Wednesday, February 15, 2006  

Train
For Me, It You
(Columbia)

Washington Post, Wednesday, February 15, 2006; Style, Page C05

Call it professional emo -- or "pro-mo" -- because other than the advanced average age of Train's musicians, and their willingness to play at mid-tempo, there's little that separates the neo-classic rock group from the poppy "emotional punk" bands that are all the rage among the Warped Tour kids.

Like those video-ready mascara boys, Train singer and lyricist Patrick Monahan wants to remind you that really good-looking guys, even those additionally blessed with a strong voice and a successful rock band, can still hurt, feel loneliness and experience doubt. On Train's fourth studio album, "For Me, It's You," Monahan sings of being "the only cab on the road" ("Cab"), pines for a dead friend ("Always Remember") and asks, "How many times must I feel so blue?" ("All I Hear"). But amid all the self-doubt, sadness and longing, Monahan and his bandmates don't forget to write massively catchy radio-ready tunes -- even if few stations still play this sort of adult-contemporary rock.

Like the smash "Drops of Jupiter," the CD-opening "All I Ever Wanted" uses a bouncy piano riff that's sweetened with strings for maximum anthemness. "Am I Reaching You Now" begins with a Crosby, Stills & Nash-like acoustic-guitar riff and cozies up to electric power chords in the chorus. The Gin Blossoms and Counting Crows -- pro-mo progenitors par excellence -- are evoked on the hard-driving "Get Out" and a straightforward cover of Sugar's alt-rock radio staple "If I Can't Change Your Mind."

But Train's polished sound, musical professionalism and roots-rock look will be lost on the suburban punks who embrace My Chemical Romance and Good Charlotte -- even though all these groups are almost the same. Perhaps Monahan should don some eyeliner. --Christopher Porter

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