Although Five For Fighting has always had talent, he has yet to duplicate the success he attained with "Superman (It's Not Easy)". But his fourth album (FOURTH, editorial reviewer, not third) Two Lights pretty much has the same stuff you'd expect from him.

Musac Critic took the words right out of my mouth, but I'll say that I initially thought that this would maybe be a companion to Neil Young's Living With War because the first three tracks are pretty political (although "California Justice" could have been left behind). But John does a good job with those kinds of songs otherwise: try "Freedom Never Cries" or "Johnny America" on for size. And when he leaves the activism alone, he still scores, as evidenced by "The Riddle" and "I Just Love You".

There ARE a few more missteps, however. The title track doesn't do anything for me; and "'65 Mustang" is a pointless song about how much he loves his car. And I feel like slapping the person that thought the unfocused, off-key, failed club rocker "Policeman's Xmas Party" was a good idea. Speaking of off-key, the otherwise good "Road to Heaven" kind of straddles that line. Oh, well; Two Lights isn't John's best album, but it's still decent enough. You should really borrow it first, though.

Anthony Rupert

This CD has so many beautiful songs. Just sit back and enjoy with someone you love!

I love this cd!!! Freedom never cries has so much patriotism in it for america!! Is it me or does he like mustangs? He refers to cars in his music almost as much as Bruce Springsteen does.

I finally bought this CD after hearing The Riddle a long time ago on the radio. I loved that song and so I was really excited when I finally got around to buying the CD. I went home and put it on my ipod right away, but I ended up being dissapointed by a lot of the songs. Some of the songs were good like The World, but none of them were really like The Riddle, so I suggest that if you are considering buying the CD for that one song, DONT! Just go and download it online (leagally please^_^) because most likely, (if you're like me at least) you wont like the rest of the CD as much as the one song.

The whole cd was awesome!! The songs that were sung at his concert from the cd, were just as good live as they were on the cd. One of the few performers who don't lose anything from cd to concert. I have friends that have listened to the cd and love it as well. They have now gone out and bought their own copies for Five for Fighting.

Great cd! Just saw Five for Fighting in concert three nights ago. Excellent.

Since I began seriously listening to music back in the 60's, it seems that only rarely would an album come out where virtually every song was a winner. A few such albums come quickly to mind, including the Beatles, CS&N, and James Taylor. Five for Fighting's "Two Lights" is unquestionably such an album. In fact, I can't even remember an album that grew on me so quickly as did this one. It rivals, if not surpasses, anything JT, for example, ever put out, and I may be JT's #1 fan. This CD is nothing short of spectacular, a true collector's item.

It's okay. Kind of boring. Only has a few good songs.

I really liked "Superman," but I didn't buy FFF's first CD. I really liked "100 Years," but I didn't buy the 2nd CD either. So when I heard "The Riddle," I thought it was time to buy the CD, "Two Lights." Good call. REALLY good call. John Ondrasik (yes, it's a guy, not a band) is clearly a product of his influences; Elton John, Billy Joel, James Taylor, a certain ineffable Southern California point of view). This album is mostly piano ballads; several are topical, about a nation at war ("Freedom Never Cries," "Two Lights,"), some are dreams of a better place ("World," "Road to Heaven"), and some are simply love songs (e.g., "I Just Love You," which at the end gives a wonderful twist on the relationship being considered). But it's certainly not all ballads; "Policeman's Xmas Party" is truly odd but great fun, "California Justice" is sarcastic without being strident (and is full of SoCal references), "65 Mustang" is an upbeat throwaway, and "Johnny America" is out and out exuberant. If you like Harry Chapin and Steve Forbert and my patron saint, Jackson Browne, I think you'll like this. If you prefer songwriters to poseurs and melody to noise, and if the presence of a piano doesn't cause you hives, I think you'll like this. Grade: A.

By turns wild and energetic ('65 Mustang, Policeman's XMax), thoughtful and touching (Freedom Never Cries, Two Lights), and simply beautiful (World, I Just Love You) this album is one of the best of 2006.

