After eagerly waiting for months, I finally had my first taste of My Private Nation, the newest release by Train.
As you would expect from a band’s third album, My Private Nation demonstrates the maturity of the San Francisco-based band whose rise in popularity landed them an appearance on NBC’s “Today Show” a few months ago to promote the upcoming album.
Although the record showcases the same southern rock style that was typical of Train’s earlier work, My Private Nation is much more refined and fervently charged than 1997’s Train and 2001’s Drops of Jupiter.
The signature song on the album, “My Private Nation,” explodes with roaring dynamics and fast-paced but smooth guitar play, proving that it’s still about the music for them. The song reflects the feelings of increasing isolation, loneliness, and uncertainty among people affected by this country’s economic downslide and fears of an ever-volatile outside world.
Lyrics such as “It’s all you got till you die” and “This is my own life keepin’ me down” emotively capture the essence of the depression and disparity that has settled in. Yet there is also a sense of hope in “how to use momentum to keep the two wheels straight.”
My favorite song on My Private Nation, however, is “When I Look to the Sky.” The beautiful blend of distinct musical elements in this track testifies to Train’s natural progression from a relatively inexperienced musical group in 1997 to the veteran talent they have become.
The lyrics of “When I Look to the Sky” capture the essence of a harmonic poem whose lines calmly comfort the spirit of a restless soul.
Phrases such as “When it rains it pours and opens doors and floods the floors” and “Everything sunset that we’ll miss I’ll wrap them all up in a kiss” are delightful, in their own playful manners.
Even more outstanding is the expert combination of a piano and guitar throughout “When I Look to the Sky” that reminds me of the song “Sullivan Street” on Couting Crows’ first album, August and Everything After.
Other very enjoyable songs on My Private Nation include the opening track,“Calling All Angels;” “ Following Rita,” a tune about missing your girlfriend who has moved away with her family; and “Your Every Color,” which tells about the sweet feelings of love and the high of a new relationship.
Overall, My Private Nation is a wonderful masterpiece that was worth the $13 I paid to purchase it. If you have the chance to buy it at the store, don’t hesitate. You certainly won’t be disappointed in your decision.
