Hawk Nelson - Made (ALBUM REVIEW)

This is Hawk Nelson's first album without vocalist Jason Dunn. It's also their first album on their new label Fair Trade Services. What you get is an essentially new sound from the band's previous releases in a lot of ways. Dunn's replacement on the album is longtime guitarist Jonathan Steingard. The new version of Hawk Nelson definitely tackles their new album Made from a more pop/rock direction as opposed to their longtime pop/punk sound.

The album's first two tracks "What I'm Looking For" and "A Million Miles Away" help ease some of the nervousness of Dunn's departure as it shows Hawk Nelson can still make fun catchy music without Dunn. After those songs the remainder of the album basically keeps pace with a similar sound found on those two songs. This is not a bad album but it also isn't close to being Hawk Nelson's finest work. In my opinion the group reached their peak with Hawk Nelson Is My Friend and the subsequent albums that have followed have been less and less exciting. In many ways Made feels fresher and the group feel a little revamped. The problem is the revamped sound over the course of the whole album tends to feel a little weak and repetitive. Dunn was able to bring a certain energy to Hawk Nelson, although Steingard gives an admirable try he just doesn't deliver the energy in the same way. The album feels a lot less high energy and a lot more somber and chill. Now that may be what the group was intending to do and if that is the case then they definitely accomplished their goal. Fans may have a hard time with it, but for the band to continue this may be the route they have to go. Steingard maybe makes his strongest case that he fits well on vocals on the track "Anyone But You" captures some of the higher energy feeling that you've come to expect from Hawk Nelson and also feels a little closer to the sound fans have come to expect. I think the closing track "Fighting For" would have been the perfect starting track for this album (if you took off the more somber piano part at the end of the song). I actually think listening to it first sets the pace of the new album a lot better than the opening track and is another song I think stands out amongst the others on the album.

Songwriting wise Made feels a little safe both lyrically and musically. It fits in line with the pop/rock sound the band is going for and doesn't take many chances. The album is produced nicely and fits well with the sound. It has a nice spring/summer bounce and is the perfect kind of music for this time of the year. Hawk Nelson is definitely a different band without Dunn. Not just vocally but musically they've taken a different direction that could either confuse or excite fans, only time can truly tell. They really jump in and go for it with this album. I think you're either going to be in or out for the new version of Hawk Nelson after hearing this album, but I feel like after the album is finished playing your mind will definitely be made up.

I think this in many ways is a polarizing album for the band. Dunn's departure alone had critics wondering if Hawk Nelson could keep going. This album proves they can, but with the catch that sound wise the band sounds like a new band. Gone are the pop/punk anthem style songs like "Friend Like That." Instead you'll have to be ready to hear slightly more of a pop/rock sound. I have to say though as a first outing without Dunn the group seems well on their way and I think fans should feel mostly satisfied with the album. Being a casual Hawk Nelson listener I thought the band would have too hard a time replacing Dunn. I'm actually surprised at just how well they seem to replace him, but also can't help missing what Dunn brought to the group.