I have to say, I'd heard the name "Five for Fighting" before and honestly, just from the name, assumed that it was some kind of cheesy punk band (not that I have anything against punk rock itself). I think perhaps the biggest mistake John Ondrasik has made is not simply using his own name, or at least picking a name that better suits his music. I consider myself a VERY open-minded person when it comes to music, as I have a college music degree and have played piano since age 7, trumpet since age 10, and written music almost since the time I started playing piano. I probably never had checked out Five for Fighting because, assuming they were some sort of punk rock band, I wasn't all that interested as that's not generally one of my favorite genres of music (although some of it is fine).

Anyways, for the review. The first song I actually heard off this album was "World," on VH1 a few nighs ago while at my new girlfriend's house. She had heard it a day or so before and had told me about it. (Incidentally I'm separated from my wife of a year and a half and going through a divorce, not a painful drawn out one, but still a rather emotionally trying time, and this music is so great to listen to and reflect on.) I'm totally hooked now. Nothing about John's music is overdone - his voice is so clear, the piano and other instruments tastefully used...it just works. And works so beautifully I might add.

I couldn't care less if many of his ballads sound alike - the world could use more of this kind of music, what with a lot of the crap that's put out now. Good, clean, pure music from the heart, that makes you think, and can bring people together. My girlfriend and I had our first dance together to the song "World," I can only hope it's the first of many...

This is a fabulous CD--heartfelt lyrics, diverse and interesting music, a CD you can listen to over and over. All the songs are different from one another so you never feel like you're listening to variations on the same song. Particularly like track 1, 4, 5 and 7. Highly recommend especially for those of us that enjoy singer songwriter types.

although the CD is a bit on the short side (only 10 songs) all songs are of excellent quality if you are a five for fighting fan. one of their best CDs in my opinion.

Five for Fighting continues to generate music that is interesting, has thought provoking lyrics, and is actually fun to listen to.
This is the 3rd album I have from them and continue to be impressed by their music.

Tremendous lyrics complement John Ondrasik's melodies and voice. Gripping, emotional, a great listen from first track to last.

I love Five for Fighting so I buy each album, but I think John did a great job with creativity this time around. I love how he uses his voice in different styles for effect, I love that his Road to Heaven song came from a question from his son, and the I love you song came from his daughter, I love that the baby crying on the doorstep would give his life to take a flag to a pawn shop, and how he brings in how war changes us. I never had a mustang, but "two by 75" instead of air conditioning and all her colors and trips and memory was a blast to me. He has taken joys and pains of life and added lyrics and music in a way which sounds effortless because it comes together so well. His music speaks to me, so I would have to imagine you'd love it too. I was walking around thanking him (to the universe) for not becoming an engineer.

I'm a fan of FFF so my review may not be all that objective. The Riddle, World, Two Lights songs are very pleasant to listen to. Like most albums you have to listen to it a few times to fully appreciate the songs. I just love songwriters who write their own original music so knowing that the singer wrote his own songs made me have a greater appreciation for the music.

Two Lights by Five for Fighting is probably his best work so far. I highly recommend buying this CD!

I was so impressed by this artist's first album and his hit Superman, that I bought every album since.
He is one of the true artists of our time. His own voice, sound, and way of story telling. This CD is great.
Every CD John and his band makes is unique. He's one of the few people that I don't feel has sold out to
the music industry or commercialism. So it's nice to hear his lyrics and his beautiful voice. Each CD he does has some surprise gems on it and this one is no exception. It's so refreshing to hear real songs being made and sung about things the artist wants to sing about in a time where sampling is king and shake your booty songs dominate the airwaves. This is more real music for real people. This artist and his band always touch my soul with their music and I am grateful to them for that.

I'm a fan of Five for Fighting so was interested in the new album. I found the last one a little disappointing, aside from a couple of good songs.

This one however shows a return to form. THere are some great songs on this CD, from Freedom Never Cries right through to Johnny America. It's one of those CD's that I can listen to over and over without getting sick of it.

FFF is a great "group" and this album is another wonderful showcase of excellent song writing and music arragement.

Completes the trilogy of America Town and The Battle for Everything. If you liked the other albums, this one is more "musical" with stronger arrangements. Favorite songs include "World," "Freedom," and "California Justice."

This to me is what good music is I think this is a CD that should be required listening in life it's truly listenable and likeable it's not offensive or distracting is music you can listen over and over again and i have this is one of the best pieces of music this year if not this decade.

