Gerard Way - Hesitant Alien (Review)

Hi guys!
Really enjoying blogging. I will try to come out with a schedule soon. Until then it will be random. So... today I will be doing a review of Gerard Way's debut solo album 'Hesitant Alien'. Check out +ThatAwkward MondayShow for another review (CLICK HERE TO WATCH)

1. The Bureau

Photo Credit

The opener track for the record. I think i does its job well. It's dramatic and has a good beat but overall, I'm not in live with it on it's own. I was surprised at hearing this sort of song on a record like this. After listening to the whole CD, I came to the conclusion that it sort of sticks out against all the lighthearted Bowie inspired,britpop feeling tracks such as 'Millions' and 'No Shows'.

2. No Shows
I really like 'No Shows'. It's a happy track with an in no way subtle influence from David Bowie and the britpop scene. Gerard states the track is about love being enough. Not having all the fancy possesions etc to be happy. I like the message of the song and it clearly comes through in the lyricaal portion of the song.

3. Brother
This is one of my favourite songs off of the record. I think it is so sweet that he wrote a song about Mikey since they are so close. It is definately one of the more ballardy (thats not even a word) tracks on the CD. My favourite lines are 'Remember when you and I would make things up? So many nights, just take me down to the place we would hear them play, I miss that sound'. I love the genuine side to the lyrics in this song. It overall reminds me of 'Kids From Yesterday' from Danger Days.

4. Millions
Another of my favourites off of HA. It would easily pass as a song off of Danger Days (like most of the songs on the record) but it has a britpop feel to it. I definately recommend it if you havent really listened to MCR or aren't familiar with Gerard. The video for the song is rather odd, I must admit. It reminds me of Windows 97 having a glitch. The song , though, is very fuzz-rock inspired with strong notes of Bowie (I feel like i'm describing a perfume).

5. Zero Zero
This song, especially, is very fuzz-rock inspired. Another one of my favourites. The echoing tone in his voice goes so well with the guitar. The lyrics, also, are very catchy and the tune sticks in your head. I suppose, that's what makes a good song. I feel this is one of the most rcok inspired track. Not as Bowie inspired as tracks like 'No Shows' and 'Action Cat' though.


6. Juarez
 It does take a couple of listens to get into it. At first it sounds a bit like noise but it is a good song! I must say, it doesn't really have a lyrical concept but it is a good song for a bit of a dance party (why am I doing this, I cannot review ANYTHING properly!). I can't really say much about it so give it a listen yourself!

7. Drugstore Perfume
Another ballardish (not a real word) song. In my opinion, not as good of a ballard as Brother but still quite good. From what I can tell, it's about a woman who wants love but she never gets a serious relationship. I can't really tell. If you have any ideas (if anyone reads this) then tell me what you think its about in the comments.

8. Get The Gang Together
I have mixed feelings towards this song. It seems that alot of others do. I have read some professional reviews of this album and 90% of the critics that I have read their review of have praised this song. If you wanted a pro's opinion, try this song. As for me, I like 'Zero Zero' and 'Brother' just that tiny bit more! It is more glam rock inspired than Bowie inspired.

9. How It's Going To Be
For some reason, it feels very inspiring to me. The tune really suits his voice. It is probably one of my favourites. It doesn't sugarcoat everything. It says things as they are. It has a very strong guitar tune to it (like most of the songs on HA) but it also incorperates alot of other instruments. I really


10. Maya The Physcic
The closing track. I LOVE THIS SONG SO SO MUCH!!! It tells a story so well, I can imagine what 'Maya' is like from the tone and lyrics of this song. A theatrical, loud, fuzzy ending to the album. I really do reccomend it. Unlike the opening track (The Bureau) you can listen to it on it's own and you can get a feel for the whole record.

I really love this album. Check out the links at the top of the post for some great, well put together videos and another review of HA from one of my internet friends Lewis (aka ThatAkwardMondayShow on youtube)

So long and goodnight,
Liv
xxx