Yellowcard - When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes

It’s been a long time since Yellowcard broke into the mainstream with their platinum-selling full-length Ocean Avenue. With their third album since in the form of When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes, it will take little time to realize Ryan Key and company haven’t missed a step in the four years since Paper Walls. Armed with soaring vocals, addictive guitar melodies and, of course, crisp violin lines, Yellowcard prove they still have what it takes to pen honest, yet catchy pop-punk. Consider yourself a fool if you don’t listen to this album.

Yellowcard doesn’t waste any time going for the jugular in terms of what fans want to hear. Opener “The Sound of You and Me” bursts open with runaway drums behind a driving guitar/violin melody, grabbing your ears without hesitation. Key’s smooth vocals still ring with honesty after all these years, and his lyrical output is still top-notch. The chorus of this track proves it all in a handful of bars. As Key belts ‘I’ve never been more ready to move on,’ we feel like this album’s existence has finally sunk in. Lead single “For You and Your Denial” pulses with a similar energetic direction, as a tasty violin line introduces us to the buzzing melodies brought forth throughout the track. “Hide” goes big in terms of melody, and showcases some on-point violin melodies to compliment the vocal and guitar melodies. It might not be the constant speed session some bands have opted to go for, but these guys still have it in them to pen some uptempo tunes with a bit of 'zazz' to them.

But when things aren’t firing at breakneck speeds, the guys still have a knack for swirling melodies and memorable lyricism in their less 'punk' tracks. Drummer Longineu W. Parsons III helps set the pace on “With You Around” (with his drumming chops still just as impressive during this record as they always were), as the guitars punch and buzz through a crunchy verse until the huge chorus kicks in. “Soundtrack” starts huge with soaring guitars, setting the tone for a massive chorus with a sick violin line and well-placed vocal lines. On the slower end of things, “Sing for Me” is a ballad through and through, featuring a toned down drum part and mellow guitars as Key’s voice takes center stage. It doesn’t even sound out of place for Yellowcard no matter how you might remember them. This band has no problem sticking to what they’ve been known for throughout the years, whether it be bolstering addicting melodies, well-penned lyrics or smooth, yet memorable violin lines.

Whether your favorite album is One for the Kids, Ocean Avenue or Lights and Sounds, you’ll find something to love about this album. Yellowcard has most certainly returned with one of their finest, most cohesive efforts to date, proving sometimes a little time off can in fact be a good thing.