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Never heard of We The Kings? Well neither had I until they released their first full length back in 2007 which contained the songs Skyway Avenue and Check Yes Juliet. They are four guys from Florida who had a dream and the drive to do so. Early this month they released their second full length, Smile Kid. This release comes two years after their first and after much extensive touring within North America and even the UK. I am sure, as with many WTK fans, we were excited to hear this album. To get our hands on a copy and see what they had to offer the second time around. I was personally excited to see the growth in their sound and music over the past two years. With the release of the first single from the album, Heaven Can Wait, back in September we were given a tease as to what we could look forward to. I tease was exactly what it was and it made us eager and wanting more. However, we had to wait the next two months to hear the full album.

The question is, was that two months worth the wait? Well for this listener I would have to agree that it was. The tracks, although some do contain the corny lyrics that we have all come to expect from current pop music scene, however you can for sure hear an extreme growth not only in the song writing but also in the music and vocals. Travis Clark’s vocals have certainly improved since the first record and you can hear it in each song, I would have to so more so the tracks Spin and Anna Maria (All We Need). There is more emotion put forward when he sings the lyrics, a more raw sounding tone to it. The tracks do have the same catchy sound that we have come to expect from WTK, but like I said previously it definitely has a growth to it. Out of all the tracks on the album, two that stand out for me would have to be In-N-Out (Animal style) and We’ll Be A Dream. The first song features some synth on it, which I believe ads to the dimension of the track. Here is to hoping that they release it as a single! The second one is a duet with Demi Lovato. First off I have to state, I wasn’t really a fan of Lovato, and of course probably due to the fact I try to steer clear of the Disney aspect of music most times. However, I would have to say that she adds greatly to this track. The opening sounds of a wind up musical box sort of gets you in the mood for what is about to come. I would have to say this will be a great ballad for many young people who are in love and have dreams of possibly taking over the world. Lovato and Clark’s voices definitely meld together nicely and brings a perfect tone to the song. I think they should possibly record more duets together in the future. Their voices just seem to meld and work well.

I want to comment on the song Rain Falls Down. I had heard a rumour that this song was originally supposed to be a duet with Cassadee Pope of Hey Monday fame. However, that just isn’t the case of the song that appears on this album. When I listen to the song I tend to wait for that duet to kick in. Maybe is the mission dimension from the song. I am not sure, maybe we will be lucky and the track with Pope will leak and we will be given the chance to hear the difference. If you were able to get yourself the deluxe edition of the album you were treated to two acoustic tracks for Heaven Can Wait and She Takes Me High, both of which are really well done. It gives you a chance to tear away all the drums, bass and electric guitar and hear Travis’ voice in its raw and natural form. One cannot deny that he has the talent to front a band.

Overall, the album is an amazing second release from WTK. The basic formula of the album is the same as their first release, however, with growth and more maturity in terms of vocals and lyric tweaking. The album is fun and catchy and will have you bouncing all over the place. Want something to put you in a good mood? Want something that will pick your spirits up and let you know that hope does still exist? Well then you need to go out and pick up this album. I find myself with a smile on my face whenever I listen to this band and I am sure you will too. Also, check them out when they headline the Take Action Tour in the new year. You will not be disappointed in any way whatsoever and it will give you a chance to hear these new songs live and in person.