Yellowcard | A

Following their two-year hiatus, Yellowcard is back and reformed, with their seventh studio album, When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes. The band remains true to their pop-rock sound but there is an evident rise in energy. The fast-paced album is a hyped-up Ocean Avenue,with melodious lyrics and violin licks, and is by no means bland. The band keeps it fresh with a liveliness that will leave listeners enthralled, despite the fact that the album remains a troubled heart reminiscent of the past.

The single "For You and Your Denial" starts off with a soothing violin introduction, giving the track an orchestral feel. The song quickly transitions to a thrashing guitar and pounding drums that fans are sure to be familiar with. Lead singer Ryan Key sings, "Hate me all you want I'll be OK/I'm half the world away and I'm letting you go now." The song is highly motivational and shows that sometimes it is best to let go of something that is holding one back.

"With You Around" retains the album's upbeat tempo, while beautifully capturing delicate topics like falling hard for someone and reminiscing about the good times. "All I can think about is, you and me driving with a Saves the Day record on/We were singing till our voices were gone," Key chants, displaying a sense of retrospect.

The album slows it down with tracks such as "Hang You Up." The song speaks of forgetting about someone and the difficulties encountered in a terminated relationship. Key's lyrics clearly fruitfully depict his internal struggle to move on.

The lyrics to "Life of Leaving Home," are something every college student can relate to. "There is something calling me, more than a moment in time/It's a dream I'm following, on my own," Key sings. Following dreams, trying to forget the past, growing up and moving on, are all heavy topics in the new album, making it the soundtrack to the lives of many.