Embrace

This New Day makes perfect sense as a follow-up to Embrace's breakthrough album Out of Nothing. While it could be argued that no song here tugs at the heartstrings quite like the previous album's Chris Martin crossover "Gravity," Richard and Danny McNamara and producer Youth once again offer a heady, steady stream of songs that qualify simultaneously as anthemic ballads and stadium stompers. Whether dealing with the original release or the limited-edition re-release that adds the band's official theme to England's World Cup effort "World at Your Feet," it's a lively, energized affair geared toward uplifting the masses. Songs like "No Use Crying," "Target," "Celebrate," and the epic "The End Is Near" typify the Embrace attack of motivational lyrics and driving, jangly tempos, and should appeal to fans of Out of Nothing's hit single "Ashes." Though England failed to capture the World Cup, "World at Your Feet"'s "it can be done" message added positive vibes to the effort. Inserted early into the album's running time, it makes the pacing a bit uneven as the more upbeat tracks taper as the album closes, and there's a somewhat jarring transition into the funkier "Sainted." Had England won the Cup, "Celebrate" could have been the victory song, making This New Day an even finer sports soundtrack. "I Can't Come Down" slows things a bit, leading into ballad territory, and the remaining tracks turn up the psychedelic guitars and rock a bit harder. This New Day is an excellent companion to Out of Nothing, with only a slight drop-off in quality. [In addition to "World At Your Feet," this limited edition includes a 30-minute DVD documenting the track's creation.] ~ Tim DiGravina, All Music Guide