In anticipation of their low-key tour through Florida next month, pop rock band We The Kings released an acoustic album today, just less than a year after their previous album.
The band struck platinum in Australia with their instant hit “Check Yes Juliet” in 2007 and sold over 250,000 copies of their debut album. Since then, the band’s albums have progressively debuted higher with each installment. Their fourth, most recent album Somewhere Somehow debuted at 44 on the Billboard 200 and has been their highest charting album to date. The band has found more success in other countries like Australia and the United Kingdom. With their pop style, the band is more suited for the likes of younger listeners and has been reluctant to acquire a solid, reliable fan base. We The Kings has invested much of their career into touring, including multiple sets on the Van’s Warped Tour, since their career first began. While the band has yet to earn a No. 1 single in the U.S., their past four albums have all charted within the Billboard 200. They just haven’t charted nearly as high as the band would probably have liked them to. With the release of their latest album, the pop band offers a lesser known side in hopes of gaining more fans.
Stripped, the band’s fifth and latest album, is entirely acoustic. It contains an acoustic version of eight songs from their previous album and two new songs. This is something the band has never done before and the success of it could launch them into a higher chart position, along with the success of their six-city tour through their home state of Florida. The album has proved moderately successful as it debuted in the top 30 albums on iTunes the day of its release. Because the album only features two new songs, fans will more than likely wait for the next full length album entirely comprised of new material.
The lead vocalist, Travis Clark, has a great voice that is only enhanced by the acoustic feel of the album. It’s no surprise they place heavy emphasis on touring, as they have an incredibly seasoned lead singer who can fluctuate between the heavy guitar sound and a much quieter, mellow sound. His voice carries the weight of each song, echoing the sound of one who has loved and lost on “Queen of Hearts” and a struggling teen on “Just Keep Breathing.” Years of trying to break the top charts have resulted in more mature songwriting. Fans have already begun to express their joy over the two new songs. “Stone Walls,” which shows off the band’s inspirational side, has gained the most attention so far. While most bands would’ve opted for a complete change in genre or quitting music altogether, We The Kings have been putting everything they’ve got into each task they attempt. From performing hundreds of shows every year to stepping out of their comfort zone with an acoustic album, they are truly a band of consistency and perseverance. While they may not be raking in the platinum or gold singles, the band is grateful for every opportunity they get and it shows throughout each album and set.
3/5