Album Details

• Artist: Valencia
• Album: We All Need A Reason To Believe
• Label: Columbia
• Year of Release: 2008
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: lekwon on 2009-05-09

Pop-punk: it has become a very hot item in music among today’s youth, though the rest of us would probably say that it has become far too sugary and senseless for a decent listen. This certain genre has become incredibly saturated with gaudy, acid-like colors with little to no effort heard in the music. In fact, the latest songs to spew the airwaves leave many of us wondering just where all the hard work has gone.

According to Valencia, all of it has never disappeared actually. In fact, it’s been perfecting its proper voice among the pop-punk pool. Valencia’s sophomore effort We All Need a Reason to Believe hits the young folks with great musicianship, a punch of a delivery, and as a result, a terrific lasting value guaranteed to keep those Metro Station-esque wrecks collecting dust on shelves. It is the proper go-to album to satiate the little pop in all of us that asks for a peep from time to time.

We All Need a Reason to Believe is far from dull and boring. It attacks with hooks upon hooks of big guitars and resonating vocals from frontman Shane Henderson. “Better Be Prepared” proves to be a fitting opener as the opening guitars threaten to get you bouncing off your feet as Henderson steps in with a very purposeful shout. The band’s first single “Where Did You Go?” clearly stands out as one of their most thought-out works – the clever use of mellow strings humming alongside some of the better lyrics on their album makes for a very effective anthem. Alongside strings, the band has a firm hold on the piano for the more gentle tunes such as “Carry On,” which is also carried exceptionally well by Henderson’s dreamy and smooth wail. The album has a winning combination of upbeat bouncers and slow ear-caressers. No matter the tempo, it simply does not let up in pace or energy. Before you know it, the 11 solid tracks are all over, and you will most likely be coming back to the opening punch for another enjoyable run-through.

We all know a great sound when we hear the hard work behind the musicianship and production. Valencia is simply good music created from hours of sweat and thought put into their products. We All Need a Reason to Believe is more than enough of evidence that pop-punk is still kicking with bands that do not succumb to the ready-made beats and oversimplified formulas. Give the genre one more chance; with bands like Valencia, you just may find the one great exception to all that madness. 

User Reviews and Comments