the 31 best of 2008 – 19: The Script – The Script

The Script are a pop-rock trio from Ireland who made a splash with me when I heard their AMAZING song, The Man Who Can’t Be Moved. When I heard that track, I knew that I had to get their album, because it reminded me of acts that I love, namely Daniel Bedingfield and David Gray. Well, after getting their debut album, also called The Script,and giving it a few listens, I was definitely pleased with what I heard. On the record, there may be some songs about some hard subjects, but the playfulness of the music and the word play of some of the songs make for a lighter, heartfelt listening session, that is propelled by some great pop rock music.

I am sure that they will pull comparisons to fellow pop-rock sets like Maroon 5, One Republic, Jason Mraz, and even The Police (as well as the aforementioned David Gray and Daniel Bedingfield), but these guys definitely put their own polish on their sound, and they made a darn great record in the process. Additionally, like some of the aforementioned acts, these guys are really, really good at turning out a viable single; this CD is definitely filled with radio-ready tracks. Songs like Breakeven just beg to be played on the radio, and recently, BBC 1 is amongst those playing the track in heavy rotation (which makes me happy, because it is one of my favorite tracks on the album, and I love hearing it on the radio).

While these guys aren’t really breaking ground in any “new” realm of pop rock, they are definitely staking claim on their own little corner of the pop-rock island. It’s great to hear well produced pop records like this one, and with as many great single-worthy tracks as there are on this album, I am sure that this is just the first that we have heard from the Script. One thing is for sure; they may be called the Script, but they have definitely written their own musical, and doing a damn fine job of performing it.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: The Man Who Can’t Be Moved
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_808_thescript-themanwhocantbemoved.mp3]
Breakeven, Anybody There, Talk You Down.