Music review: Train – ‘a girl a bottle a boatëƵ
With a title that sounds more like a Kenny Chesney or Jimmy Buffett release, Train gets back on track by issuing a diverse set of songs possessing a relaxed vibe on ëƵa girl a bottle a boat.ëƵ
Train regroups after issuing the ill-advised cover of ëƵLed Zeppelin IIëƵ in June to focus on delivering surgery pop numbers fueled by infectious hooks and playful grooves.
Over the bandëƵs 18-year career, Train has always had a penchant for crafting a memorable pop song with arrangements like ëƵFree,ëƵ ëƵMeet Virginia,ëƵ ëƵCab,ëƵ ëƵHey, Soul SisterëƵ and ëƵ50 Ways to Say GoodbyeëƵ as part of a solid musical resume.
The catchy summertime anthem ëƵDrink UpëƵ opens the San Francisco bandëƵs 10th studio release with frontman Pat Monahan singing, ëƵSo take this moment/And put it in a glass/If you want a sip, I got memories on tap/Drink up, drink up/Write your name on a cup.ëƵ
ëƵPlay That SongëƵ shifts gears to create a carefree mood borrowing from the melody of the Hoagy Carmichael 1938 standard ëƵHeart and SoulëƵ and prompts the urge to hit repeat again and again.
ëƵEvery time youëƵre here with me/ItëƵs like I won the lottery/As rich as I could wish to be/ItëƵs like I won the lottery,ëƵ announces Monahan on the charming love song ëƵLottery.ëƵ
Love prevails once again with a slice of delicious doo-wop on ëƵValentineëƵ as Monahan proclaims, ëƵIëƵm never gonna say goodbye/ëƵCause, baby, youëƵre my valentine.ëƵ
Singer-songwriter Priscilla Renea joins Monahan and adds a smooth Motown feel to the silky smooth ëƵLoverman.ëƵ
ëƵWhat Good is SaturdayëƵ relays a slick dance beat and a hint of Maroon 5 with a sexy casualness and confidence.
ëƵLost and FoundëƵ is a feel-good number fueled by a punchy beat and soaring chorus.
The piano ballad ëƵYou Better BelieveëƵ closes the album on a positive note with Monahan confessing he doesnëƵt have all the answers, but he does acknowledge that everything will be okay.
Hey, when youëƵve got a girl, a bottle and a boat, itëƵs easy to be optimistic.
Train rolls into Pittsburgh for a performance at KeyBank Pavilion on June 23 with O.A.R. and Natasha Bedingfield.