I just purchased this CD and I have fallen in love with it. John Ondrasik is one of the best out there. I highly recommend you to get this CD. It's one that I will always enjoy.

but this cd is just that. There isn't 1 song worthy of a second playing or radio airplay. Sorry John.

Rather than rush to write a review, I took some time to listen to this CD and fully absorb it. To me, the test of a truly great album is not my impressions the first few days, but rather how I feel about the album when I go back to it over time (and if I go back to it over time). Two Lights sounded very promising on my first casual listen. However, to fully appreciate the depth of this wonderful album, you need to sit with the lyrics and listen carefully. Only then can you appreciate the vivid and personal stories that John is conveying. The music seems so much more "right" in the context of the lyrics. There are several songs that I find deeply connected to as a prior military person. The album starts strong with Freedom Never Cries - a non political song that reflects on how we take things, like freedom, for granted. The song Two Lights is very emotional and gets me choked up when I listen to it. It captures the emotion of a father with a son at war. I think of my parents when I was in the gulf war, and although I know it was difficult for them, this song really brings home what their emotions must have been like. The Riddle of course is the big hit and worthy of such success. I heard John tell his story behind 65 Mustang, the car his dad used to bring him home from the hospital, and he in turn brought his child home in this same car - very personal from John and a fun song that captures this spirit and nostalgia well. Makes me wish my Dad kept his old T-bird for us to enjoy today - oh well. I Just Love You is a warm and melodic love song. Policeman's Xmas Party just confused me the first time I heard it. The quirky song of the album just seemed a bit crazy at first, but unexpectedly, it has grown on me. I looked up the story behind this song which is based on a murder that took place in his house. I still don't get the story from the lyrics but the song sticks in your mind. Road to Heaven and Johnny America are both reflective songs, with the latter being an upbeat ending to the album - and I agree with the promising outlook for our country "nobody in a hundred years can touch him faults and all".

The messages of self reflection, appreciation and trying to be a better person are hopeful and heartwarming... and after listening to this album for some time now, it just gets better with age - and is perhaps John's finest outing yet.

Can't understand why a number of people have knocked TWO LIGHTS. I've found something to love on each Five For Fighting album and this is no exception. Do I love every track? No, but I've never met a CD, by anyone, about which I can claim that.

John Ondrasik brings us more of his wonderful signature sound. "Johnny America" is a fun ride, but in the fine tradition of men writing songs about little girls who touch their hearts (Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Clair" and Chris Rea's "Julia" come to mind), "I Just Love You" is worth the price of admission all by itself. Unlike the aforementioned tunes, though, "I Just Love You" is an evocative and movingly poignant song that makes clear just how deeply the singer loves his small daughter.

You may not love EVERY song on this CD, but if you love Five For Fighting, buy it. Buy it now.

In 2001 John Ondrasik, better known as Five For Fighting, hit creative paydirt with the tremendous success of his single "Superman (It's Not Easy)," which became a bona fide 9/11 anthem. He followed that up splendidly with "100 Years" from his impressive 2004 album "The Battle For Everything." A sappy pop rock ditty tailor-made for many a senior prom slideshow presentation, it remains an Adult Contemporary radio staple. On the heels of this considerable success, Ondrasik has hit a creative plateau with his new record, "Two Lights."

To say there is a problem with the album is incorrect. However, nothing immediately sticks out as unique, particularly moving, or more than mildly catchy. "The Riddle" is a fine choice for lead single and has the same spare singer/songwriter mentality and melancholy undertones and as his aforementioned smash singles. Lyrics pour left and right in a stream-of-conscious fashion and pearls of wisdom abound, but don't expect this single to reach half the prominence of his previous hits.

Ondrasik also ruminates about the ambiguity of patriotism in "Freedom Never Cries," where he takes a flag to a pawn shop, while also articulating pure romance in the best and simplest way with "I Just Love You." The title track also has a standout chorus and poignant lyrics that manage to be personal and universal all at once.

"Tear out my heart/Feed it to lions/For this one wish I beg you this tonight/Show me no mercy/But spare me my pride/I'm going for a drive/And if you find out he's coming home/When I come around the corner/I'll know that it's alright/Just leave me two lights."

