Words by: Kriss Michelle
Band: The Maine
Album Name:“American Candy”
Date Released: March 31st, 2015
I began listening to The Maine when their first EP “The Way We Talk” was released in 2007. At the time I was in 7th grade and now looking back on it, the early 2000’s were such an exciting time for music. There was a Tower Records store near my house that had closed down, the F.Y.E stores were putting all their albums on sale for $5, and everyone had iPod Mini’s on their Christmas Wishlist. Digital music was becoming a reality and no one really knew how it would change the music industry or the entertainment industry. The iTunes Music Store opened in 2008 but people already had access to Limewire and other mediums of obtaining music for free. During 2005 to 2008 MySpace was the most popular social network and bands found a way to use the site to their advantage. During this short period a new era of what were known as “MySpace Bands”rapidly emerged making it easier for record companies to discover new talent. However, not everyone was talented, many of these “MySpace Bands” lacked credibility and often used their appearance in order to obtain a fanbase of young, naive fangirls.
The Maine was one of those “MySpace Bands” but unlike many of them that came out during 2005-2008, The Maine have achieved longevity and praise among their peers. Very few bands such as: Paramore, All Time Low, Pierce The Veil, and Mayday Parade have for the most part maintained their original line up, kept selling physical albums and have gone on to headline Warped Tour or have been able to move onto playing for larger crowds. In a time where album sales are diminishing, bands are breaking up,or bands disintegrating because they can’t make money off of touring, The Maine have managed to achieve success and depend on a growing fanbase.
What’s their secret? After being a fan for almost 9 years, I think the reason these 5 guys from Tempe, Arizona have managed to stay together and release an album every year or other year is due to the fact that they never set out to attain fame or take advantage of their fans‘ loyalty. Every time you buy an album you know you are investing in a product that is worth your money, because you know that every song is written by five real musicians and not some group of guys who are looking to get a single on the charts. You feel as if John, Pat, Kennedy, Jared, and Garrett are your long lost friends because every album you find yourself thinking how did they know that or wow, I feel the same way.They could've gone the easy route and relied on their physical appearances or written simple songs with overused choruses but instead they chose to keep improving on each and every album they released. This is a real band with something important to say, The Maine isn’t making music for the charts, The Maine is writing songs for themselves confidently knowing that their honesty will connect them with their fans. “American Candy” is no exception to this, you can tell that lyrically,musically, and emotionally these guys have matured and plan on releasing more music when the time is right.
“English Girls” is the leading single from the album and you have to listen closely to understand that John is telling a story. That’s my favorite thing about this band, every song is a story and you’re left wondering which of the five guys experienced the situation. As someone who loves to explore all sorts of type of art, “American Candy” is my favorite song on the album. The third verse of the song goes as follows: “Try to think back to back to a time when you loved what you loved because you loved it before the sugar and all the sweetness. ” I interpreted this as the first time you fell in love with something and to me that something was the first time I realized I loved music more than my friends. At the very tender age of thirteen I knew that music meant more to me than just a song to play in the car, I wanted to take a part the song and think what the meaning was behind the song. As a fan the “sugar and the sweetness” represents going to concerts and becoming friends with those who have the same music taste as I do. However, the more involved you become in any scene you discover things you don’t like or people you believe are in that scene for the wrong reasons and all of a sudden you lose your love for that particular thing you once loved so dearly.
The Maine has always challenged and discussed what it means to be beautiful. Garrett said, life is not “super clean” or perfect and that’s why I believe anyone can pick up this album and relate to it. Regardless of what genre of music you are into, I think the best musicians are able to win over people who like all sorts of music. The Maine has accomplished emotionally and musically involving the audience and that’s why they have remained a band and continue to play sold-out shows everytime they go on tour.
Top 3 favorite Songs:
1.) American Candy
2.) 24 Floors (Don’t listen to this in public, you might cry)
3.)Same Suit, Different Tie
Connect with The Maine @:
W E B S I T E
T U M B L R
T W I T T E R
F A C E B O O K
I N S T A G R A M
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