This review covers the alternative rock track POD – Youth of the Nation.
This track was released in 2001 on the album Satellite.
The track starts off with a sample of random children with some minor filtering. Some guitars come in along with a drum kit. Shortly after, the vocals come in for the first verse. Part way through, an alternative guitar makes an appearance.
From there, the vocals take the track into the main chorus with some subtle backup vocals making an appearance.
Right after that, the vocals take the track into the next verse. Like the first verse, the second guitar comes in part way through. Some filtering is added to the vocals for a brief moment here.
After that, the vocals take the track back into the main chorus again. This is capped off with an instrumental section with some choir elements thrown in. After that, the vocals take the track into another verse.
The choir elements then take the track into the main chorus backed only by the drum kit. The main vocals provide backup for this part. The guitars also come into the track again. After that, the main vocals extend the main chorus. They gradually lead the track out along with the guitars.
One thing that does make the track distinct is the subject matter of the lyrics. Apparently inspired by a school shooting, these lyrics depict fictional youth trying to deal with major social problems. Some of the stories ultimately end in tragedy. With the way politics are in the US, the messaging and themes certainly resonated for years long after the track was produced. So, in that sense, it is quite successful.
The use of the choir elements really helps punctuate those themes expressed throughout the track. They do make subtle appearances throughout, but their obvious appearance towards the end really do punctuate the end of the track nicely.
I also thought the guitars were nicely done. They both add that sense of heaviness as well as that sense of desperation during the verses. Along with the heavy drum kit, both the guitars and the drum kit is nicely done.
The only thing is that this track is definitely heavy on the political side of things. As such, some listeners might wrinkle their noses at the thought and go for something else. So, that may be the only thing I can think of that might hold this track back in any way.
Still, this is a very solid track. The guitars and drum kit nicely reflect the lyrical themes throughout. The lyrics themselves can easily resonate quite well long after this tracks release. While the politics might hold this track back a bit, this one is certainly worth listening to. A very solid track all around.
Score
7.5/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
