Album Review: "Burn Burn" by Our Lady Peace

Release Date: July 21, 2009
Producer: Raine Maida

Back in 2008, Our Lady Peace – more specifically Raine Maida, promised that their next LP would be “a proper rock record” again, comparing it to the likes of their debut album, 1994’s “Naveed” but “more mature.” This meant that OLP had quite the challenge in 2009. However, after fifteen years of great music, you’d think that bands begin to go sour or lose their touch. But OLP proved to defy the odds by releasing two albums under mediocre/weak ratings but selling more then usual - 2002’s “Gravity” and 2005’s “Healthy In Paranoid Times.” Say what you want, both albums are good and should remain an asset in the OLP catalogue.

On to 2009’s “Burn Burn” – a solid set of new tunes and MATURE music. Although it’s not as heavy or too close to “Naveed”, you can always count on OLP to impress the listener. Think of “Burn Burn” as Naveed and Gravity.

Produced by Raine Maida, this gave the band the ultimate freedom of writing their best songs to date and to not worry about pleasing a record label or outside producer. Thus, listeners get a very ambitious record with ascending solos, beautiful piano, hopeful lyrics and straightforward rock. “Dreamland” is a fine example of an up-tempo song with positive lyrics causing the listener to be entranced.

One of album’s finest moments is “Monkey Brains”. This eerie song takes you on a ride through the darkness of “Clumsy” with lyrics “they’re coming after you” and then slowly fading into a gentle acoustic ballad bridge. Some other honourable mentions is the ballad “Never Get Over You”, rocker/potential second single “The End Is Where We Begin” and album closer “Paper Moon.”

Since joining OLP in 2002, guitarist Steve Mazur has really shined and deserves credit on this record. Steve’s guitar playing has really evolved since joining the band and fans should look forward to hearing more from him in future releases. Duncan and Jeremy once again offer solid rhythms and sounds. Oh and Duncan, well done on “Monkey Brains”. As for Raine Maida, he voice is a little plain on this record but he still sounds great. Perhaps the falsetto will return on the next record…*sigh*. Also, is it still wrong to want Arnold Lanni back? Nothing was wrong with Raine’s production skills but has Arnold Lanni been completely excluded from future albums?

All in all, it’s a good record. OLP got it together and proved they can still rock and release great music. For a band that is almost two decades into their career, this was the right record to make.

Rating 3.8/5

1. All You Did Was Save My Life *
2. Dreamland *
3. Monkey Brains ***
4. The End Is Where We Begin **
5. Escape Artist *
6. Refuge
7. Never Get Over You *
8. White Flags
9. Signs Of Life
10. Paper Moon
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(Deluxe Version)
11. Time Bomb
12. The Right Stuff * (Why wasn't this included in the standard version??)