"The Way It Was"

By Sara Dada

"Oh just give something, something to believe in” concludes the chorus of the rock group Parachute’s first hit single, “Something to Believe In,” off of their sophomore album “The Way It Was,” produced by John Fields. And they sure do give every fan something to believe in. The heart wrenching lyrics and the soul splitting melodies of each instrument, including very lengthy saxophone solos, make every listener feel a range of emotion after just one song.

The University of Virginia graduates made their way to fame with the quintessential love song “She Is Love” from their debut album, “Losing Sleep,” two years ago. And in that time, the “blue-eyed soul, pop, alternative rock” group has matured beyond their ages. The majority of the tracks on the album are still about love, but they elicit emotions in a much different way. Lead vocalist, guitarist, pianist and songwriter, Will Anderson, takes writing to a whole new level by giving in to his creative side and using stories made up in his head as the basis for many of the new songs.

The former album was the band’s first dip into the pool that is the music industry. Their first few strokes were tentative, but kept them afloat. Now, with more experience and confidence, “The Way It Was” is a dive back in to the turbulent waters. Even the first track, “White Dress,” is a loud and energetic tune that makes anyone want to dance around in his or her room.

Though they have grown, in skill and fan base, the group does not forget their beginnings. They are the same people, playing the same instruments, but in a way that sets them apart from this auto-tuned world we are living in. On their website, Anderson describes their sound as “real music played by real musicians on real instruments.

“The Way It Was” is a very retrospective album filled with nine tracks of love, discovery, heartbreak, growing up and even delinquents on the run (“You keep the car, I’ll get the cash, we’ll take the money and run”). In just two years, the heartthrobs of Parachute have developed into more talented and popular musicians who can appeal to people of all ages from any backgrounds. Just imagine where they’ll be in another two years.