Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - "The Speed of Things" Review

Artist: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. 

Album: The Speed Of Things

Label: Warner Bros. Records

Release Date: October 8^th, 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., the Detroit duo, cook up carefree, pop-induced tunes for their sophomore record, “The Speed Of Things.” The band’s first record, “It’s A Corporate World” demonstrated the guys proclivity toward humorous lyrics and saccharine electronics. With their latest LP, they expand their sound, but keep within the same realm. The debut record was a modest outing from Joshua Epstein and Daniel Zott, who came from other bands to join forces. However, “The Speed Of Things,” shows the band to be more comfortable with the sound they’re conveying. They made not be treading new ground entirely, but the catchiness and ramped up melodies on the sophomore release exemplifies much improvement.

“It’s A Corporate World” offered many simple compositions. I never thought the album fully came together as a whole. The band had a few innovative ideas that sprawled over the course of a few songs, but exhaustively ran out of gas midway. On “The Speed Of Things,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.  keeps the energy flowing quite smoothly. They know when to slow it down like on “I Can’t Help It.” This tune shows a different side of the band, more melodic, more sensitive. I prefer the toned down electronics rather than completely going overboard with them. There’s still a carefree vibe attached to most of the songs they perform, but something about this album feels more grown up. They may still be delivering the fun without being taken too seriously. However, the growth they’ve made from the last record to this is rather striking. There is still a lightness to be found yet this records runs much deeper than previous material. The harmonies are in full force here especially on “Dark Water.” Epstein and Zott effortlessly pull off Beach Boys style arrangements.

With a combination of fast and mid-tempo tracks, glowing harmonies, and a penchant for dazzling electronics, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. surprised me with this latest effort. I thought they only had a decent first outing which inevitably led them falling off the grid for me. Now they’ve come back with such a cool, nearly seamless second LP that impresses me a lot more. When the interlude hits, it tilts the record into a slightly slower speed from then on out. Nonetheless, it’s still incredibly joyous. “A Haunting,” puts on display a different side to the band. It demonstrates a more heartfelt, serious tune compared to their appetite for lightheartedness. “Run,” is probably the best track here. It’s high energy, super charged electronics and purely addictive sound makes it one of the most entertaining songs of the year. “War Zone” is absolutely intoxicating.  It’s another prominent song for the band. In the end, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. might not take over the world with this record, but it’s a great addition for anyone looking for a good time with an album that balances buoyancy and sensitivity in a near perfect fashion.

Grade: 8.3 out of 10

Key Tracks: “Run,” “I Can’t Help It,” “Don’t Tell Me,” “War Zone”