CD Review

Christine Whitten

October 7, 2009

Lab 15

Cross Canadian Ragweed released a new HIT CD titled, “Happiness and All Other Things” on August 31, 2009.

This album creates a different sound from Cross Canadian Ragweed’s (CCR) previously released albums. However, this album may not be a hit with all CCR fans. Those who do not appreciate change will not appreciate the stylistic renovations that CCR has made. The band took the risk of losing some of their fans by changing their sound, but they succeeded in creating a catchy album that listeners should enjoy.

CCR is not classified as one specific genre; they are a combination of rock, alternative and country. This is an unusual combination for an Oklahoma band. However, every single song on the CD is equally enjoyable. Typically, most albums have a song or two that are odd, and no matter how many times you listen to them, you still do not enjoy them. (There are no such tracks on this CD.)

Previously, CCR wrote songs about being young and doing “crazy” things such as: drinking heavily, doing drugs and having sex. Now, the band has decided to take a more mature route. Some might view their less upbeat music as depressing, but others believe that as CCR’s audience grows and matures, so should their music. The listener needs to open up their hearts and take in CCR’s lyrics. Their change in tempo, style, and theme might take a while to get used to. I instantly fell in love with their newest arrangements and I think if given a chance, all CCR fans will fall in love as well.

The songs included on the album have a personal quality to them. You can tell that they were written straight from the heart. The words are well chosen, giving each song meaning. CCR tells a story and paints a picture for their listeners. The band also tries to explain to the listener their thoughts about fame which to them feels like a roller coaster. At times, they feel alone in the world but at other times, their fame brings them happiness and joy. Even the acoustic ballads and hidden tracks are something to look forward to when listening to this Yukon, Oklahoman band’s 7th CD, “Happiness and All Other Things.

I might be too biased to give this CD a fair rating. In my opinion, CCR has never written, recorded, or produced a song that I did not like. This band will be able to perform their new songs just as well if not better than those previously released. “Happiness and All Other Things” will give a new meaning to CCR’s music, gain the band respect, as well as attract new interest. All 12 of the album’s songs are equally easy to like. With the help of their newly released CD, CCR will open their band up into a whole new genre such as soft rock therefore, widening their fan base. Their new style, sound, tone, genre, and fan base will boost the sales of “Happiness and All Other Things.”

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