music and began transitioning to a more pop style. When I first heard her new material, my initial reaction was that I could not believe this was her.

The first song on the album was “Welcome to New York.” This was a song that I never heard before. It follows the traditional pop style of repeating chorus along with a drum kit and synthesized instruments. I think the lyrics “Welcome to New York” have a bigger meaning than her actual arrival in New York. I think New York is a metaphor for the bigger and better things she is experiencing than growing up in Nashville. I think it is her arrival as an individual and she is looking for herself in a new genre.

The best song on the album is “Shake it Off,” HANDS DOWN! This is a song that I have loved (Yes…I did not want to admit that) since its debut. I wrote this for pep band for both basketball and baseball during my senior year of college. The chorus of the song is as catchy as the one-hit wonder “Call Me Maybe,” but I think this song will stick around far longer than Jepsen’s.

In my opinion, nothing she produces will replicate the initial success she had with her previous albums which vaulted her into the spotlight. She is only famous because of her previous success in my opinion. She has built her kingdom based on this success, so anything she does, people will like only because of the name “Taylor Swift,” and they will not appreciate the true artistic talent of her earlier successes. Personally, I would love to see Swift go back to the country singer she once was in the beginning. I think that is where she is best suited as an artist.
For 1989, I would rate this album a 7/10. As an individual who doesn’t really listen to pop music, it was great to sit down and listen to this CD as it is always great to expand my musical diversity. I did not know she released a whole album of pop music so this was a great share.