‘Too Much Stereo’ The Urge

When the Urge’s first record, 1995’s “Receiving the Gift of Flavor,” came out, the band was hardly being recognized for its musicianship or lyrical content, but those two things are what make its third major label release, “Too Much Stereo,” a musical masterpiece.

With lyrics like, “Yeahhh, we’re going to liquor store!” and “Go inside and get my pickle” being yelled out from “Receiving the Gift,” the only thing the Urge had going for it was its amazing live show, which is what kept band members alive in the music world until they went through this outstanding maturity change.

That change helped define their second album, 1998’s “Master of Styles,” and now their third effort continues in that direction. Urge frontman Steve Ewing’s vocal prowess does nothing but get better and more versatile with every record the band pust out.

Songs like “Liar Liar” and “Say a Prayer” prove that Ewing can be thrown into a category with other amazing rock singers such as Creed’s Scott Stapp, Third Eye Blind’s Stephan Jenkins and 311’s Nick Hexum, among others.

The music behind Ewing’s vocals has also improved with each release, going from pounding-yet-catchy guitar riffs and horn ensembles to melodic, creative guitar riffs that still rock.

One new thing found on “Too Much Stereo” is a little bit of acoustic guitar that, when mixed with Ewing’s voice, is like matching up two soul mates and it creates a wondrous sound for even the hard rock lover.

The first single, also titled “Too Much Stereo” is a perfect example of the quality of lyrical growth Ewing has shown on this album singing, “last night was a bitch for me/ I didn’t even see it coming/ the bad bite of harsh reality/ the something connecting the nothing of you and me.”

The lyrical content is much like past albums with Ewing angry about people and women dissing him and lying to him.

But Ewing’s way of portraying these feelings in a positive way is what keeps these songs from getting old.

The biggest problem with “Too Much Stereo”: only 11 tracks. It’s over before you know it, and it just leaves you begging for more.

Kyle Moss

Rating based on a ***** scale.