Lights And Sounds
by Yellowcard
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jan 24, 2006
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 63 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 63
  3. Negative: 10 out of 63

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  1. Dan
    Jan 29, 2006
    10
    Ryan Key has written some amazing songs. This is for those who love emo, but it works so well, anyone could listen to this and probably like it. A masterpiece, I don't say that lightly, it truly is an awsome cd.
  2. [Anonymous]
    Jan 30, 2006
    2
    Thanks to my roomate - I've had the displeasure of hearing this CD from beginning to end. Every sweet intro, raging chorus, and quiet four bar breakdown is telegraphed like a punch from an 80 year old heavyweight. Overall it's just too friggin' boring to be taken seriously. Not to mention that the lyrics for "Two Weeks From Twenty" are so ridiculous that it will leave you Thanks to my roomate - I've had the displeasure of hearing this CD from beginning to end. Every sweet intro, raging chorus, and quiet four bar breakdown is telegraphed like a punch from an 80 year old heavyweight. Overall it's just too friggin' boring to be taken seriously. Not to mention that the lyrics for "Two Weeks From Twenty" are so ridiculous that it will leave you howling with laughter.… Expand
  3. cedricJ
    Feb 2, 2006
    10
    This is a brilliant disk.
  4. jamiefarr
    Feb 26, 2006
    10
    The new album from yellowcard, lights and sounds is their best cd yet. They took a step in a different direction, showing that their not close minded, and that their willing to try different things. I give it a 10!
  5. ChrisK
    Feb 4, 2006
    8
    Why is it that people refuse to actually listen to pop-punk. While it can be tepid and shallow, those who are passing this disk up are missing out on a big surprise. After Ocean Avenue, Yellowcard grew up, and it's reflected on this CD. From the jazzy anti-war antem on Two Weeks From Twenty, to the rock found in Holly Wood Died, there is so much more to this disc than people will Why is it that people refuse to actually listen to pop-punk. While it can be tepid and shallow, those who are passing this disk up are missing out on a big surprise. After Ocean Avenue, Yellowcard grew up, and it's reflected on this CD. From the jazzy anti-war antem on Two Weeks From Twenty, to the rock found in Holly Wood Died, there is so much more to this disc than people will recognize. But hey, it's their loss, here's one of the big surprises of this year. Key Tracks - City of Devils; How I Go; Two Weeks From Twenty… Expand
  6. AnthonyB
    Feb 5, 2006
    10
    Much more power than their last album. Incredible sound. Go buy it.
  7. Matt
    Feb 7, 2006
    7
    Not up to Green Day level, but this is definitely a cut above Good Charlotte and Simple Plan.
  8. caroline
    Mar 5, 2006
    10
    although the melody is not sustained on violin, their sound has progressed from pop-punk to more of an edgier, hardcore scene.
  9. Gregg
    Feb 1, 2006
    1
    Oh wow. What a surprise. The trailblazers of Pop-Punk with a violin make exactly the same record as they did last year. I'll give them a one since they're better than Good Charlotte.
  10. KyleighH
    Feb 11, 2006
    10
    I've heard Yellowcard's "Lights and Sounds" song and it is cool. I never liked "Ocean Avenue", but "Lights and Sounds" is much more better. I hope this cd comes out soon because I want to listen to it.
  11. BrennaS
    Feb 19, 2006
    10
    I love this CD!!! I had my doubts because I had heard rumors that they had really changed since Ocean Avenue. But Lights and Sounds is sooo much better. Ryans voice has matured and the instrumental parts really carry out in this cd.
  12. joe
    Feb 26, 2006
    8
    good work on this CD
  13. drewB
    Mar 20, 2006
    0
    are you serious? pleas tell me your not. they can never get better, ever no matter how hard they try, they'll be floating around in the forgotten band abyss for all time.
  14. laurenw
    Mar 2, 2006
    1
    at the very most it deserves a 1 at best!!!!!!! It sucked......a Britney spears CD is better!!!
  15. ViniciusF
    Apr 5, 2006
    10
    Esse cd nao eh melhor q o ''ocean ovenue'' mas eh mto bom...... As musicas sao otimas....principalmente lights and sounds.......
  16. KoryK
    Jul 24, 2006
    10
    If anyone gives this album a bad review they obviously have not taken the time to sit down and actually LISTEN to it! This album, I believe, is another step up from Ocean Avenue, which I thought was great. The instrumentals are much more full and accompany the vocals very well. They've grown up a lot on this album. And to those of you who gave this album a bad review: get some If anyone gives this album a bad review they obviously have not taken the time to sit down and actually LISTEN to it! This album, I believe, is another step up from Ocean Avenue, which I thought was great. The instrumentals are much more full and accompany the vocals very well. They've grown up a lot on this album. And to those of you who gave this album a bad review: get some hearing aids, cause you and I arent hearing the same stuff obviously.… Expand
  17. ZachP
    Aug 29, 2006
    9
    Yes, Ocean Avenue was a 10, but overall, Lights and Sounds hold up. Holly Wood Died is one of the easiest songs to listen to, and who couldn't deny the amazing vocals on "How I Go"?
