Stories of a Stranger

• Artist: O.A.R.
• Rating:
• Release Date: October 04, 2005
• Type: Lyrics are included with the album
• Genre: Rock

Review

O.A.R. leapt to the majors in 2003 with In Between Now and Then, but the move didn't change their longstanding commitment to touring. The live show built their audience and crafted their sound; why would Atlantic's logo on their record change that? Ultimately, 2005's Stories of a Stranger doesn't change O.A.R.'s organic, homespun approach to pop, either. But it definitely refines it along the way, bringing the Maryland combo firmly into the adult alternative fold. Live, these songs will still have potential for jam band elasticity. But on Stories they're tightly wound, showing off Marc Roberge's dry vocal and urgent turns of melody. "Heard the World," "Daylight the Dog," and "Love and Memories" are full of guitar and yearning, like a less self-righteous Switchfoot or wordier Goo Goo Dolls. "Memories" in particular is a departure for O.A.R. -- co-written by Roberge with hired gun Glen Ballard, it amplifies every part of the band's sound, nearly guaranteeing a radio hit. There's quieter material here -- Jerry DePizzo's saxophone shines in the languid "Nasim Joon" -- and the band's knack for light and breezy island-flavored pop breathes in "Lay Down," "One Shot," "Program Director," and the irresistible "Wonderful Day." And yet it's the slick, gently insistent "The Stranger" (with backing vocals from Toby Lightman) that feels more representative of Stories of a Stranger. It's clear that Roberge is moving toward songs that will tell a story, make you smile, or make you think, but also have real appeal for casual listeners. There's nothing wrong with that -- O.A.R. proved their live mettle a long time ago, and they remain curious, crafty songwriters. Stories of a Stranger just presents everything that defines O.A.R. in a more concise package. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Heard the World	Jerry Harrison, Marc Roberge	O.A.R.	(5:01)
Love and Memories	Glen Ballard, Marc Roberge	O.A.R.	(3:29)
Wonderful Day	Marc Roberge	O.A.R.	(3:18)
The Stranger	Curt Frasca, Marc Roberge, Sabelle Breer	O.A.R.	(4:07)
Lay Down	Dave Schommer, Benj Gershman, Richard On, Marc Roberge, Sam Hollander	O.A.R.	(4:08)
Program Director	Jerry Harrison, Glen Ballard, Marc Roberge	O.A.R.	(5:44)
Nasim Joon	Richard On, Marc Roberge	O.A.R.	(3:16)
Tragedy in Waiting	Richard On, Marc Roberge, Chris Keup	O.A.R.	(3:49)
Daylight the Dog	Jeff Trott, Richard On, Marc Roberge	O.A.R.	(3:53)
One Shot	Marc Roberge, Jerry DePizzo, Chris Keup	O.A.R.	(4:24)
Dakota	Richard On, Marc Roberge	O.A.R.	(4:28)
52-50	Benj Gershman, Richard On, Marc Roberge	O.A.R.	(8:44)

Credits

Jerry Harrison (Producer), Tom Lord-Alge (Mixing), Lee Baker (Artwork), Brian Malouf (Mixing), Eric "ET" Thorngren (Engineer), Eric "ET" Thorngren (Mixing), Serban Ghenea (Mixing), Storm Thorgerson (Design), Danny Clinch (Photography), Peter Curzon (Design), Rupert Truman (Photography), Finlay Cowan (Illustrations), Matt Cohen (Assistant Engineer), Darrell Lance Abbott (Design), Darrell Lance Abbott (Illustrations), Chris Culos (Drums), Benj Gershman (Guitar (Bass)), Richard On (Guitar), Richard On (Vocals (Background)), Marc Roberge (Guitar (Electric)), Marc Roberge (Guitar (Rhythm)), Marc Roberge (Vocals), Jerry DePizzo (Guitar (Electric)), Jerry DePizzo (Saxophone), Gregg Nadel (Product Manager), Gregg Nadel (A&R), Bruce Flohr (A&R), Dave Roberge (A&R), Robert Gold (Art Direction)