When One2One Network asked if I wanted to review Five For Fighting’s new album, Slice, I agreed with a nostalgic smile. Five for Fighting had a hit single in 2000 with “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” which, of course, was right in the middle of my college career. As such, the music is so entwined in those memories, both good and bad. I have a soft spot for John Ondrasik’s (the man behind Five For Fighting) music.

I had high hopes for the new album. I was not disappointed. Song after song rolled by on my first and second and third listens and, while it took a listen or two for a few songs, they began to entangle themselves in my present day memory making. It’s not surprising, of course, as I love when piano is evident in music of any genre. The special thing about Five For Fighting, however, is that while the musical part is above and beyond anything else on the Top 40 lists right now, the lyrics are those that hit you in your deepest of places.

I wasn’t expecting the song, “To The Unknown Soldier.” As a wife of an Army Veteran, this one hit me. Hard. It ends with the line, “My kids will know your name.” I can’t listen to the song without crying. I’m a sap for anyone who audibly respects our soldiers, especially to such a beautiful tune.

Of course, the big song on the album is “Chances.” It’s catchy with another beautiful tune. It’s easily singable and sticks in your head for hours and hours. And hours. Of course, the line that hits me is rather sappy:

No act of God could pull me away from you.

Aww.

The album is full of little gems like that one which is why it catapulted itself to one of the most played positions on my playlist. The other songs are just wonderful. Here’s the full tracklist:

1. Slice
2. Note To The Unknown Soldier
3. Tuesday
4. Chances
5. This Dance
6. Above The Timberline
7. Transfer
8. Hope
9. Story Of Your Life
10. Love Can’t Change The Weather
11. Augie Nieto

(Also, I love “Slice.” The song.)

John is also on twitter if you are interested in following him: @John Ondrasik. And, of course, Facebook as well.

Not enough? How about an autographed copy of the CD? Swanky, right? Here’s how you can enter:

1. Comment on this post with your favorite Five For Fighting song. If you’re not familiar with John’s work, guess which one you think you’ll like on the new CD.

2. Tweet about this giveaway by copy/pasting this into your twitter stream: Win an autorgraphed copy of Five For Fighting’s new album, Slice, from @FireMom: http://bit.ly/1Z1OhE . You may do this as many times as you so desire. Be sure to leave the link to the individual tweet each time.

3. Blog about this giveaway on your public blog with a link to this post. Be sure to come back and leave the link.

This giveaway will be live through Saturday, November 14th at noon. I need to have your information by the following day or you can’t get your copy! So be checking your email on Saturday the 14th! CD will be shipped from my contact, not me.

Seriously though, hit up the website and investigate the new songs. I know many of you will love them and relate in different ways.

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[Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of the album in exchange for my honest review.]

Tags: Five for Fighting, Giveaway, One2One Network

This entry was posted on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 7:00 am and is filed under Music Review. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.