Counting Crows Review: ‘Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets!’ – Far Out Magazine
Counting Crows’ latest album, ‘Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets!’, was a challenging listen for me. Despite recognizing the band’s musical talent, the overall execution of the album left me feeling disconnected. While the instrumental elements and vocal performances were technically proficient, they seemed disjointed, almost as if the band was attempting to replicate a genre without fully grasping its essence. The result was a sound that lacked authenticity, resembling a caricature of rock music rather than a genuine expression of it.
The storytelling on the album felt forced, with lyrics that often failed to cohesively convey a clear message. The songs came across as jumbled and overwhelming, creating an overall exhausting listening experience. Counting Crows seemed to be straddling a fine line between retro nostalgia and fresh innovation, ultimately failing to land firmly on either side. The album ended up in an uncomfortable middle ground, lacking the charm of a throwback while also missing the mark on originality.
The track-by-track analysis of ‘Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets!’ reveals a mix of varying quality. ‘With Love From A-Z’ kicks off the album with a bustling energy, showcasing a blend of guitar, piano, and drums. The lyrics speak of past and future travels, accompanied by a catchy swing that encourages head-nodding. ‘Spaceman In Tulsa’ follows with indie pop sensibilities, featuring a simplistic yet enjoyable instrumentation. However, the heavy-handed storytelling detracts from the overall listening experience, leaving a sense of overwhelm.
‘Boxcars’ briefly introduces a hard rock riff reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen but fails to fully commit to the sound. The song comes across as a diluted homage, lacking the authenticity and grit of its inspiration. ‘Virginia Through The Rain’ provides a welcomed change of pace, dialing back the tempo to highlight the band’s musical prowess in a more stripped-down setting. ‘Under The Aurora’ struggles to find its footing, with a barrage of lyrics overwhelming the listener and detracting from the musical experience.
‘The Tall Grass’ and ‘Elevator Boots’ continue the trend of heavy storytelling, with varying levels of success. While ‘The Tall Grass’ falls flat with lackluster vocals and instrumentation, ‘Elevator Boots’ offers a glimpse of potential that is ultimately overshadowed by forced charm. ‘Angel of 14th Street’ maintains a country/stadium rock sound that may appeal to some listeners but fails to captivate with its lackluster execution. ‘Bobby and the Rat-Kings’ closes the album on an anthemic note, culminating in a distorted guitar-driven finale that provides a fitting end to the record.
Overall, ‘Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets!’ falls short of delivering a cohesive and engaging musical experience. While Counting Crows demonstrate their musical skill throughout the album, the lack of authenticity and forced storytelling hinder the overall impact of the record. Fans of the band’s nostalgic sound may find moments of enjoyment, but for listeners seeking a fresh and innovative offering, the album may leave them wanting more.