The second that I pressed play to begin Common Courtesy, the biggest smile appeared on my face. I suddenly felt like I was fifteen again, which was roughly the very first time I heard A Day To Remember. That smiled was consistent throughout the entire listening session of this album.
Common Courtesy, the fifth studio album from Ocala, FL’s A Day To Remember, may very well be their first masterpiece. The band have managed to take every element that makes them who they are, and bring it together in album that perfectly represents what makes “A Day To Remember”.
From up-beat, pop-punk tracks (“City Of Ocala”, “Right Back At It Again”), to acoustic-infused ballads (“I’m Already Gone”, “I Surrender”, “End Of Me”), and some of the heaviest work to grace their catalogue (“Sometimes You’re The Hammer, Sometimes You’re The Nail”, “Violence [Enough Is Enough]”, “Dead and Buried”), they nailed it.
The album closes with the nine-minute long track “I Remember”. The funny thing about this track is that the song only last between four and five minutes. The remaining few minutes is dedicated to the band sitting around the studio, sharing stories that they remembered about the tours and stories they’ve accumulated throughout the years. The album has quite a few little speech tracks like this placed at the end or beginning of certain songs, and it really does complement the record. It makes it feel more personal, like you’re getting a glimpse into the recording process. Plus it will be kind of funny to see people quoting it back to the band during their live show.
Another very honorable mention: the song “Life @ 11”. You’ll have to listen to it for yourselves, but the band do an amazing job of simulating what it feels like when you have a million thoughts racing through your head, and exactly what you want to yell back at them.
All I’m going to say is this: Victory Records, you messed up. Big time. I hope to God that this band is released from their contract. If receiving no support from you means getting records like this, then by all means, release them from their contract.
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