Just over two years ago, Atomic Tom‘s “Music Makes The Heart Grow Stronger” was released via a lyric video on YouTube and after not initially knowing what to feel about the song, I didn’t listen to it. Their music had been very tied to a breakup the year before and when the band resurfaced it brought a flood of memories that I didn’t think I could deal with. Lame excuse, but that’s what happened.

A few days later, their drummer Tobias messaged me on Facebook and asked what I had thought of the song. After not informing him that I hadn’t listened to it yet, I listened to it a couple of times while he and I talked some more.”Music Makes The Heart Grow Stronger” reminded me of all the times I had listened to their songs, gone to their shows, and how their music had woven its way into my life. I’m glad he did this because it has only made the release of their new album Era more special.

Now, to the part where I talk about the album.

Era starts with an atmospheric interlude (“Prologue”) that builds to a big whirring climax and then with the beat of a drum it transitions to “Now Or Never”. The opening lines “I’m moving on, call me crazy” was probably the last thing I expected to hear, as their last album ended with notes of uncertainty and this is very much a contrast. Where this isn’t a bad thing, it is more revealing that the album focuses more on real love over lost love like the last album did.

“Someone To Love” really reminds me of something you’d expect in an 80s arena rock show (I know I’m not old enough to have been there, but you get the idea). It’s glamorous and fun without feeling fake, plus the solo is one of the most enjoyable parts on the album.

“Believe Me” really demonstrates the vocal range of their singer, Luke White. From the calm sections, where he is calmly singing to the soaring cries of “You gotta believe me!”, affirms his talent as a singer and how he as grown over the years.

“Arrhythmia” has one of my favorite melodies on the album. There is so much going on in this song and yet every part is clear and recognizable.

I mentioned “Music Makes the Heart Grow Stronger” above and after listening to it with the album, it’s even better than before. One of the best tracks to sing along with on the album, by far. 

As the lead-out track “I Want Forever” is remarkable. Their previous album’s closing track “This Is How We Like To End” and “I Want Forever” are very similar in regards to their emotional content and instrumental builds but are completely different in tone and feeling. Where the previous closer felt like it was wrapping up a relationship that just couldn’t continue, “I Want Forever” feels like it is looking forward with the thing they want the most next to them.

The tracks that I mention above are my Top 6. I like the album in its entirety and after at least five play throughs I am not tired of it, but if I had to say that there was a weak track on the album, I would say it is “Here In The Dark”. Though, that may change as I listen to the album more.

This album has been worth the wait. The band has grown and has made a lot of choices in style, lyrics, and even geographic location that has led them to this point.