Only a handful of tracks go beyond piano/vocal simplicity, but those that do are worthy of note. For example, "65 Mustang" has questionable lyrics but has downright rousing instrumentation and confident vocal delivery, while "Policeman's Xmas Party" is unmistakably bizarre with both its eyebrow-raising subject matter and its spaced-out arrangement. Also, "California Justice" takes a stab at Springsteen's storytelling style and basically succeeds, along with a pretty sharp hook and an interesting tale to boot.

Last but not least, "Road to Heaven," despite meandering lyrics, is a winner due to its central message, passionate performance, opening music box notes and stark arrangement which fits it like a glove, while "Johnny America," a foot-tapping piece of southern rock, is a fun way to close the album.

Overall, there are many compliments one can bestow on "Two Lights." However, there is nothing here that hasn't been heard before from many a singer/songwriter in terms of subject matter, sonic appeal, and overall holistic outcome. While there are many admirable tracks on the album, in the end the collection works better as warm background music to do paperwork to. Still, while "The Battle For Everything" definitely was a better overall record, one must concede Ondrasik has stuck to the same creative formula that worked for him in the past, which may be sufficient to satisfy some listeners.

I was very excited to pop this album into my CD player after liking both America Town and The Battle for Everything. Unfortunately, I was disappointed.

America Town bubbles over with bittersweet songs with an often bizarre twist ("The children gave their blessing though the service weren't half-done / each of them sued the other one" in The Last Great American and "Put away your dinner and have a snack /Tie your little brother up in a sack now" in Love Song.) Though somewhat disturbing and darkly funny, this is the sound that I came to love Ondrasik for.

The Battle for Everything did not disappoint me here either. Though softening with songs like NYC Weather Report and 100 Years, there were still some tracks that, under the dark humor, lie sardonic truths. Examples of these songs would be "The Devil and the Wishing Well" and "Disneyland".

But now enter Two Lights. Gone are the days of America Town's witty, pointed lyrics. Replacing them are cliche piano ballads, slightly stale chords, and a myriad of overused ideas.

The CD opens with "Freedom Never Cries", which is heavy on repetition. The idea behind the song is not bad ("Took a flag to a pawn shop for a broken guitar") but the message just doesn't make it.

"World" too has a decent vision behind it
("What kind of world do you want?
Think Anything
Let's start at the start
Build a masterpiece
Be careful what you wish for
History starts now.")

Like "Freedom Never Cries" it is a soft piano ballad, and as such the magnitude of the opportunity of changing the world doesn't sit as heavy as he intended it.

"California Justice" is more along the lines of what Five for Fighting hooked me with. A story (based on true experiences) about a surfer who kills a man and gets away with it, its lyrics give the usual thrust in the political and social ribs that I have come to love. "Killed a man, I don't know what the fuss is, I'm just looking for some California justice."

And then we come to "The Riddle". Another piano ballad, albeit crafted better than the previous two. It follows the tried and true formula of reflection on life, simple truths, and stirring piano overtones.

"Two Lights" is not bad either, with pensive and sad lyrics.

"65 Mustang" is a fun song. It really has no purpose, but it's upbeat and reminds us of the carefree days of driving in a convertable. "She knows my secrets well, but her backseat won't never tell."

"I Just Love You" is another piano ballad. As its name implies, it's sappy almost to the point of cliche. The only moving part of the song is where John reveals that it's not his wife with whom he's talking, but his daughter.

"Policeman's X-Mas Party" is twisted and upbeat, but where "Love Song" in America Town had a prominent social jab at the failing families of today, no such thing exists here.


I had hope for "Johnny America" when I saw the title. Obviously a personification of the country, I thought it would be chock-full of political ironies and advice. Instead it offers a patriotic, hopeful look at our young nation.

"There goes Johnny America
Riding Hard up Mission Hill
Some think he'll make it to the top today
Some say he never will
Though he's just a child at heart
He's old enough to fall
Nobody in 100 years
Can touch him faults and all..."

All in all, if you liked the first two albums, prepare to be let down. Though producing several "not bad" songs, it would be better to hope and wait the next album is a little better than the last.

