Hedley: The Show Must Go...On

The obnoxiously charming, chart topping and fan favourite band Hedley released their third studio album "The Show Must Go" Tuesday, Nov. 17. Stationed out of B.C, the band has had previous hits with On My Own, Gunnin, She's So Sorry and For The Nights I Can't Remember to name a few. From the minute they hit the Canadian Music Industry, Hedley's band identity has been defined with high energy live performances, huge public support, sincere and personal lyrics, and a true love for their fans. In high anticipation, their newest creation is one of the bands most daring albums to date.

Track one, Cha-Ching, presents listeners with an up beat and danceable spoof on reality television. It was the first single to hit airways from the new record, and was soon accompanied with humourous scenes from the band on such shows as The Hills, Survivor, The Biggest Loser and even the Idol franchise in the over the top music video. The band can be seen throughout the video sporting many costumes that include money-hungry business men, Idol judges and reality show contestants. The second track on the album, Don't Talk To Strangers is the second released single. The video for this song aired on Much On Demand Thursday Nov. 19th, where the band also appeared for a quick interview. Directly in tune with the song lyrics, the video features a "cougar on the prowl" concept.

The album continues with Scream, an up-beat track that is programmed a lot like their previous material from Famous Last Words; however, there is also a presence of more electronic beats and sounds, which are also the basis of Cha-Ching, Don't Talk To Strangers and bonus track Lucky, which was available through a pre-order from itunes. Always known for his passion, Lead singer Jacob Hoggard, brings a whole-hearted vocal performance. In terms of the instrumental, both the lead up to heavier set drums from the verses to the chorus and the lead up from the bridge to the final chorus successfully stabilize the song into a real pop hit, incorporating the more produced beats with real rock undertones quite well.

In the fourth track is where the album takes a more down-beat and almost a more sincere approach in the way it's arranged. The smooth and camp-fire-esque melody dares the definition of what the band has done in the past, but reforms listeners of what the band can do now, and do well. These melodies also set the album apart from their previous work as well as what's currently out in the music scene at the moment. The unique and "head-bopping" beat along with the in and out shakers accompany the song well, setting a definite laid back and honest atmosphere.

Amazing, track five, is where the band has previously said they were able to truly showcase one of their best composed songs to date. Accompanied by the piano and slower beats, Hoggard brings a steller vocal performance and is sure to hit a high note with the female variety for singing such lyrics as "You're amazing, you're amazing and it's true, no one can save me, no one can save me like you do". The band played Amazing live at We Day when it stopped in Toronto, showcasing an already fan favourite.

The next track off the record, Shelter, has a great bass line, which accompanies the island felt melody and simplified drums. The track could be compared to Never Too Late off their second album, but definitely shows high vocal growth as well as growth within the band. The tune and whimsical lyrics create a no doubt, catchy melody that will definitely not disappoint.

Young and Stupid is a fun, no limits track that is bound to get you noticed for singing along in public. The lyrics and tone suggest that it represents Hoggards', or even the bands' growth since when they started out, being that the song as a whole is a tribute to their old days, scars and "young and stupid" behaviours, which the band is countlessly known for. However, it is clear from the lyrics in the chorus, "At least we did it our way" the song expresses no real regrets with all heads held high.
Track eight, presents a "Perfect" collaboration of superb vocal performance, instrumental strings and heart-wrenching passion that truly brings eye-opening emotion to the forefront. The small vocal changes that are seen throughout ultimately bring the simplicity that allows the piano ballad to shine through. One of the stronger songs on the record, fans can really appreciate the flow of personal experience from Hoggard with this track.

Another stand out track, Sweater Song is a story from Hoggard's heart that is really evident upon first listen. The acoustic, stripped down approach allows this song to keep its musical dignity regardless of music industry standards, definitely gaining an inch of love from listeners. The fact the song lacks the usual 'verse chorus' structure really shows Hedley's ability to keep the song the way they invisioned and how it was meant to be heard from the start. The haunting tune and vocals surround the true emotions of the song, which ultimately are the trials and feelings during a long distance seperation.

Coincidentally being track '9', 9 Shades of Red brings an easy and upbeat listen that touches on a 'fun night out on the town' with lyrics "Holla back for a planned attack, on this unsuspecting town, We may be looking pretty, but we make an awful sound". With catchy lyrics and a sing-a-long melody, the ensemble really brings a fun and care-free aspect to the album. The slower drum beat and "head-swaying" bass lines accompany the bigger choruses well.

The final track to the album, Friends, successfully ends with a slower, more stripped down performance that showcases the more raw sound of Hoggard's vocals and the simplicity is yet again a clear and pivotal aspect of their new sound. With lyrics such as "You and me will always be friends" the album completes on a seemingly higher note for fans. Previously, Tommy MacDonald, the bassist, has said this track is one of his personal favourites.

Presently it seems the band is evolving into a role-modeling, hard working band that has a duty to be responsible for themselves as well as their largely growing fan base. These personal growths and realizations can definitely be seen on this album. From the hillbilly rock anthems, to the fast and fun, and back to the emotional ballads, Hedley has made a record that is in tune with them as artists as well as them personally, which cannot be faulted against them in the least. This continuously maturing Canadian band has made rock hits and pop favourites that have hit the charts at #1, but with this album, regardless of those standards, it's sure to go as far and farther with the risky exploration of melodies, structures and compositions seen on The Show Must Go.

For more information on Hedley and on their upcoming headlining Canadian 2010 tour w/Boys Like Girls, Fefe Dobson, Faber Drive and Stereos, vist them at www.hedleyonline.com or myspace.com/hedley. Also, follow @hedleyonline on twitter. All photos by fourfourbeat (except album cover)