Hi, everyone! <3 Happy Monday! Today, I want to delve into one of my favorite topics…music 🙂 A simple moment of happiness for me is just lounging on my couch as I sip on a cup of coffee and listen to a brand new album. Rain is gently falling against my windowpane, there’s no one in the house but me, and everything is still…what more could I ask for? 🙂 I love discovering new music and have racked up quite a bit of favorites.
My ex introduced me to A Rocket to the Moon’s 2009 album, On Your Side. Although our romance simmered quickly, I stayed in love with the band’s sweet music. Maybe it’s the romantic melodies, smooth guitar riffs, or Nick Santino’s gentle voice. I’m not sure, but On Your Side helped me through lonely nights, tough breakups, and even my transition into adulthood.
Album Highlights:
Although the band released EPs prior, On Your Side was their full-length album debut. Typically, their music is classified as either pop-rock or indie-rock. On Your Side consists of bouncy, dare I say cheeky pop songs and vulnerable ballads about heartbreak.
These eclectic hits fuse together to create an angsty and honest emotional roller-coaster. There are a few tracks that missed the mark for me, such as “She’s Killing Me,” “Baby Blue Eyes,” and “Mr. Right” either because of less memorable melodies or slightly lazy lyric-writing. Despite a couple of filler songs, I absolutely adore On Your Side because of its honesty in documenting the highs and lows of falling in love.
Unfortunately, the band announced their breakup in 2013 but On Your Side (along with their other music) continues to be an album that I still play on repeat.
My Favorite Tracks:
“On Your Side”
The first time I listened to the album’s title-track, I cried. Santino’s sweet voice shines throughout this lovely ballad. In it, he details a budding romance. Although the narrator’s lover is quite hesitant and perhaps a little scared of getting into a relationship, he reassures her that everything is going to be okay. I can’t help but smile when Santino sings,
“I love your pretty face
And how it rests on your pillow case
We get in fights, you spend the night
And I don’t see how we get this way
But I think we’re alright.”
I can imagine the couple, cuddling up in bed on a dreamy summer night. This song perfectly describes those butterflies you feel when you’ve just realized that you’re falling in love with someone. It’s an incredible rush of happiness, a feeling that’s nothing short of magical. 🙂
“Like We Used To”
This song is incredibly intimate. You can hear the sadness in Santino’s voice and that sinking feeling in the melody symbolizes just how painful heartbreak can be. “Like We Used To” is told through the lens of a guy who’s been broken-up with. It seems like his girlfriend has left him for another man. He can’t help but reminisce about all of the things he did with (and for) his ex, like watching her favorite movies or singing while she danced to “Purple Rain.” My heart!
Also, as I’m typing and listening to this track, my boyfriend is humming along. Did I mention it’s pretty darn catchy? 😉
“Sometimes (Alternate Version)”
My favorite song on the album 🙂 “Sometimes” is both endearing and gentle. Santino and fellow bandmate, Justin Richards harmonize beautifully and the pair sing the lyrics with sincerity. Essentially, this song is about accepting help and love from someone else, and I think it fits perfectly with the theme of On Your Side. Although the alternate version of “Sometimes” is featured on the album’s deluxe edition, it immediately struck me because of its vulnerability. I’ve played this track on repeat for years and still adore it.
I hope that you liked this blog post! 🙂 I love sharing my favorite music and I had a lot of fun writing this album review! So, who are some of your favorite artists? Do you listen to A Rocket to the Moon? If you do, what are some of your favorite songs by them? Any albums that you are currently listening to? Feel free to comment down below! 🙂 Thanks for reading!!
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