Track-by-Track: BWO - Big Science

Right Here, Right Now: I already wrote about this song earlier this week, but I'll reiterate my opinion that this is the best track on the album and one of the band's catchiest singles (and that's saying something). In a lot of ways it's Chariots of Fire, the Sequel.

Love Came Crashing In: A midtempo, somewhat experimental pop song, this track has a really catchy bridge but probably would have fit better further on in the running order. It's not a standout, but it's a great example of BWO in pop mode.

Kings Of Tomorrow: I've always been a fan of BWO's ballads (Open Door was what made me finally cave in and buy their debut in 2005, which I promptly fell in love with). Though I like You're Not Alone quite a bit, I think this is the stronger of the two ballads. It has a real epic, sci-fi feel that would fit perfectly in a movie.

Burning Down The House: When I heard this was a 60's pastiche with hints of Motown, I couldn't help but be disappointed. I am not a fan of that genre at all, and really didn't want to hear BWO adopt it. Luckily, they've changed it up quite a bit and even brought back the Beach Boys-esque background vocals from Sunshine in the Rain. The chorus is ridiculously catchy and the lyrics really fun (though I can't figure out what they say at one point - "did our bit of crumpty-jumping??").

Rise to the Occasion: This has a very summery sound to it and the best thing is definitely the "whoa-oh-wo-oh" parts that string the whole thing together. It's another more midtempo, relaxing song--sort of in between ballad and dance number.

You're Not Alone: I was so underwhelmed with this when it first debuted at Melodifestivalen, but now I love it. The gospel influence at the end extends to several other tracks on the album but it's used best here.

Bite the Bullet: A typical uptempo BWO song, this is somewhat forgettable but also very good. The chorus took awhile to really appeal to me, but now I find myself turning it up when it comes on. This is very Prototype.

In Too Deep: A lot of folks don't like this track, but I think it's easily as good as Let It Rain. In fact, it sounds very similar to that (misguided choice of a) single. It's a nice album track with some strange BWO lyrics in the chorus.

Thunderbolt: Probably the song with the most energy, this is bound to be a highlight for many. I quite like it too. It sounds a little like it could be a companion to Halycon Days' Juggernaut. It has a huge chorus that manages to be both menacing and campy--a hard feat to achieve!

Rhythm Of The Night: Another mid-tempo, with some nice synth sounds. A lot of people are raving about the chorus to this one, though I'm not too convinced. It's a nice late-album track, but nothing groundbreaking.

Singing In My Car: I quite like this song, if for the odd lyrics alone (the zoot suit part is especially random). The melody is insanely catchy and I find myself humming it when I least expect it. It's a slower, poppier sound for them.

Shoot From The Heart: This song is gigantic! I love the whole James Bond/spy theme and the lyrics are great. It sounds like a theme song from some campy action series. The chorus is one of the strongest on the album, along with the dramatic production.

It's really hard to rate BWO albums, because they've been incredibly consistent. I find myself listening to each cd equally, though I guess if I had to pick a favorite it would be Prototype, if only for the nostalgia. Big Science, while not as instant as some past releases, is another strong album for the group and one of my favorites so far this year.

Best tracks: Right Here, Right Now, Shoot From The Heart, Kings Of Tomorrow