At the center of every album is a musical thesis. “Lost in the Dream,” stands as a testament to the winds of change. The thesis also cements The War on Drugs as one of the greatest American rock bands going right now. Lots of music is about change. Behind love, it might be the second most tackled subject in the music world. The War on Drugs decides to take a different approach. Instead of direct and forceful, they choose to set the scene and allow the listener to draw their own conclusions.
As I listened to this album, again and again, the concept behind the collection of songs made me think of a practice we all do; wish for something better. We place our faith in this notion that something better lies beyond the turn. We act as if the universe and mankind owe us something. We play a game of wait and see. Without action, our ship never comes, and we end up with a life wasted. Instead, we should plot our own course and make things happen for ourselves. If nothing else, this album taught me that.
Finally, the thesis of this album delivered me to this idea of a shift. Specifically, it made me think about a monumental shift of Earth beneath your feet. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t experienced a moment when their entire world changed. This could be the loss of someone you love, being laid off from a job, or the dying light of a relationship finally extinguishing itself. Standing at the finish line of one of these moments is difficult to discuss with someone who hasn’t traveled the same road. I have often longed for a soundtrack, to sum up, one these moments. With this album, I finally have it.
Be good to each other,
-Nathan
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