This album just doesn't stand up to their barely heard first release (self-titled). Listen to that one and compare it to this. I picked up an autographed copy YEARS ago when they opened for Guster in Pittsburgh. Their first CD is just spectacular. This one's not bad either, but just doesn't compare.

If you are a fan of roots rock a la the Counting Crows, Goo Goo Dolls and The Gin Blossoms, you'll likely find much to like in the Graham Colton Band's debut Drive. The album is neither groundbreaking nor especially innovative, but it delivers a spate of well written and well played songs, filled with jangly guitars, catchy hooks and earnest lyrics from charismatic nice-guy frontman Colton, all produced in the vein of the popular roots-rock bands of the 1990s.

But unlike the melancholy Counting Crows and the somewhat oblique and dark Goo Goo Dolls, the Graham Colton Band delivers music that is mostly earnest, eager, and youthful. Most of the album's lyrics are straightforward and direct -- such as the chorus of First Week: "The first time that we slept with the light on / And the sun's coming up and you woke up on the floor/ Everything that you feel that you can't describe / Why can't it be like the first week?" -- and they deal with the normal ups and downs of young adulthood. Colton also veers from the often tortured stylings of his influences to sing in a voice that, though still introspective, plays as far more friendly and light.

Highlights of the album include the irresistably catchy "First Week" and "Don't Give Up on Me." "All the World Tonight" is great, slower song about growing up, and "Cigarette" is just fun. Overall, the band has produced an enjoyable album that captures the confusing but exciting transition from youth and adulthood.

I'm not a child I just don't have an account and it is easier this way.


1. Don't Give Up On Me - 8/10. Extremly catchy.
2. Since You Broke It - 9/10. I didn't like this song in the beginning, but it is great songwriting and I find myself singing it all the time now.
3. First Week - 10/10. This is one of the bands masterpieces. Great songwriting once again.
4. Morning Light - 10/10. Another masterpiece. It's not too slow of a song, but not too fast. It's cute.
5. Sending a Note - 7/10. Probably my least favorite track. I just don't like the and chorus. It is still a good song with Graham's voice.
6. Cigarette - 10/10. I have an obsession with this song. It is perfect! I don't know what else to say about it, but the track is truely amazing.
7. Killing Me - 10/10. If you ever see these guys live, you will fall in love with this song. It is one of the most beautiful songs ever made. The album version is just beatiful and meaningful. All hail Graham Colton!
8. How Low (Beakdown) - 9/10. This is a cute track. It's just cute. It brings out the dancing loser in me.. I don't know. Beautiful lyrics.
9. Cut - 10/10. It sounds silly, but this song is amazing as well! Some of you might have known this song before you know Graham Colton Band sang it. You just fall in love with it.
10. South - 10/10. Graham Colton is like a lyrical genius! Very addicting!
11. All The World Tonight - 9/10. This song is phenominal. It's not really sad or slow and depressing, but I would love to hear it at my funeral. Ha!

Overall, this is probably.. No, THE BEST CD I have bought and I can't wait for a new CD from them. Be sure to buy this. Really, I'm not kidding. :]

I first saw them play live in Tennessee with Florez and fell hopelessly in love. The lyrics are great and the tunes are fun. You'll find yourself with the songs stuck in your head all day long. They've been touring with Kelly Clarkson recently and they are definitely headed for great things.

I came across this band on Amazon and the 5 star ratings peaked my interest. This CD is FABULOUS! When others say that every song is good, it's so true! It's so rare to find to find music with lyrics that have meaning paired with a good beat. I consider this band a Diamond in the Ruff and when their music becomes mainstream, they will explode!