In the last five years, pop-rock band Train has forced its way back into mainstream music with infectious singles like “Hey, Soul Sister,” “Marry Me” and “Drive By.” With three Grammy Awards and a handful of top-10 hits, Train continues to ride its current wave on the newest record, “Bulletproof Picasso.”
The album opens with the reggae-influenced “Cadillac, Cadillac,” where lead singer Pat Monahan croons about using said motor vehicle to leave the woman he is with. As sad as that concept sounds, Train makes sure listeners don’t feel that way.
The whole album echoes this idea. The motifs of loving someone or leaving something behind are masked by the upbeat instruments that should exist to help the song, not hurt it.
Through the 12 song walk down the sunshine road that is “Bulletproof Picasso,” there is one true slow song titled “Don’t Grow Up So Fast.” Where is it located? At the end of the album, of course. By then, listeners should realize that the 11 songs prior all have a very similar sound and format. Monahan sings a verse, the song picks up tempo and occasionally a bridge is thrown in for fun.
Train has been in the music business for 21 years. Members know what works and doesn’t work for them, yet someone thought “Bulletproof Picasso” was a good idea. The songs are catchy to sing along to, but they carry very little weight to them, resulting in a forgettable album.
Grade: 40/100
The one true highlight of this album is lead single “Angel in Blue Jeans.” The song could easily be dropped into any car ride or productive playlist without a hitch.
Train suffers from what is now being called the “Maroon 5 curse.” While the band has staying power and the potential to be great, they have strayed from the music that made it popular in the first place. People enjoy Maroon 5’s music, but everyone wants another “Songs About Jane.” Fans of Train should want another “Drops of Jupiter” or at least something similar to “Save Me, San Francisco.”
Anyone who powers through the daunting 43 minutes of “Bulletproof Picasso” deserves an award for perseverance. The overdose of sunshine and good vibes are enough to make you want to bang your head against a wall.