The 88 are a three piece pop/rock band based in Los Angeles. On October 28th the trio will be releasing their 3rd disc but the first under a major label, Island Records. The disc titled Not Only
But Also is stacked with 11 original songs and one song that's a revamped version of a tune released on a previous 88 disc.I can't remember who or what turned me on to The 88 but I've been a fan since their first disc, they're one of my guilty pleasures. I say guilty because the songs are so catchy and fun (in a kinda bubblegum pop sort of way) that my hard rocker friends just shake their heads, but even they can't keep from getting sucked into The 88's music after a couple listens.
Now for the new album. After signing with a major label I was very curious if this was going to effect The 88's sound as it often does, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. I'm happy to say that the transition to the new label hasn't changed the music. The new disc is full of catchy, piano drivin power/pop goodness with more hooks than a fisherman's tackle box. A couple of my favorite tracks are the opening tune called Go Go Go and a bit more of a rocker called "Sons and Daughters." The song "Coming Home" was previously released on The 88's sophomore album Over and Over but it has been reworked and rerecorded. Another interesting track is "Like You Do," it has a Motown R&B feel. With songs produced by Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds (Eric Clapton, Fall Out Boy, Madonna) and songs produced by Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, Paul Westerberg, Faith No More) The 88 have shown they have the chops to make it in the mainstream music biz.
Bottom line is that The 88 can consistently put out music with catchy very appealing melodies and Not Only... But Also is no different. If you pick up this album and find you enjoy the music, I strongly urge you to try The 88's 2 previously independent releases Kind Of Light and Over And Over as each are solid power/pop discs.