Need to know: After forming in Abbortsford, British Columbia in 2004, members Jacob Hoggard, Tommy Mac, Dave Rosin and Chris Crippin have become one of the biggest Canadian bands of all time. Taking their name from a small town that was for sale in BC, Hedley has gone on to release three studio albums and one live album. Winning a number of Junos and MuchMusic Video Awards, one of the bands’ biggest highlights was playing the closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics in their home province.
In 150 words or less: In the fourth effort from Canada’s golden boys, Hedley have shown that adulthood is upon them with a maturity in their lyrics and risk taking in their musicianship that has yet to be heard in earlier records. Expanding their range by working with producer Babyface and trying their hand at a more pop and house sound, the band, who was once known for singing about drunken nights and hot girls, still have their party anthems present on Storms. But these tracks are surrounded by songs that doubt their own mortality and dive into the subject matter of questioning their future as a group. The eight-minute track I Won’t Let You Go (Darling) is a perfectly executed, daring musical event that shows Hedley are not happy resting on their tried and true formula of radio-friendly pop singles.
Best Tracks: Beautiful, Bullet For Your Dreams, I Won’t Let You Go (Darling)
RIYL: Good Charlotte, Death Cab For Cutie
Rating: 8/10
Buy, Download, Steal or Don’t Bother: Buy!
Don’t miss Hedley performing songs from their new album Storms on MuchMusic this Friday at 7 pm ET on Live At Much With Hedley!
