Dashboard Confessional
The Places That You Have Come To Fear The Most

Vagrant Records
Release Date: March 20, 2001
Chris Carrabba is a genius, an acoustic guitar God, and an extraordinary writer. All three aspects shine bright on this album. The artwork for this album is very unique. It pictures an old toy: a mini slot car track. I don’t get how the artwork ties into the title, but this is a good album nonetheless. I recommend this album for anyone who is into "emo" music. If you have ever gotten your heart broken or are going through a rough time, this album will make you feel the lyrics.
This album is so great to the extent that I shamefully admit I know all the lyrics. Chris Carrabba, a former band member of Further Seems Forever, writes lyrics that are so soulful and moving that it brings tears to the eyes of hundreds. His voice is incredible and can range from soft and soothing, like in "This Ruined Puzzle," to sounding like he is having a breakdown, like in "This Bitter Pill." Almost all these songs are very slow, but "Saints
And Sailors" shows a different side of Carrabba; the more hopeful side.
Although this album is awesome, the content is sometimes too hard to listen to. It’s too depressing to listen to if you’re in a good mood. It kind of kills a good time, so it’s not a real "rocking" album. Carrabba is a great acoustic guitarist, but he shows off his overall acoustic/electric guitar skill in the album A Mark, A Mission, A
Brand, A Scar. He also uses more drums and other instruments rather than predominately acoustic guitar. This album is lighter but still has some songs that have the similar style of The Places That You Have Come To Fear The Most.
If you are looking to be peaceful, listen to this entire album and you will be utterly relaxed. This album is really good, but is not going to sound good if you’re in a great mood. It’s a musical downer due to the fact that Carrabba sings about heartbreak and depression. Lyrics like Carrabba writes are rare and unmatched. Give this album a listen. You won’t be disappointed if you like music.
XROXX Album Rating: XXX (3 X's out of a possible 5 X’s)
Vicky Kerill
writer@XROXX.com
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