  18. AlfredoR
    Aug 30, 2006
    10
    I am a 100% YC fan...so no matter what they do, i am gonna like their music!... just because its a different style of music then the last album doesnt mean they are any less "rockish" or "punkish", its just want they felt at the moment...so if you are a fan critizing them...get over yourself and be supportive of the band.
  19. BillBob
    Jan 28, 2006
    0
    Can you say BOREFEST?
  20. ryanj
    Jan 30, 2006
    10
    awesome album...its something different and they nailed it...this album is chill music and is great listening to...yellowcard has potential to be the best band in America
  21. Shawna-
    Mar 2, 2006
    8
    I enjoyed it but not as much as The first cd.
  22. RyanP
    Mar 2, 2006
    10
    Yellowcard is on the getter futher and futher along in the US, becoming one of the most noticed bands ever
  23. Katylol
    Apr 18, 2006
    7
    Pretty mediocre album. Has its strong tracks (Sure Thing Falling, Lights and Sounds), but not as good as their Ocean Avenue album by far.
  24. math
    Apr 27, 2006
    10
    it was awesome they are talented
  25. NickS
    May 2, 2006
    8
    An excellent album, with the well-known Lights and Sounds and Rough Landing Holly, this deserves recognition. Their maturityhas grown substancially over years and songs like Martin Sheen or JFK, Holly Wood Died, City of Devils, and many others (these happen to be my favorites) present an awesome addition to their list of other great songs. Personally, I enjoyed Ocean Avenue a bit more, An excellent album, with the well-known Lights and Sounds and Rough Landing Holly, this deserves recognition. Their maturityhas grown substancially over years and songs like Martin Sheen or JFK, Holly Wood Died, City of Devils, and many others (these happen to be my favorites) present an awesome addition to their list of other great songs. Personally, I enjoyed Ocean Avenue a bit more, but this one definetly deserves a shot!… Expand
  26. PresidentBush
    Jul 10, 2006
    1
    I cannot believe people honestly like this album and can enjoy every song on this album so if anyone would like to prove me wrong go ahead but what i see here when i listen to this album is the lack of good songs.anyway the singer for Yellowcard whatever his name is, needs to get together a better band. but keep the violinist, because thats the only reason i give this album a 1, because i I cannot believe people honestly like this album and can enjoy every song on this album so if anyone would like to prove me wrong go ahead but what i see here when i listen to this album is the lack of good songs.anyway the singer for Yellowcard whatever his name is, needs to get together a better band. but keep the violinist, because thats the only reason i give this album a 1, because i have never heard a punk-rock band with a violinist in the band but if they could write better songs the violin could rock out with the band but i feel bad for him because he has to play the crap that the rest of the band is playing. I would reccomend that Yellowcard gets a new guitarist and bassist, if the bassist helps write the songs. if not keep the bassist and just get a new guitarist. i would recommend the style of Santana because the solo after every 4 beats sounds so cool and no one has done that kind of music except for him so get a new guitarist. Also if the drummer is helping write the songs, get a new drummer. I doubt that but if he is, get a new drummer. Dont just look for some punked up dude freak who has body ink and piercings, dont get that kind of drummer because u think people will think he is cool because hes not. The piercings and ink IS NOT COOL!!!!!! try somebody normal that has skill and could be considered as a man, not a punk rocker. Try putting him in a suite, the punk dude, he could never pretend to do that. And what happens to the punk dude after his band breaks up? He is stuck with piercings and tatoos all over his freikin body. Nobody is ever gonna take that dude seriously. And wouldnt it look funny if the dude was like really old and his grandkids would be like why does grandpa.d.f,a sd… Expand
  27. MusicLover
    Oct 21, 2007
    10
    A beautiful album. I love how Yellowcard has a violin. It ends up accounting for some really good songs they make, and this album is no exeption. It's even got a jazz-type song in there about war. Go get it.
  28. DavidL
    Jan 27, 2006
    10
    Yellowcard's sophomore major-label release (And 5th album if you count their indie-days) does what few other bands in recent years have been able to do. They've completely evolved their sounds from simply throwing in a violin for creative license to fully utilizing it and making the music actually sound good. With tracks like Holly Wood Died, How I Go, Two Weeks From Twenty, and Yellowcard's sophomore major-label release (And 5th album if you count their indie-days) does what few other bands in recent years have been able to do. They've completely evolved their sounds from simply throwing in a violin for creative license to fully utilizing it and making the music actually sound good. With tracks like Holly Wood Died, How I Go, Two Weeks From Twenty, and the title track, it's obvious that they have moved far beyond Ocean Avenue. Not to forget the help of Natalie Maines of The Dixie Chicks and a full 25-string orchestra thrown in for good measure. With more inspired lyrics, excellent composition, and a vastly improved Ryan Key (Seriously, his voice has gotten so much better), this could very well be album of the year. And if not, it's still damn good.… Expand
  29. Rollz
    Jan 28, 2006
    8
    Some very catchy songs. I love Grey and Two Weeks From Twenty. There are a few disappointments, including Lights And Sounds - lacking in any sort of character and serving only as a radio-pleaser - and Waiting Game - the emotional and dramatic opening gives way to over-relaxed nothingness... besides a few gripes, there are many wicked songs that surpass their old album tracks by miles.
