When people think of Chris Daughtry and his band, they think of a man who made his dreams come true. Since his appearance on the hit television show “American Idol”, he has always been labeled by some critics as the man who was on reality TV. Daughtry has proven time and time again that anything is possible and the sky is the limit when you push hard and take yourself to the edge and beyond. In only seven years, the North Carolina native has made an impact on the rock world. Their music is something everyone gravitates towards with their radio-friendly sound that has given them back-to-back No. 1 albums and four Grammys. With many hits from the band such as “Home”, “It’s Not Over”, “No Surprise”, “September”, “Life After You”, “Feels Like Tonight”, and “Over You” the band decided that it was time to go back into the studio to record new material in their latest effort Baptized.
The album opens with the title track “Baptized”, which might come across as a religious statement but lyrically the meaning is more of a romantic metaphor. Incorporating a country sound into the writing, the song has a fresh feel fans will enjoy. Up next is the first single off the album “Waiting for Superman”; with a simple message and sincerity within the lyrics, told from a third-person perspective, and gives you a story of what is happening between a couple either between lovers or friends. Incorporating the sounds of water drops adds ambiance to this radio-friendly track. “Battleships” comes across as a complete surprise with a bit of a country appeal and a pop vibe that works exceptionally well.
“I’ll Fight” is a song that will certainly hit home for a lot of people, especially parents. An uplifting song supported by a great chorus conveying a message that no matter where you are in the world your parents will be there to fight for you. “Wild Heart” is a sincere emotional track straight from the heart of the songwriter to the one they love. Continuing the trend of pop rock and country, the hybrid continues to work successfully. After a series of ballad-type songs, “Long Live Rock and Roll” changes things up a bit. With a country/folk vibe, the irony of the song is you would expect to hear electric guitars blasting your ears, but that is certainly not the scenario. Daughtry chooses to rock you differently here showing you his North Carolina roots.
“The World We Knew” sounds like the sequel to “September” off Leave This Town (2009). Painting a picture of summer romance and friendships that you thought would last a lifetime; this song creates a nostalgic vibe. Taking things down a few notches, “High Above The Ground” will take you away to your happy place where your dreams become a reality. It’s a track that some may think Daughtry has gone in a different direction but is merely an artist still able to surprise their listeners. The most emotional track on the record, “Broken Arrows”, incorporates piano and a soft chorus showing a writer laying everything on the table. Continuing a similar vibe is “Witness”, giving listeners a gospel feel with powerful lyrics and additional background vocals complimenting Daughtry’s singing. “Traitor” is a song of angst and frustration; touching on the real human emotion of having people in your life that you know and would consider a friend who smiles right to your face but then immediately stab you in the back. It’s the most aggressive song on the record letting out all the emotions and aggression that are all part of the process of feeling reborn or baptized again. Baptized closes out with the inspirational song “18 Years”. It’s an uplifting yet dramatic song echoing a feeling of remorse. We all remember being 18 years old, making mistakes that we knew were wrong, setting up choices to go on the right path, and becoming who we are today.
Baptized is a clear representation that no matter what obstacles are in front of Daughtry, or whatever stereotypes people place on the band, they will always strive to create new and personal rock music. It’s not important what critics think of the man or the band, what’s important is they will always remain a success story. Cryptic Rock gives this album 5 out of 5 stars.
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