The Fray’s “Heartbeat,” the first single released from their third album Scars and Stories, contains the lyric: “If you love someone, love them all the same.” This lyric set the groundwork for how loyal Fray fans should listen to the rest of the album. Front man Isaac Slade discussed the meaning behind the title Scars and Stories during a performance at the Hard Rock in Boston: “We've been through a lot of stuff personally, and as band we're still together, and I think we like the idea of scars you know, because they're healed you know. They are not like wounds necessarily, but they're still kind of a road map of where you been, and sometimes kinda point to where you want to go.”
Scars and Stories acts as a map of how the band has maneuvered around the past year, dealing with audience’s expectations and still sticking together as a band. Inspired by a Norman Rockwell painting, “The Fighter” bounces between being a ballad about a woman loving a boxer and wanting him to quit, describing both the physical fight between the two men and the verbal tug-of-war between the woman and the man as he chooses his profession over love. Slade sings, “The fighter goes inside, the doubt is creeping in. He swings with all his might at all that might have been.”
Photo Courtesy of: flickr.com (Lunchbox LP)
If you’re a listener who just wants to stick to the same The Fray that produced “How to Save a Life” or “Over My Head (Cable Car),” look no further than “Heartbeat.” With the all familiar semi-rock edge and well thought-out lyrics, "Heartbeat" will feel familiar and easy with The Fray fans that have been with them from the start.
"Be Still" immediately takes its place as the quintessential lullaby in any album made by The Fray. With the soft piano and strings in the background, Slade’s voice takes center stage during this track. Slade’s voice is always one of the highlights of purchasing The Fray’s albums; I believe his voice is one of the most distinct in the alternative rock scene. “Be Still” floods your headphones with his melodic voice, and the lyrics are eloquent and match the song.
Photo Courtesy of: flickr.com (Michael_Spencer)
The secret to Scars and Stories is the pre-order bonus cover tracks. If fans are downright confused by the bulk of Scars and Stories, the covers may be their only saving grace. The Fray completely owns these four songs, so much so that some fans will prefer their version to the original. “Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s gets a little more upbeat, “Boulder to Birmingham” keeps its sultry and desperate feel, but again, Slade’s voice can easily turn a fan of the original into a fan of the cover.
Scars and Stories can take a hard hit as an album that is beginning to break away from The Fray’s radio persona, as “Heartbeat” is the only track that really feels like it belongs on the radio. The other tracks are meant to be heard and interpreted by the closest of fans, to live the growing pains with them and to feel the scars and hear their stories like a true fan should.
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