A Close Reading: Parachute’s “Wide Awake”

After two years with little to no new music, but many tour dates, Parachute is back with a new album, the fourth in their chronicles of music. Wide Awake is not only filled with signature Parachute songs, but also stunning lyrics. The band has been updating us on Twitter, Facebook and especially Snapchat (parachutemusic), but let’s take a closer reading into Wide Awake and all it has to offer. For what Parachute has to say about the album, click here for their album.

The title track, “Wide Awake,” immediately draws listeners in in the first ten seconds. Filled with a choir singing backup and Parachute’s signature tenor saxophone backups. Will Anderson (lead singer) brings his vocals to the new level with this one. This one is instantly pictured as an opening track at any Parachute tour date, partially because of its ability to make us dance, but also how much it epitomizes Parachute’s sound.

Next, “What Side Of Love” is a track listeners may have heard before. Performed at their most recent tour dates, Parachute’s been working on this track for a long time. Filled with a great chorus and again that signature tenor saxophone in the background, “What Side Of Love” shows listeners Parachute’s softer side.

Flashback to Parachute’s first album and you’ll hear yourself singing some of your favorite songs. But “Jennie,” the third track on Wide Awake might replace one of those. “Jennie” sounds like it belongs on the same track listing as songs like “Forever & Always” or “What I Know,” showing Anderson’s songwriting ability is at its best.

Slowing things down quite a bit, “Everything” is incredibly beautiful. With slow strings and gentle piano chords. Anderson’s voice cuts through the music, singing meaningful and powerful lyrics. Easily the power ballad of the album, “Everything” brings tears to listeners’ eyes, instantly putting their feet into Anderson’s shoes. Note to readers and listeners alike, “Everything” should not be listened to after a breakup…or maybe it should be. Anyways, beware. We warned you of tears on this one.

Picking things up, “Lonely With Me,” brings that incredible, signature Parachute sound back. Remember dancing along to tracks from Overnight? “Lonely With Me” will have listeners dancing along quickly, singing the catchy lyrics and grooving (if that’s said anymore) to the beat. Plus, who would turn down another sax solo from Kit French?

The surprising track on the album: “Love Me Anyways.” Fans of Halsey or Heffron Drive will definitely be bobbing their heads to this one. The beat dropping along to simple synth, Anderson’s voice adapts to the new sound quickly. While its one of the most surprising tracks on the album, the drop at 2:45 is what makes this track special. Different from anything Parachute has put out before, this track is easily our choice for a radio single.

With another signature Parachute sound track, “New Orleans” belongs on “The Way It Was” or even “Losing Sleep.” Anderson showcases his lyrical ability but also his vocal ability, hitting a falsetto chorus. An immediate winner in our books, “New Orleans” was pre-released as a single from Wide Awake and there’s no guesses on why. Perfectly danceable for their upcoming tour, “New Orleans” is packed with the tenor sax solos, a catchy piano part (perfect for audience sing-a-longs) and more.

A stunning eighth track, “When You Move” is the new “Forever and Always.” With a surprise vocal guest appearance from Katelyn Tarver (see her music here, she also starred in Big Time Rush), Anderson and Tarver’s vocals blend perfectly together. Their harmonies emotionally connect listeners with both the lyrics and the acoustic guitar filling the background. A song that could be played over and over again, “When You Move” will have listeners smiling through their tears.

Break out your dance moves, the ninth track on Wide Awake will have you moving. “Getaway” has the perfectly catchy lyrics and beat. Picture the band on stage at your favorite local venue, this song playing, the crowd going wild. That’s what “Getaway” signifies. Not only is “Getaway” the catchy, danceable, single-potential song of the album, it’s also the peak of the band’s energy on the entire track listing.

Released as a single a few weeks back, “Crave” was the first taste of Parachute’s now three-piece, following Alex Hargrave’s departure. With its high energy, “Crave” was the perfect track to release early. Capturing listeners minds, this track can be found in Parachute’s fans’ heads almost constantly. Not only is the song high energy and filled with great lyrics, the background vocals of “Crave” deserve just as much attention as the rest of the track listing.

The last ballad of the album, “What Breaks My Heart” drops us into the mind of Anderson. Definitely a slower, more emotional track, “What Breaks My Heart” is a signature Parachute track. Filled with strings, piano and acoustic guitar, “What Breaks My Heart” might not be about a breakup, but really draws listeners into Anderson’s head and where his heart is. As he emotionally sings over the bridge, the drums and electric guitar come in, the peak of the emotional scale. With a closer listening, listeners might feel that “What Breaks My Heart” might be about a family member leaving early in Anderson’s life, or, as he’s said before, a fictional tale in his head.

The last and final track of Wide Awake, “Waking Up” brings a new sound to Parachute. With a little bit of a softer rock and also country vibe, “Waking Up” sounds more like a song belonging to “Overnight,” with a little bit of a different vibe. The track builds quickly in the first minute. Definitely filled with the band’s own influences, “Waking Up” closes Wide Awake perfectly. “I’m finally waking up,” Anderson sings through the chorus, signifying the end of the album.

After two years, this is exactly what we needed to hear from Parachute. Filled with a new, but still Parachute-esque sound, Wide Awake is the perfect album to take fans and listeners to the next level. Not only are there tracks that have single potential, but also tracks that are ready for fans to scream and dance along to at their upcoming tour.

Listen to the album on Spotify below and let us know your thoughts!

(If you’re old school and want a CD, click here for their website.)