PropertyOfZack Review : : Say Anything

It’s no secret that Say Anything’s past has been plagued by lead singer Max Bemis’s struggle with a bipolar condition, which brought on many trips to the hospital as well as an ever-rotating band roster. Two years after the release of In Defense of the Genre, Bemis has not only settled his inner troubles but also created a masterpiece with Say Anything’s new self-titled album.

That Bemis has finally secured his feet on the ground is nothing to worry about. Say Anything has not lost a beat with their latest effort; in fact, they are wittier and catchier than ever before. Songs on the album like “Hate Everyone,” “She Won’t Follow You,” and “Death On My Birthday” easily will become just as classic as previous fan favorites.

“Life is not a spark in space/.An episode of Will and Grace//Controversial//Yet mundane//Debra’s messing with your brain.” Just three songs in, “Do Better” is perhaps the most clever song Say Anything has ever written and is sure to be popular. In “Mara And Me” the band changes tempos multiple times, showing off what time can do, and drummer Coby Linder lends his voice for co-vocals, which are truly a treat—not only on this song but also throughout the album.

Say Anything is much different from prior releases from the band. The album is a composite of music and words naturally flowing together and combining to form the perfect end product that Bemis, deep down, has always been able to produce. “Cemetery” is the perfect example of the band’s growth. The track borrows Bemis’s wife Sherri Dupree for backup vocals, on which she beautiful sings, “You’re in my body, that’s where I think about you” in echo to Bemis’s lead.

The album closes with “Ahh… Men,” which is undoubtedly the most memorable song on the record. The lyric, “Can I lie with you in your grave,” is begun halfway through the song by Bemis but is quickly taken over by the band’s other members. As the line never ceases for the remainder of the song, Bemis explodes with carefully spoken words over the already thoughtful chorus. As the guitar leads you to the end of the album there will be nothing else but an urge to press repeat. 

In a mere two years, Say Anything, after the release of In Defense of the Genre, has completely mastered their talents not only lyrically, but musically as well. With made-for-radio songs like “Eloise” and “Crush’d” there is no question that Say Anything’s self-titled album is not only their best work, but also the best release of the year.

****.5/*****