My primary recommendation for enjoying the album "Two Lights" is that you put it into your iTunes mix (or your CD player) and just let it play without focusing on it. Why? Because most of the songs here start a little slow in comparison to, say, "Superman" or "100 Years," so it's easy to think, "Man, he's lost it." When I just let the album play and got busy with work, though, after a while I found myself repeatedly pausing to listen and think, "Hey, that's good...who is it?"

The savior of this album, for me, is the lyrics. That is, most of these are great stories relating to family or the state of the U.S. and the world. "World," in fact, is all about deciding what kind of world you want it to be, because your choices make a difference. "Johnny America" and "Freedom Never Cries," on the other hand, are about the impact of America on the world -- good or bad. While "The Riddle" focuses on what a father teaches a son about living life and "I Just Love You" rings particularly true to anyone who loves a wife, husband, child, or parent well beyond the point of having particular reasons for doing so.

That said, "California Justice" and "Policeman's Xmas Party" don't do much for me, but they're OK. "65 Mustang" is light and fun to drive to -- no surprise there. And while I can't blame anyone for thinking, "Get to the point, will you?" on several of the songs, once they get going, they're well worth the listen.

My personal favorites? "The Riddle" (both versions), "World," "Two Lights," and "I Just Love You."

"Two Lights" isn't a really GREAT album, but if you enjoy Ondrasik's brilliant lyrics and light, crisp piano style, you should give this album the try it deserves.

I've been a fan of FFF since hearing "Bella's Birthday Cake" & picking up the debut "Message for Albert," and this album is by far the weakest. While "Message for Albert" & "Battle for Everything" rank as the best with excellent stuff throughout, "America Town" is just an alright album, with some stellar stuff and some blah. "Two Lights" has some downright bad tunes (Freedom Never Cries, Road to Heaven), lots of blah and nothing stellar, though "65 Mustangs," "I Just Love You," and "The Riddle" are all above average songs. I was really happy John got two huge hits off the previous two albums, but I don't hear one here (maybe "65 Mustang"). This CD is definitely John's lightest to date (certainly a departure from "Albert"). Overall, I'm just really disappointed with this one. John seems to be on a one-great/one-not-so CD release schedule, so maybe the next one will be stellar again. In the meantime, just stick to "Albert" & "Everything," followed by "America Town" if for no other reason than to get "Superman". This is easily a skippable CD. [The Best Buy version has an unreleased tune in "Drive You On" & "100 Years" (acoustic). The former is another forgettable one and the acoustic version is fine, but nothing compared to the original since it's missing piano.]

The overall cd is pretty good. Not the greatest. Out of 10 songs tracks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are the only catchy ones. The rest don't really fit the first 5 tracks.

Freedom Never Cries: 3/5
Song is overall decent. Wouldn't make a single but it does have a wonderful tune to it and deep lyrics. The song gets boring in the music with a very unoriginal scale, G to D to E (walking down steps). It's an overused pattern and needs to be layed to rest for awhile.

World: 4/5
I can see this song becoming a single. Again you hear the annoying G to D to E almost right away, but it recovers with a powerful chorus and bridge that give the song new life.

California Justice: 5/5
Catchy tune and the beginning bass line is absolutely beautiful. The song has got to be one of the best songs on this release.

The Riddle: 5/5
First single from the CD and a wonderful choice, very deep story of his dad, himself and his son. Couldn't imagine a better tune for it.

Two Lights: 5/5
Another catchy song, symbolic and well put together.

65 Mustang: 3/5
Ok song about his car. Also somewhat catchy and enjoyable but not the best.

I Just Love You: 3/5
A simple love song. "I just love you, I don't know why, I just do." Very to the point, kind of plain though. But the bridge is an upbringer.

Policeman's Christmas Party: 1/5
Sad attempt at a "rap" or maybe a "porno" beat.
Worst song on the album. Sounds like he's drunk (the "party" touch maybe?) when he sang this song and the chorus maybe catchy but I can't bring myself to hear the rest of the song.

Road To Heaven: 2/5
Anyone remember that old overplayed hit "Something About the way..." by Elton John? That's the beginning of the chorus for you and thats the end for me. Or maybe the show "Fraiser" that was played years ago... maybe it's an escaped ballad from a future sequel...Still an OK song, the chorus really drives me up the wall.

