SamboraBlog

Still riding the train

By: JESSICA BOPP
Staff Writer

Posted: 10/23/07

Last of Seven
Pat Monahan
Columbia Records
Rocks like: Train

Pat Monahan, most known as the lead singer of Train, attempts to take his music to the next level with the release of his solo album, The Last of Seven.

Usually, the next level means something different, but for Monahan, his solo album sounds a bit too much like a Train album to be considered something truly original. Now, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially if you like the slower-paced songs that are so familiar to Train.

Throughout The Last of Seven, produced by Patrick Leonard (Madonna, Elton John), you can expect to hear Monahan's soulful voice, full of emotion and passion as he tells stories of love, hope and dreams.

The album title and intro track, both titled The Last of Seven, are significant because it is how Monahan always refers to himself, the last of seven children. The majority of the songs on the album can qualify as easy listening, with inspirational lyrics and slower melodies, yet there are some exceptions.

The second track and hit single, "Her Eyes," with its upbeat and catchy chorus, is one of them. The song opens with a clear, concise guitar beat and is shortly joined by Monahan's soothing voice. "Her Eyes" is about his wife. In addition, the lyrics give us insight into Monahan's humorous side as he sings, "She loved Michael Jackson / Up until he made Bad."

Monahan's crisp vocals prevail as he powerfully sings "Someday." With a simple beat and accompanying choir voices, this song feels like a gospel praise song full of hope. Monahan sings, "Someday we'll be together / One day you'll be back in my arms again." And for a little trivia, Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora adds acoustic guitar to this song, making it even more memorable.

"Ooh My My" is the only song on The Last of Seven that gives us reason to believe that Monahan is trying to sway away from the Train sound. With a harder sound and deeper vocals, this song is one for Monahan to be proud of. His voice is exceptional, and he puts everything he has into this song, making a lasting impression on us.

In "Pirate on the Run," Monahan collaborates with Brandi Carlile, who opened up for Train, in a beautiful duet. Sounding a bit like something from a Norah Jones album, this song, although a bit slow, is delightful. The two compliment each other as the smooth and relaxing sound of their voices ring true.

The rest of the album is all too similar to Train. "Thinkin Bout You" relies too heavily on piano as Monahan whines "Oh, now spirit in the sky / Can't you see me cry / Well didn't I try."

The same is true with "Always Midnight" and "Great Escape." Although filled with passion, the slow, soulful sound that is present in all of these songs is really just too boring and gets old after awhile. The songs are redundant and seem to just run together.

"Ripple in the Water" is more upbeat, but it follows the pop song formula familiar to Train. Not much goes on in the verses, where the drums and guitar accompaniment is the focus, but the chorus goes all out as Monahan's proclaims, "I want to be more than just a ripple in the water."

The Last of Seven is evidence of Monahan's talent as a singer-songwriter, but he has yet to show us the side of himself that is not Train. However, Monahan can be proud of this album because it's not horrible - it's just not very different than what we would expect from him. Monahan has certainly become more than a ripple in the water, but he hasn't made a huge splash just yet.