I've been in a dilemma about reviewing the album Get Well Soon from World's Greatest Dad. There's a new album (which I will add is the band's first new album in 6 years) coming out next month and it's had some great singles. So, do I wait to potentially review that new album, or review this one that I really dig from 2018? Maybe I should back up a little first and get into how I got onto World's Greatest Dad officially.
It was this year, when I was checking out new singles from this playlist, that's updated weekly, where I discovered the song Twenty Deer. Right away I was intrigued by the lyrics- which compares roadkill to feeling "too overwhelmed to understand, appreciate, and actually experience what was happening around me" and I needed to hear more from World's Greatest Dad. The album Get Well Soon was put on, just to see what this band has to offer, and it was played again and again...and again. And ever since then this album has been on a regular rotation. So ya, I think this album deserves the spotlight. Decision made.
What's magic sauce of Get Well Soon, that gave it the staying power in my playlist? The catchiness of the music gave it the initial push. Each song has a part that makes you bob your head, whether it be the build up of an acoustic guitar to the full band suddenly bursting through. Or it can be the momentary pause of a song, where Maddie then yells "and fuck it all", and the energy kicks right back up. I was always invested into the 37 mins of runtime.
Then you listen to actual lyrics, that go into specific issues the singer has had but in way that's relatable to everyone. Like, ya it can be god damn hard to stay positive sometimes and I do miss the younger optimism of my youth. It reminds me of having a one on one with your pal, where you talk about your deep insecurities. It might be different situations, but there's themes you can relate to and not feel so alone in your shit. And that's what this album offers, a place to feel those insecurities (in a nonjudgmental way) because world's Greatest Dad gets it, having gone through their own issues. Not only do they get it, but they will shout it out for all to hear because- fuck it all!
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Highlighted song and lyrics:
Liminal Space-"I’m not trying to solve all our problems/I just want you to know that we’ve got 'em"
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Similar bands to check out:
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Links to check out:
Washedupemo.com-Track by Track of the album by Maddy Duncan
Punknews.org- Review
Getalternative.com/50-best-releases-2018-farp2/ - See end of the page for a blurb about the album