Johnny America: 3/5
Too Americana and poppy for me (music wise).. it's ok but I don't really like the style of music here. As the verse starts I get into some. The chorus reminds me of an auto repair commercial... Michelan or something..

Overall: 3/5
Album is decent and is good for any Five For Fighting fan, but asa first time FFF album buyer, I'd rather stick with America Town. Sometimes a bands roots are just the most crowd sucking and some of us just get stuck there!

what happened to five?...this is not what the fans expected...c'mon!!! this is the worst cd he ever recorded...what a waste!!!

Having never heard any of Five For Fighting's work, I decided I'd listen to TWO LIGHTS when it was available to preview before purchasing. I wasn't disappointed and it was refreshing hearing John Ondrasik and his band perform. Power pop is a neglected sub-genre/style these days. It is also very much associated with "Piano power" or "Piano Pop", which is exactly what is exhibited on this solid album by FFF.

The production and the orchestration on this album is one of many highlights. There is often the employment of strings alongside driving guitars, tender falsetto by Ondrasik, and ostinato piano lines. The mix is exceptional and for the most part you couldn't ask for a better mix. Occasionally on a few numbers, the guitars tend to destroy the mix being a bit overassertive within the overall production where volume is concerned. Overall, production is one of the drawing factors.

Other factors making TWO LIGHTS the solid album that it is is the songwriting and Ondrasik's immaculate vocals. True "songwriting" is something that some commercial/mainstream music lacks. Sure "My Humps" by the Black Eyed Peas had to be penned or "Toxic" by Britney Spears had to be scored, but they aren't a true singer-songwriters song. Its singer-songwriters like Alanis Morrissette, Fiona Apple, Sarah McLachlan, or even more recent crossover-Brit success Corinne Bailey Rae that are true singer-songwriters. Ondrasik joins that group with refined lyrics that emote the true essence of what true songwriting is. Even on the most uninspired tracks or the least serious tracks, the lyrics do stand out. Aiding the expression of the captivating lyrics is the exceptional vocals by Ondrasik, which emote the emotions Ondrasik himself sought to acheive when he composed his poignant words. Without his impassioned vocals, something ultimatly would've been missing from TWO LIGHTS. It is production, songwriting, and the impassioned vocals of Ondrasik that make TWO LIGHTS a success. That isn't to say that TWO LIGHTS doesn't have its flaws, because it does.

Along with the exception vocals along Ondrasik, one can't help but to filled annoyed after listening to the whole album. Ondrasik is a great, emotional vocalist, but he does grate on you a bit after he has been oh so tender and sang for too long in his falsetto register. Also, while a lot of the material is inspired, there are a couple of misses track wise on TWO LIGHTS. The biggest flop is the stupid, horribly catchy "Policeman's X-Mas Party" which changes the mood of the album from contemplative and somber to just plain rediculous. Sure it is well produced, but this is the only track where Ondrasik's vocal performance is questionable as well as the track itself. There are no tracks as bad as "Policeman's X-Mas Party", but there are other average tracks that don't standout as much such as "California Justice", "65 Mustang" (which comes over as somewhat unrelated to what the album is trying to emote overall), and "Road To Heaven", which to its credit is OK, but just not great. "Two Lights" isn't per say a hit, but it is better than the preceeded listed tracks. The true standouts are the incredible "Freedom Never Cries" which is simply put one of the most beautiful, touching songs that I've heard this year, period. "World" is good, but not as good as "Freedom", though most definitely a hit. First single "The Riddle" is a great track and Ondrasik sounds a good as ever. "I Just Love You" is another touching track that makes you want to cry about true impassioned love. Track 10, closing track "Johnny America" is a great way to end an overall polished album, only spoiled by such stupidity as "Policeman's X-Mas Party."

Overall, TWO LIGHTS is by no means a perfect album, but it does have a lot going for it. It is also slightly better than average, though if you explore other artists/albums in the power pop arena (ala Ben Folds, SONGS FOR SILVERMAN or other work), you will see there are better, more polished albums that stand on their own a little better. I can't help but to say that TWO LIGHTS impressed me in several ways. 3.5 stars.

Not even in the same ballpark as the last album. All these songs sound the same...boring.