Full Review: Tinted Windows – Self Titled
Despite the star studded line up that is Tinted Windows this debut album doesn’t really aim for greatness, rather it aims at, and hits mediocrity. The main goal of this album seems to have been to rival the summer sun, which this album was clearly meant to be played in, with bright pop/rock anthems that ring out without apology.
“Kind Of Girl” really is one of the strongest tracks, mind you “strongest” is a comparative term in this context, on the record leading off the introduction of the band. Predictable in almost every way, the song will still be able to get your foot tapping and be stuck in your head for days with little effort on your part.
There are moments like “Messing With My Head” and “Cha Cha” which I’m almost convinced that the members of the band are playing a joke on everyone, not because the songs are bad (well maybe “Cha Cha”), but because the music is so teen pop and contrary to the member’s other bands that this can’t real. To play devils advocate against myself I am reminded of baseball. People take it so seriously that they end up forgetting that in the end it’s just a big game. Maybe Tinted Windows is nothing more than an escape or attempt to get back to the enjoyment of playing music for the band?
“Dead Serious”, ‘Back With You” and “Without Love” are all standout tracks, showing the best parts that the album has to offer. “Doncha Wanna” however, signals the lowest part of the record with the band showing little restraint, repeating the title over and over until the skip button ultimately will get pressed. I know it may be obvious, and thus cliche to say, but the album is what it is and although it fails on a lot of levels it’s still a decent summer album.