  30. CatherineK
    Jan 29, 2006
    10
    This album is probably the best alternative album released in the past year. It is so much more mature than Ocean Avenue, not as overproduced, and much more lyrical. They are more rock, and less pop-punk, darker and moodier instead of sunny. They incorporate the violin more using an orchestra, which sounds extremely good especially when Natalie Maine's voice is added. I love the This album is probably the best alternative album released in the past year. It is so much more mature than Ocean Avenue, not as overproduced, and much more lyrical. They are more rock, and less pop-punk, darker and moodier instead of sunny. They incorporate the violin more using an orchestra, which sounds extremely good especially when Natalie Maine's voice is added. I love the theme of this album, and the story line about the fictional character Holly Wood. Even the less catchy songs grow on you the more you listen to the album. All in all, this is probably the best alternative album I have heard in a very long time, and it is one of my favorite albums of all time!!!… Expand
  31. johns
    Jan 29, 2006
    8
    No this is not as good as ocean avenue, but then again who was expecting it to be. They said they got rockier but they didnt, the've stayed punk. I dont think theres any reason to add political opinions just cuz your friend died. Also kicking out someone that formed the group is rediculous, kinda like how they have a violinist and hes not in the songs till you dig deep and listen No this is not as good as ocean avenue, but then again who was expecting it to be. They said they got rockier but they didnt, the've stayed punk. I dont think theres any reason to add political opinions just cuz your friend died. Also kicking out someone that formed the group is rediculous, kinda like how they have a violinist and hes not in the songs till you dig deep and listen carefully. This also doesnt have stand-out tracks like it did on ocean ave. Instead just good songs that you can listen to for a while. I understand why they have changed their music, and it sorta works, and sorta doesnt. This is worth buying though, but i miss the days of ocean avenue.… Expand
  32. SethG
    Feb 13, 2006
    10
    When compared to the likes of Green Day and other bands, they appear as a lowly band. But if you actually listen to the lyrics in comparison to other bands, and WHY they sing certain songs, they are alot better then bands like Simple Plan, Good Charlotte, The Killers, and Bowling For Soup. Their songs have a true meaning behind them, where as some other bands just write songs to get When compared to the likes of Green Day and other bands, they appear as a lowly band. But if you actually listen to the lyrics in comparison to other bands, and WHY they sing certain songs, they are alot better then bands like Simple Plan, Good Charlotte, The Killers, and Bowling For Soup. Their songs have a true meaning behind them, where as some other bands just write songs to get popular, Yellowcard is writing and singing songs that mean something to them.… Expand
  33. ChadO
    Feb 14, 2006
    8
    Decent and has grown in the industry and they are getter deeper in their lyrics. However just a bit mor publicity on this album as it would have helped them out. But I would tell everyone to buy this album it's awesome.
  34. BrianL
    Feb 26, 2006
    8
    An improvement over Ocean Avenue in my opinion. A diverse album, it has acoustic moments in addition to the pop punk you expect from Yellowcard. If you're going to listen to some pop punk, I would pick this album over the whiny crap excreted by GC and SP anyday.
  35. JamesM
    Apr 27, 2006
    8
    Really liked this album... Tracks which stood out for me were lights and sounds, sure thing falling, martin sheen or jfk, space travel and hollywood died.. A few tracks sucked but overall, the good tracks covered up and i LOVE THIS ALBUM
  36. alexf
    Jul 25, 2007
    10
    The BEST Yellowcard album ever!!! I love all the songs. The song I like the most is " Sure Thing Fallen'. I think this album may be better then Ocean Avenue because all the songs on the album have so much feeling in them. Like "Holly Wood Died" and " City Of Devils" they have so much feeling in them. How can you not like this album?

Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Most Discussed Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 4 out of 13
  1. AllMusic
    70
    Lights and Sounds' good songs are very good, and the album ends up being the band's most accomplished work yet.
    Read full review
  2. Alternative Press
    100
    It may be one of the least "punk" albums a pop-punk band will make this year--but it's probably one of the best, too. [Feb 2006, p.113]
  3. Billboard
    80
    A strong effort that trades sunny-sounding rockers and breakup songs for weightier concerns of war and family, "Lights" conveys that maturity without seeming strained. [28 Jan 2006]
See all critic reviews »